Birdlife on the Grampians

The Community aiding Conservation

Purpose and Vision

Birdlife on the Grampians is a project involving people of Nelson assisting the restoration of Native Birds on Grampians by reducing the impact of predators using approved Pest control methods. Projects such as this are now becoming vital for the survival of Native Birds, and around New Zealand, groups are realizing the rapid enhancement of Birdlife The Grampians is becoming a showcase for Birds and will compliment the work being undertaken at Brook Waimarama Sanctuary, Enner Glynn Bush and Marsden Valley.

Presently, native species are being overrun and killed by pest species and it is desirable that our group provide nature a helping hand to restore, protect and enhance native bird species we have remaining. This will then allow the re-introduction of birds who used to inhabit this area to return with a higher degree of security. Being right in town, the benefits will soon spill over into local homes and gardens.

How is this being achieved?

Many existing tracks on the Grampians have been marked off and numbered at regular spaces and a series of high impact kill traps designed to target each predator species has been established at each site.  Monitoring of traps is done on a regular basis by members of the trapping group and results collated to obtain seasonal trends, trapping techniques and progress towards predator reduction. Traps are kept from public view where possible. We now have 110 traps in place. Of these, Nelson College boast a series of 24 traps as an ongoing science project on land adjoining Grampians.

Predators targeted for control

The primary species are Rodents, Mustelids (Stoats and Weasels) and Possums. Traps are designed specifically to target these species.

Results

The project has been underway for one year. We have had good support from the Nelson Branch of Forest and Bird members, People living close to the Grampians, the Nelson City C and Nelson Mountain bike club members have volunteered to assist monitoring traps.

The catches in our first year of trapping have been fantastic: 386 Rats, 161 Mice, 6 Weasels, 19 Hedgehogs and 189 Possums.

The birdlife has improved and the numbers of vulnerable species such as Grey Warbler and Fantail are very encouraging. The demise of Rats has obviously had a lot to do with the increase of Fantail.

There are also a surprising number of Frogs in the pond near the lookout. This too is a good sign as Frogs suffer just like Birds when there are predators like Hedgehogs and Rats around. 

About Us

Birdlife on the Grampians arose from the concern of a few people to restore native birdlife to the Grampians. After a well attended public meeting at Melrose House in early September 2009, a group of volunteers met  to lay traps along some of the tracks. Each track has a volunteer co-ordinator who organises the roster for people willing to check and reset the traps along a particular track. There is a working committee however the focus is on action, keeping meetings minimal

As a community project, it is a great way to spend time with others who appreciate our native species. Anyone with an interest in Native birdlife is welcome to become involved.

• Join our mailing list to receive regular updates of progress
• Monitor a line, perhaps with a friend - a great way to get exercise and enjoy the native bush walks on the Grampians
• Attend meetings of the project to keep you informed of progress and what is needed to achieve the return of native birds to our environment
• Assist with Bird Counts monitoring the numbers of native birds on the Grampians
• Make a donation to support the project
• Plant native trees for feed for the birds
• Contact us if you’d like to be involved

Birds

The Native Birds we expect to see returning to the Grampians in greater numbers are:

Tui
Bellbird / Korimako
Grey Warbler / Riroriro
Fantail / Piwakawaka
Pigeon / Kereru
Native Parrot / Kakariki
Silvereye / Tauhou
Kingfisher / Kotare
Morepork / Ruru
Kaka
Weka
Robin / toutouwai