BIRD OF THE MONTH The tomtit The tomtit is one of those birds that is categorised in a family that may not seem to be where it belongs. As member of the robin family, it makes logical sense that the tomtit is a robin - it even looks enough like one - but in fact it is not. This categorisation is not uncommon as many other species have been grouped together with little reason other than the ease of associating them with an alreadyknown family. Robins have longer legs and are larger. The tomtit, also referred to as miromiro in the North of New Zealand and ngirungiru in the South, is distinctly black and white with a white belly, although the South Island subspecies has a clearly yellower breast. The tomtit inhabits forest and shrubland, in both native and exotic areas, but is not often seen in modified open habitats. This, perhaps, is a reason that, despite their widespread distribution on both islands, they are not well known. They avoid areas of human development in favour of natural landscapes. They can be found in regenerating forest, like those that have been logged, although they do prefer mature forests. Tomtit are very territorial, remaining within their territory all year round. They spend a good portion of the year defending their boundaries and chasing out intruders. It’s only during moulting season that these activities reduce, and during the breeding season territorial defence is at its most active. Juveniles will often leave their home territory when they are of an age to find a mate and a vacant territory. During this time, individuals can be seen in unsuitable habitat, such as open country and over water. They are often difficult to see and can be heard before being located. Some individuals can be quite friendly, coming within a few metres. Tomtit search for prey in all areas of the forest, from the canopy to the ground. They normally feed on the wing, meaning they snatch and grab insects while flying, before landing on a perch to scan for more. They are not threatened but, as with all our birds, their main threat is still mammalian predators, particularly ship rats. Adult females are often taken as they remain on the nest with chicks. The tomtit has proven difficult to translocate, and populations have not taken in many new places. One extreme case was an individual that flew from Tiritiri Matangi Island back to its home in the Hunua Ranges. The summer holidays are nearly upon us, which means the beach, holiday homes and spending time out of Auckland. I thought I’d take the time to outline a few things that you can do to ensure our birds are safe during the holiday season.
‘HAVE YOURSELF A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS’ HOSPICE CONCERT Back by popular demand, Tim Beveridge’s ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’ concert returns for its third year. Joining Tim this year is much loved and celebrated iconic Kiwi entertainer Jackie Clarke. With a voice that has been described as ‘effortless’ and ‘dazzling’, Tim and Jackie, along with the magnificent vocal ensemble Laudamus and Stephen Small on piano, will capture the spirit of Christmas with an intimate, heart-warming and entertaining concert. The event promises to provide a magical evening of music, fun and laughter with proceeds raised going to Ponsonby charity Mercy Hospice Auckland and Dove House Eastern Bays Hospice to help provide care and support long after the festive season is over. “Hospice is a very special organisation and I’m thrilled to be supporting the wonderful work they do in the community. I’ve recently had a family member looked after by Dove House and I have nothing but praise for their wonderful service and care,” says Tim. Jackie also has the most heartfelt respect for Hospice, in particular for the incredible care given to her dad. “Hospice were a huge help to our family and I know firsthand how much comfort they offer to people when they’re at their most vulnerable. I’m very happy to have the opportunity to croon some Christmas classics with Tim. It’s for a great cause, in a great venue, at one of my favourite times of the year.” Enjoy an irresistible evening of music, it’s the perfect way to sprinkle some Christmas cheer and get into the spirit of the festive season. Date and Time: Venue:
7.30pm, Friday 18 December Holy Trinity Cathedral, Parnell
Beverages will be available to purchase in foyer from 6.30pm. Don’t miss out! Purchase your tickets at www.iticket.co.nz/events/2015/dec/have-yourself-amerry-little-christmas-2015 To continue enjoying the Christmas spirit long after the concert, Tim’s bestselling Christmas CD will be available to purchase for $15 on the night of the concert. It features 11 beautifully recorded tracks, backed by some of New Zealand’s finest musicians. Proceeds from every CD sale will go to support Hospice. F PN
• If you are going to the beach, pick up all your rubbish and don’t throw any in the ocean. • If you have a dog, keep it on a leash or under control in areas where kiwi or other threatened species may be present. Keep an eye out for signs alerting you to the birds in the area, especially if this is your first time to the area, you may not know what birds are found there. • Always use the correct path or access way when you’re at the beach, don’t trample over the dunes or go ‘off-road’ as this is where shore birds make their homes and nests. • Put a bell on your cat’s collar if you are taking it away to a holiday home, and keep it indoors at night. • Why not plant some native trees and shrubs in your garden at home while you have the time off from work to encourage native birds to enter the suburb all year round? Happy holidays Ponsonby, I hope you see many of our wonderful birds in your travels this PN summer. (FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT) F
Jackie Clarke and Tim Beveridge
104 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2015
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)