It is time to count Kererū

Reporter Community News

It’s time for the Great Kererū Count 2020. Kererū Discovery is calling on all Kiwis to get out and count kererū.

Kererū only live in Aotearoa New Zealand. Whether you love their classic white singlets, their whooping wingbeats, or their awesome air shows, kererū are as Kiwi as kiwi.

This year the annual Great Kererū Count 2020 runs from 18-27 September.

As well as being real characters of the bush, kererū are also known as the gardeners of the sky –spreading precious seeds of forest giants such as tawa, miro and hinau. Tony Stoddard of Kererū Discovery, who coordinates the count, says kererū can pop anywhere

“At this time of the year kererū will be flocking to trees like willow and tree lucerne. These trees are kererū-magnets as the birds come out of their winter-feeding grounds and prepare for the breeding season by feeding on the nitrogen-rich leaves.”

“In urban areas, kōwhai are another important food source for kererū, and you will often see or hear angry tui defending their trees from hungry kererū.”