2162 days ago

Hibiscus Coast Garden Bird Survey April 2020 – what’s that bird?

Jenny from Gulf Harbour

While we are all at home in lockdown, now is a good time to stop and have a look at what birds are in our gardens. You might be surprised at what you find. It's a good activity to do whether you are alone or with your children - a fun activity for them to get involved with. It is also really useful for our Pest Free Hibiscus Coast Project monitoring, and to compare seasonally with the upcoming NZ Garden Bird Survey in June.

Everyone who takes part in the survey and sends us their results via the form below will be able to get one of our pet safe rat traps on long term loan from our Pest Free project, for their garden, delivered as soon as we are able.

You will need some knowledge of what different bird species look and sound like and now is a great time to learn. If you are uncertain, here are some useful online bird identification guides:

www.landcareresearch.co.nz...

www.nzbirdsonline.org.nz...

You will also need a pen or pencil and piece of paper to write down what you see. You can print out this tally sheet for your use, but don’t send it to us. bit.ly...

A pair of binoculars would also be useful if you have them, but are not necessary.

The instructions are simple:

1. Choose a time and day that suits you (ideally a fine day before end April)

2. Find a comfy seat (either inside looking out through a window, or outside on your deck or in the garden)

3. Look and listen for birds for ONE hour (making a note of the date and time you start)

4. For each species you observe, record the HIGHEST number you see or hear AT ONE TIME

Tip: if you see 2 blackbirds at one time, then later see 3 at one time, record this as 3 (the most seen at one time). Don't add them up otherwise you might be counting the same bird over and over again.

5. Once you've finished your survey please SEND YOUR RESULTS to us by clicking on this link and entering your results online.
bit.ly...


If you have any questions, please contact Jenny Hanwell, j.hanwell@forestandbird.org.nz

Image
More messages from your neighbours
5 days ago

Got more greens than you know what to do with? 🥦🌱🥕

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Whether it’s a courgette takeover or a feijoa frenzy, don’t let those garden gems go to waste!

Our suggestion to you: Did you know you can grate and freeze excess courgettes to use in chocolate cake later? It sounds a bit dodgy, but it makes the cake incredibly moist ... and hey, it counts as a serving of veg, right? 🍫

What’s your go-to move for a bumper harvest? Drop your best "glut" recipes or preservation hacks in the comments below! 👇

Image
1 day ago

Poll: Does a savoury scone require cheese on top, or folded inside?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Help settle the great kiwi debate ... cheese on top, or folded inside?

Image
Does a savoury scone require cheese on top, or folded inside?
  • 75.5% Inside!
    75.5% Complete
  • 24.5% On top!
    24.5% Complete
466 votes
15 hours ago

💡 A Little Brain Buzz for You⚡

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

I have two faces, but show you only one.
I once had guests, but now have none.
I’m rarely bloody and seldom blue.
I’m often promised and sometimes new

(Trev from Tamatea kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Trev!)

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

Image