Flooding destroys hopes for boost in North Canterbury black-billed gull population
Heavy rain and flooding has ended the nesting season for a new colony of the world's most threatened gull in North Canterbury.
About 2500 black-billed gulls, the largest colony seen on the Ashley/Rakahiuri River for nearly two decades, had been nesting in the middle of the braided river just below the State Highway 1 bridge.
Rivercare Group chairman Nick Ledgard says more flooding last weekend proved too much for the colony. The water level became high enough to wash over all of the birds' nests and eggs. Not one gull remained at the site the following day.
Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
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10.1% Yes! New Year, New Me
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19.5% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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70.4% Nah - not for me
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Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
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