Thread: The birds are back

I went for a hunt in the Tararuas Friday and Saturday. The weather was good and packed in as we got out yesterday.
Found a nice hunting spot for the roar. Heaps of fresh feed, totally untouched, very little (deer) sign and some old antler rubbings near a probable wallow.
Saw 2 piglets by the track on the way in which didn't run away for a while despite two humans standing 4 metres away (one of whom was trying to figure out if he could get out his folding knife and drop his pack in time to grab one) and heard from a group on the way out that they were charged by a huge sow on an old track near where we'd had a morning stalk.

But the highlight was the birds. Birds everywhere! We saw loads of riflemen, some of which came down to see what we were up to (one holding a caterpillar), whiteheads (ditto), tomtits, grey warblers, fantails, bellbirds and the obligatory kereru and tui. Heard but not seen were shining cuckoos and long tailed cuckoos (it helps that my mate is a birder). No pics sorry, we needed a camera to catch those little guys.

So although we didn't spot any deer or sign fresher than a day or two old, we had a great trip in some gorgeous mature bush with a thriving bird population. It's in an area where there was a 1080 drop a couple of years ago. Maybe that's made a difference (and from the look of it selected for 1080 resistant pigs).

So remember when you're out there, resting from carrying a heavy load, to sit quietly and listen and watch.

NB: Someone needs to sort out those pigs though. They're everywhere.

Identify your target beyond all doubt because you never miss (right?) and I'll be missed.