BIRD OF THE MONTH
THE AUSTRALASIAN HARRIER One of the most common sights on the roads out of Auckland, the Australasian harrier, through sheer presence has almost usurped the New Zealand falcon as our most iconic bird of prey. Commonly called a hawk, it is known by many names, including swamp harrier and kahu. Native to New Zealand, fossil records have proved it came across the ditch from Australia less than 1000 years ago to become established here. At this time we had many birds of prey, including the world’s largest eagle, Haast’s eagle and the giant Eyles’s harrier. The Australasian harrier is one of the few native species that has benefited from widespread forest clearance, development of agriculture and the introduction of mammalian pests. It has adapted to hunt in open territory, farmland and grasslands. Carrion is the primary diet of harriers but they also actively hunt small birds, mammals and some insects. They provide a natural pest control service by preying on mice, rats and rabbits, and benefit road users by clearing road kill. Despite this, farmers are not overly fond of the harrier as they often take poultry that are left unprotected, especially free-farm game birds. They occasionally take newborn lambs. Due to their effect on farms, they are only partially protected, which means it is legal to control individuals that are causing problems to property and business. In some sites, harrier are controlled to protect our endangered species, for example, on Tiritiri Matangi Island harriers are not a welcome sight as they prey on takahe chicks and kokako. Like most birds of prey, the female often weighs more than the male, although they are of similar lengths. They are dark brown, although their colouring fades as they age. They differ greatly in size to the tiny New Zealand falcon, and a falcon will very rarely be seen feeding on carrion.
CONVENIENT CITY LIVING WITH CHARACTER AND COMFORT 17 Wood Street, Freemans Bay
In a handy location just moments from Three Lamps, this comfortable character bungalow is the ultimate lock up and leave on a beautiful city site you don’t have to share! With divine city views and wonderful outdoor spaces, it has no lawns to mow and minimal garden maintenance to distract you from the busy city lifestyle you love. The living areas run through the length of the home with a balcony at the front where you can watch the spectacle of the city lights each night through to a second living area that opens to a sundrenched courtyard and garden with plunge pool and a purpose-built studio at the back. The master bedroom with en-suite takes the prime position at the top, making the most of the city views. The layout is surprisingly flexible. On the main level, you’ll find a family bathroom and second double bedroom sitting alongside the living area. Doors slide close to cleverly convert the second living space into accommodation for overflow guests. Downstairs the internal access double garage has plenty of storage, laundry and a handy third bathroom. In winter, the whole home keeps chills at bay with a wood burning fire and two heat pumps. For a home full of character and comfort, this is convenient city living! PN To be auctioned 14 October (unless sold prior). F
For further information call Andrea Ritchie, M: 021 906 793 or Luke McCaw M: 021 950 145 at Bayleys Real Estate Ponsonby office.
The most common sighting of harrier occur alongside the road when feeding or when gliding in slow circles searching the ground below for food. They are an opportunistic hunter and will search low to the ground in a gentle glide before making their strike. You will find harrier throughout most of New Zealand, especially on the highways up to Northland. The only place they are not common is across urban areas or over large forested patches. Like the morepork when discovered during the day, the harrier will often be harassed by other birds, especially by introduced birds like magpies and spur-winged plovers. As a generalist predator, they are not a welcome sight by any smaller species and will PN often be tormented out of an area! (FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT) F
YOYO Design by Kiwis
Mojo Outdoor Table and Bench is elegant, yet solid; designed to withstand the elements. The hard-wearing Macrocarpa will weather to a shimmery silver, akin to it’s Steel frame. Work your Mojo outdoors.
24a Williamson Avenue, opposite Z Ponsonby T: 09 376 4884 auckland@yoyo.co.nz yoyo.co.nz
112 PONSONBY NEWS+ October 2015
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)