The Maori Lakes - a high country stronghold for bittern

Automatic sound recorders have picked up at least three booming bitterns at the Maori Lakes in the O Tu Wharekai Conservation Area this spring. For bitterns in Canterbury the raupo beds are a critically important habitat for the last remaining 50-7

5 birds in the region

Bitterns return to the mouth of the Avon River

For the third year in a row ( 2012-2014) bitterns have returned to the mouth of the Avon River. It is very pleasing to have such a rare bird within Christchurch City. In 2012 I assisted the Christchurch City Council/Andrew Crossland and other park rangers with a systematic survey of the lower Avon River and adjacent reed and raupo beds in the adjoining Avon-Heathcote River with the pleasing result of five birds being found. This result makes the mouth of the Avon River one of the five most important wintering sites for bitterns within Canterbury.