I feel it’s protected to say when most individuals take into consideration New Zealand, they suppose massive mountains, epic views, and hobbits. And I’ll be the primary to say they’re not incorrect. Far fewer most likely consider birds. But birds are one of the distinctive issues about this nook of the world.
When we broke off Gondwana hundreds of thousands of years in the past, New Zealand’s ecology advanced with out mammals. Only birds and a few bats. Because they advanced with out mammal predators, many misplaced their capability to fly, like the long-lasting kiwi. Any mammals you meet listed here are launched, and most are thought-about pests. The worst are Australian possums, stoats, weasels, feral cats, rats, mice, and even canines.
In truth, it’s estimated that about 25 million native birds are killed by mammals right here yearly, placing many prone to extinction.
But as a result of it’s a small island (mixed with different components) New Zealand is preventing again towards predators. And it makes an actual distinction. So a lot laborious work goes into defending this ecological paradise. And the wildlife we do have is in contrast to anyplace else on the earth.
That’s why I at all times say that, sure, the views are nice, and the adventures are unforgettable. But attempt to look previous that and soak in simply how ecologically particular we now have it right here.
If you hear a pointy whistle on a mountain river, it could possibly be the decision of the whio/blue duck; there are solely about 3,000 left and they’re in decline. At daybreak, the pitter-patter on the metallic mountain hut roof is perhaps a curious kea, the world’s solely alpine parrot. The heavy woosh-woosh you may hear within the forest could possibly be a fats kererū/wooden pigeon withdrawing.
This is what makes New Zealand really extraordinary in my eyes. And it’s reminder to guard what we now have left.
There is nowhere higher to soak within the untouched native bush and wild calls of uncommon birds than on Rakiura/Stewart Island.
Just an hour’s ferry experience throughout from Bluff, New Zealand’s third island is one in every of my favourite locations in your complete world. In truth, I really feel like I would find yourself residing there someday, simply me and the birds. Even although Rakiura is the place the place I had the worst expertise of my life – discovering 150 beaching pilot whales – it’s gotten underneath my pores and skin, and now each time I go to, I don’t wish to go away.
While there are a lot of components that contribute to this, I might say the largest one needs to be the spectacular native bush and wildlife. 85% of the island is nationwide park. And solely about 400 folks reside there together with a shit-ton of birds. Sounds like heaven to me!
Stewart Island hasn’t been as ravaged by launched predators as mainland New Zealand.
In truth, it’s freed from mustelids (stoats & weasels); these guys are public enemy #1 right here. They are homicide machines, killing heaps and heaps of birds all of the whereas reproducing like rabbits. They’re notoriously sneaky and laborious to catch. Stoats can swim, they usually’re opportunistic killers like cats – they don’t even eat all of the birds they kill.
Combined with some unbelievable conservation initiatives like Predator Free Rakiura, Stewart Island is the place to go for wildlife and birdwatching. And there’s no the place higher on Stewart Island for this, than on Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara, a predator-free open island sanctuary in Paterson Inlet.
A tiny island off of a much bigger island, which is of two very massive islands.f Love it.
I’ve been fortunate sufficient to go to Ulva Island three or 4 instances over the previous couple of years. And I can’t wait to return.
Ulva Island is a predator-free open island sanctuary, one of many few pest-free sanctuaries in New Zealand, and one of many solely ones open to the general public. Smaller offshore islands are the perfect locations to attempt to save birds as a result of they’re simpler to away from pests, permitting the native birds to thrive.
Ulva Island is fairly unbelievable. If you solely do one factor on Stewart Island, come out right here. If you’re restricted on time and don’t take into account your self an insane birder like me, hop on an Ulva Island guided tour with RealNZ. You’ll see a lot greater than you’ll by yourself and be taught loads.
Many of our rarest birds name Ulva Island residence, just like the tieke/saddleback, mohua, Stewart Island robin, kakariki, and loads of kiwi.
Ulva Island can also be distinctive as a result of it was by no means milled for timber, in contrast to different locations on Stewart Island. Here you’ll be able to see mature native bushes and beautiful foliage; it provides you a style of what New Zealand used to appear like earlier than us people got here alongside.
Predator-free since 1997, minus the occasional rat incursion, Ulva Island is among the greatest locations to go birdwatching amongst pristine native bush. With stunning white sand seashores, on a sunny day, it’s simple to overlook you’re on the backside of the world – subsequent cease Antarctica.
Because it’s so near mainland Rakiura, rats can nonetheless swim over and reproduce shortly. In truth, whereas we had been wandering round, we discovered a pile of neon inexperienced feathers, what was left of a kakariki (red-fronted parakeet). Maybe a local chicken like a karearea/falcon predated it, or it was a rat. A grim reminder that what we now have right here is fragile.
On my final journey to Ulva Island, it was raining on and off on a peaceful autumn day. While the rain makes it tougher to listen to rustling within the rainforest heralding birds, it did create an ethereal, otherworldly vibe.
As we had been heading into autumn, it meant that mushroom season was in full swing. A brand new passion of mine this yr has been mushroom, partially impressed by my pal Liv who simply wrote an incredible e-book: Fungi of Aotearoa: A Curious Forager’s Field Guide. There had been loads of stunning electrical blue Entoloma hochstetteri mushrooms, aka werewere-kōkako, native to New Zealand.
But maybe the perfect half was coming out at one of many coves solely to have a child sea lion attempt to chase us off his seaside. I’ve spent lots of time round seals and sea lions on my travels, and sometimes the infants are bluffing, doing little dummy costs. This man was no exception.
Perched on the steps, we snacked and watched him eyeing us suspiciously from the water. Curious little wekas tried to steal our lunch. Wildlife mecca, for positive.
You can stroll all of the tracks round Ulva Island in a few hours. Just bear in mind, should you stroll shortly, you’ll miss out on loads. Rambling, pausing, and listening is one of the best ways to expertise the wildlife right here. We noticed nearly every part minus kiwi (nocturnal), which was wonderful.
Ulva Island is the form of place that reminds us to decelerate. Here you’ll be able to breathe within the rattling earthy smells, and pay attention for the haunting calls of practically extinct birds. It provides us a uncommon glimpse into what New Zealand used to appear like and what it may appear like once more someday.
This distant wilderness will get underneath your pores and skin and keep some time.
Have you been to Ulva Island? Is this a spot you may see your self visiting? Share!
