New Zealand falcons spreading their wings
16 January 2014
Following the first ever urban release of young kārearea (New Zealand falcons) at Rotorua Museum on 2 January, a team of more than 50 volunteers have been monitoring the three young falcons from dawn to dusk.
Both volunteers and visitors alike have enjoyed watching these young birds learn to fly, taking off from their home high on the roof of Rotorua Museum and making exploratory flights around Government Gardens.
Project partner, Wingspan, is delighted with the falcon release so far. Aviculturist, Andrew Thomas, said they couldn't be happier with how the release has gone.
It really has been text book'. Everything has gone to plan which can be hard with wild birds, he said.
Rotorua Museum has a special display, On the Wing', about kārearea, the urban release project, and Wingspan's work.
In addition, there are three opportunities to see an adult kārearea up close as part of Wingspan talks at the museum, on 18 January, 1 February and 15 February.
Rotorua Museum is also running a competition to name one male and one female falcon. Locals can enter via the Museum's Facebook page or email their suggestions to rotoruamuseum@rdc.govt.nz.
The competition is open until 23 January with the winning names announced the following week.