Friday Feathered Friend
It has been a while since I posted a Friday Feathered Friend. This week it is a contribution from Louise Thomas.
"This is not the best photo of a variable oystercatcher - it's not even the best photo I took that day, but it is interesting. I noticed he/she was tagged - meet CT7. I snapped him/her in the Hutt Estuary on 12 January and sent a report off to the Banding Office as you do and got back a very interesting report about the bird.
He/she was banded on Bell Island, Waimea Inlet, Tasman on 28/05/2022 in his/her 2nd year. Sex is unknown. CT7 is a busy chap, since banding this bird has been re-sighted at Saxton Field, Stoke, Nelson on 28/06/2022 and 19/07/2022. This bird is part of a research study on the morphometrics, population trends, longevity and movements of variable oystercatchers in the Golden/Tasman Bays region.
So, if you see CT7 don't forget to report him/her to the banding office.
Variable oystercatcher/ tōrea (Haematopus unicolor). Bird #14 in 2023.
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
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64% Yes
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33.5% No
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2.5% Other - I'll share below
Become an SPCA Foster Hero!
Kitten season has arrived, and over the next six months, over 8,000 cats and kittens will come into SPCA’s care. Please help us give these babies the best start in life and sign up to be a foster parent today! It's not just cats and kittens - we are also urgently seeking foster homes for dogs and small animals.
Fostering saves lives and helps these tiny babies grow into healthy, well-adjusted adults, ready for adoption. We cover all training and costs. All you need is time and love to spare!
Sign up today and save a life!
What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.