If you thought the most significant vote of the year has already flown the coop, perhaps you should think again.
It’s that time when New Zealanders choose which bird has won their hearts as part of Forest and Bird’s annual Bird of the Year awards – but this time around, it’s even more significant because the winning bird will be crowned Bird of the Century to celebrate the conservation organisation’s 100th anniversary.
Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre is rooting for the takahē to win, as ranger Tara Swan said this year also marks 75 years since the species – which had declined so drastically that it was thought to be extinct – was rediscovered.
“It’s something that not only celebrates the conservation successes of this species but also marks the start of our own conservation journey here at Pūkaha,” Swan said.
There are two takahē currently at Pukaha, a bonded pair named Asneath and Tuatahi that so far haven’t been successful with their nesting attempts.
Alternatively, Swan believes the shore plover, or tuturuatu, would also be a worthy winner.
“They are our rarest shorebird and not many people have heard of them let alone seen one. With only 260 left, every one counts,” she said.
“They are quite often mistaken for the more common plovers, which is why we want people to recognise them as their own species.”
When asked about the bat controversially winning ‘Bird of the Year’ in 2021, Swan was of the view it was a fantastic conversation starter that brought the bat back into the spotlight.
The competition as a whole serves as an educational campaign surrounding the many birds that contribute to New Zealand’s biodiversity, Swan said, and noted it is amazing how passionate people can be about the bird they want to win.
“I have met people who have come to visit specifically to see their chosen bird in real life,” Swan said.
“It’s hard to look at a kokako and not want to do something to help protect the species when you learn about how rare they are.
“The support that comes from this competition, whether people start volunteering, educating, or donating makes such a huge difference to the lives of all birds in NZ.”
The Times-Age also approached the region’s three councils about what bird they are backing.
Carterton District Council refrained from endorsing a preference.
South Wairarapa District Council [SWDC] staff, meanwhile, agree the clear contender is the tūī, due to its looks, song, and inquisitive character.
“They’re cheeky performers and impersonators and really good-looking, good mimickers and can imitate mechanical sounds such as cell phone ring tones as well as other birds’ calls,” SWDC staff said in a statement.
“They are truly wonderful creatures in the garden, they feast on kōwhai nectar, they get drunk when they eat fermenting pears, and will fall off their perch onto the ground to sleep it off.
“Tūī have a beautiful colour a wonderful song, plus are associated with fulfilment, confidence, and spiritual harmony.”
However, SWDC staff also believe all birds in serious population decline are worthy of winning to create more awareness and increase their chance of survival .
Runner-up contenders included the karearea [NZ falcon] for its majestic and staunch presence, korimako [NZ bellbird], and ruru [morepork].
“As more people plant natives, especially harakeke – including Pae Tū Mōkai o Tauira restoration group’s planting work around Wairarapa Moana – we seem to see more korimako, and hearing their beautiful song.
“The song of the ruru is a favourite sound at night.
“The activity of looking for the ruru has always been a great way to spend time with kids, and teach them about birds, our environment, and the importance of looking out for one another.”
SWDC staff also nominated Wairarapa Moana, along the delta of the Tauwharenīkau River, Western Lake Rd at the rest stop, and native bush trails as the best places in the region recommended for bird spotting.
In a bid for diversity, a spokesperson for Masterton District Council [MDC] said all birds add value to the district, “even if they try to steal your chips at the beach – yes, we’re looking at you, Tarāpuka [gull] – or are seldom seen”.
“Council is making more use of native plants in its parks and recreation trail areas to encourage birdlife, and we would be reluctant to highlight one species over another.”
The MDC spokesperson said many favourite birds are commonly seen, even in the centre of Masterton – “Tūī, for example, currently feeding on harakeke outside the Masterton District Library on Queen Street.”
Bird fans are encouraged to keep an eye out for the abundance of birds in the region at all times, the spokesperson said, whether in town, around rural areas, in the Tararua Ranges, or in coastal areas.
Voting for Bird of the Century closes at 5pm on Sunday, November 12.
To vote, head to www.birdoftheyear.org.nz.
