Page 65 - 2008 NZ Subantarctic Islands

show off the birdlife that continues to live in town along with the

human inhabitants. Most enjoyable on the shaded and gravel
walkway was watching the kakas (an endemic New Zealand

parrot) displaying and performing courtship dances. They are
quite beautiful when they open their olive wings and reveal the

vibrant orange feathers underneath. They were screeching and
bouncing from limb to limb with lively animation as they furled
and unfurled those flamboyant wings. We also saw the oddly

mismatched NZ wood pigeon with its comically round body with
its ridiculous tiny head. The harsh squawks of the kakas did not

drown out the melodious songs of the bellbirds, but created an
avant garde counterpoint. Though the walk was only about 1

magical mile, it was just a total delight.

Chapter 14. Ulva Island

It may be that the visit to this tiny island just off from Stewart

Island was the highpoint in our visit since it combined everything
we had learned about the conservation efforts afoot today in New

Zealand. This is a private undertaking by citizens of Stewart Island,
operated in conjunction with DOC guidelines and supervision.
About 11 years ago, the good people of Oban and environs

decided to make their own predator-free nature reserve. Through
consultations with DOC, they employed the same pest eradication

techniques utilized by DOC. Within a year of their initial efforts,
they were able to declare Ulva Island exotic predator free! Such a

proud accomplishment for these dedicated private citizens! Next
they were able to work with DOC to bring some birds that had

been present on Ulva before human/exotic animal predation over
to this island for their sanctuary. This re-introduction has been a
clear success, as we were to see during our visit.

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