The much-loved birding competition is back for another summer! 2025 will mark the 4th year of the #BackyardBirding Competition, which has grown steadily over the years. Submit your photos here: bit.ly/backyardbirdin… 📸 Photo titled 'Learning from the best' by James Fleming.

2024 Kākā Count: 790 observations (+19% vs 2023)! Avg birds/observation slightly lower, 7% decrease in total kākā (1436 vs 1549 in 2023). BUT, +76% increase since 2021! #kākā #conservation #nzbirds

A momentous stoat catch! 👏 In an area of interest the team spent days last week setting up 180 meters of hazing (a mini fence) to guide the elusive stoat (which had been sighted many times by the community) toward a trap. Good news, it was a success! #stoat #predatorfree

The #BackyardBirding photo competition is back! We're relaunching everyone's favourite photo competition, with a special #nature prize for the winner! To go in the draw, all you need to do is upload your photo here: bit.ly/backyardbirdin…. 📸 by Stuart Farquhar

Tilde's Talks 03: Mistletoe. While the origins of kissing under the mistletoe remain shrouded in mystery, one thing is certain: this festive plant has a far richer story than many of us realise. Read more here: bit.ly/41LYoRb. #mistletoe #nzplants

This ruru was up bright and early on Christmas Day, ready to catch its breakfast 🦉 The soft, serrated edges of their feathers allow them to fly silently, surprising their prey—ranging from large insects to small mammals like mice. #birds #wildlife #ruru

Say hello to the Matuku Moana (Reef Heron), a rare and special visitor. With only an estimated 300-500 left across the North Island, spotting one is like finding hidden treasure. #NZBirds

Stoat detection dogs have discovered stoat scat (poo) on old, abandoned cushions in the bush. This sparked an idea: why not capitalise on their fascination with pillows by creating a specially designed cushion trap to attract and catch them. Voila - Cushion Trap #1. #PF2050

Latest Stoat DNA Analysis. Dr. Andrew Veale has successfully mapped the stoat genome, providing a comprehensive genetic reference for the species. Recently, he completed the latest DNA analysis of all stoats caught on Waiheke Island between September 2023 and August 2024. #PF2050

Just 2 days left to enter the final round of the Backyard Birding Photo Competition this season! 📸 🦜 💚 Submit your photos for a chance to win the ever-popular Botanical Bingo: bit.ly/backyardbirdin…. Photo by Al MacDiarmid titled 'Poseur'

Super turnout for 'Bring Back the Birdsong' walk! 🐦🌱 Sunday's Waiheke Walking Festival saw a scenic Whakanewha loop, with talks from Owain Tanner on insects & birds, Miranda Andrews on stoat eradication, and Ranger Harry Raby on plants. #nature #birds #waiheke #pf2050

It’s no longer an ‘Imagine if’ 💚 In May 2025, ten kiwi will be released on Waiheke Island — a huge milestone led by Save the Kiwi, Ngāti Paoa, and Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki: bit.ly/3Ymu9xs #kiwi #nz #conservation #pf2050

What does a day in the life of a Field Operative look like? From mountain biking to software engineering — and now checking traps in the bush — TKOW Team Member Jessica shares what her day-to-day looks like, and her best work story 🦉: bit.ly/4ikwxw4 #jobsinnature

Kiwi home makeover! While many will be painting #Easter eggs, local tamariki and groups, with burrows generously provided by Save the Kiwi, got creative for 10 kiwi soon to arrive on Waiheke. Their first night will be spent in these colourful new homes 💚 #PF2050 #kiwi

Can you guess what it is yet? The Chorus box at Tin Boat Reserve is getting a makeover! Safi & Poppy from Waiheke Youth Sustainability Group are bringing tamariki art from Ngā Purapura – Te Huruhi School’s Reorua to life — inspired by nature & a predator-free Waiheke 🌿

Waiheke’s kākā are louder than ever — and it’s something to celebrate. Ngā mihi to everyone contributing their time, knowledge, and care to protect our precious species. Read the full article: bit.ly/3YEfqOA 📷 NZ Herald / Sara Tansy

The Weka are wandering west! We've captured quite a few weka on the cameras we use to monitor stoats, with the most westerly sighting recorded near the west end of Onetangi Beach. Have you spotted any even further west? #PredatorFree2050

While checking traps TKOW team member Grace came across an incredible variety of fungi 🍄 A highlight find was the striking blue pouch fungus, an endemic species known for its blue colour. A great reminder to take a closer next time you're in the bush. #FieldTeamFinds

Mark your calendar! Starting 28 June the NZ Garden Bird Survey is back! This citizen science project has been running since 2014, & all it takes is one hour of birdwatching in your garden to help build a picture of our environmental health. Learn more: bit.ly/4nbxR89

Thank you Giltrap Motors Trust! Since 2019 they’ve generously sponsored the lease of these two vehicles & now they've gifted them to Te Korowai o Waiheke. These cars take us to remote spots to service some 1,700 stoat traps – we couldn't do it without them!