It was a nervous time waiting for Cyclone Cody to pass last week for the Dept Conservation Rangers. Extra shell was put round the nest at Papakanui on the Kaipara Harbour which survived along with all Mangawhai chicks.
The 3 older chicks at Mangawhai are now regularly flying in the estuary, while the fourth still prefers to be fed at the nest site. The younger chicks are doing well and will be banded tomorrow.
There are 2 elusive wild cats on Mangawhai Sandspit even after concerted efforts by the Rangers + Fairy Tern Trust trapper the last few weeks. 2 DOC trappers with trained dogs have flown in from Great Barrier to help. Keep your eyes open if you are around the estuary to see the young birds or even hear them as they never stop peeping.
