• The Bellbird, or Korimako, live naturally in coastal areas such as ours.
  • North Shore Birdsong Project has a goal of restoring and protecting native wildlife by eradicating predators.
  • One stunning bird that has been sighted very close to Takapuna in recent times is the Kākā.

North Shore Birdsong Project

The North Shore Birdsong Project has a goal of restoring and protecting native wildlife by eradicating predators from Takapuna North. For this purpose we offer free loan traps for Takapuna North Residents on a long-term loan system. Residents are welcome to keep the equipment for as long as they are actively using it and reporting their trap monitoring and kills via the Ecotrack app, https://ecotrack.nz/. We will use the data that residents log into Ecotrack to monitor the collective success of the project and to secure more funding so that we can continue to provide predator control equipment free of charge.

New Zealand has a large number of at risk and endangered birds as a result of introduced predators. To eradicate pests altogether we will need a minimum one in five residents to be actively trapping, and one in three houses in the protective buffer zone around bush reserves.   This is a significant community project that will rely on the participation of large numbers of residents supporting us to bring the birds back to our area.

One stunning bird that has been sighted very close to Takapuna in recent times is the Kākā. This bird is nationally at risk because their young fledge the nest before they can climb or fly, meaning they will spend the first week out of their nest on or near the ground. At this point they are particularly vulnerable to predation. Kākā have another characteristic that makes them easy prey; Kākā nest deep in hollow trees, where there is no escape if they are cornered by predators such as stoats, rats and possums (which eat chicks and eggs). Nesting females are the most vulnerable to stoat attacks.

Another bird that has been recently sighted near Takapuna is the Korimako (Bellbird), there are large populations of Korimako in the Auckland Islands and they are just starting to cross the water back to the mainland. Korimako live naturally in coastal areas such as ours,  they can still be spotted in urban areas, especially if there is bush nearby. Research has shown that mammalian predators, such as rats and stoats, keep Korimako numbers low on the mainland. Possums also compete with them for food.

Ways you can help:
• Sign up for our free loan predator traps www.takapunatrust.org.nz/environment.
• Volunteer with one of our many local groups to help control reserve predators and restore bird habitats, plant trees and remove weeds.

Dogs – Only take dogs to areas that allow them, keep them under effective control at all times, and keep it out of stream beds.; You know your dog best; train or manage it in a way that will ensure wildlife is safe and not disturbed; If you know your dog cannot be trusted then keep it on a lead. 

Cats – Consider buying a Birdbesafe clown collar plus a bell http://www.birdsbesafe.com or Kiwicatcollars@facebook, OR make your own: https://kidspot.co.nz/activities/make-cat-collar-save-birds/ ; Keep cats inside at night and feed them well; Microchip and de-sex your cat.

Thank you for your valuable support in protecting our native wildlife. Visit: www.takapunatrust.org.nz or Facebook: North Shore Birdsong Project