Birds check out new pond

Birds are already flocking to a new pond built in the heart of Travis Wetlands.

Christchurch City Council has started enhancing the habitat for wetland birds, thanks to a $200,000 grant from the New Zealand Lottery Grants Board. The grant is being used to construct ponds, waterways, fencing and boardwalks.

A bird count of the pond and its margins just two months after the machines moved out showed that birds were congregating in the pond area. Fourteen different species of native waterfowl were spotted including the NZ Shoveler (230), grey teal (210), and paradise shelduck (78).

More help is needed to plant around the new pond to give these birds food and nesting sites, and to control weeds. If you or your group are interested in joining a working party, contact the Travis Wetland Trust, tel: 337 1209.

Photos show before and after views of the recently constructed central pond

Kay Holder
Parks Unit