Kākā making themselves at home
Two Kākā were seen in Thomson’s Bush, happily searching for invertebrates by pulling apart pieces of wood. This is the second time Kākā have been photorahed here recently. One or two together are also regularly being seen in Myross Bush and parts of Otatara. They are very likely the same birds. In all cases this is exciting news and indicates some potential for the locations to be providing good foraging for them. The main reason Kākā spread out from their key home territories, is reduced food availability there. We are aware that fruiting by most tree and plant species was very low last autumn and this may be a factor.
Please do not put out food for the Kākā: far better is for you to plant suitable native trees and bushes to provide fruit in the future, keep cats indoors (at all times) and set up some pest animal control traps. There are many groups on this website who can provide advice and offer opportunities for you to help with this in a local reserve. Friends of Thomsons Bush meet every Wednesday 9.55am in the car park. Myross Bush are now setting up a ‘pest buster’ group to better protect their area. Otatara has a very active pest busters group and planting activities. (Look for contacts on the SERN site).
Posted on: Wednesday, 8 October 2025
