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Newsletter #23

Just 2 sleeps until Spring, and Pukorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre tells me that many of the their wrybill have left and presumably headed down our way. The Braid website includes a live feed from NatureWatchNZ of just river bird observations. While NatureWatchNZ certainly is not the only website where birds are reported, it’s the only one that I have been able to selectively incorporate a live feed into one single page on our site.

The Flock continues to grow, with fantastic creations (thanks in part to sponsorship from Resene) being carefully packaged ready for their landing in dozens of locations from Kaikoura to Mt Cook over the coming months. Check out the latest photos of the budding artists and their creations and also the workshop at Rangiroa DOC. Christchurch Airport has also joined in, and will welcome the birds to roost inside the airport for a time. 

The Kakī /Poaka Flock. The Flock is not simply about raising awareness of braided river birds through colourful and imaginative artwork. This Flock, created by Ann and Ray Buckmaster of Miranda Shorebird Trust, tells the story of the Kakī; the threats they face both from predators and hybridisation.

The Flock will officially be launched during Conservation Week 10-18 September, however it’s never too late to get involved, or let schools and community groups know how they can take part as The Flock continues to grow throughout the season and into next year.

BRaid’s AGM  and Tenth Anniversary is 3pm this Friday 02 September at Ngai Mahi Road, Sockburn. And since it is our tenth year, there will be cake!

Everyone is welcome – you do not have to be a member – however it’s also a good time to remind everyone that general membership dues of $20/annum for 2016/2017 are also due that date. General members can hold office, vote, and help steer BRaid’s activities each year. With increasing attention being paid to braided rivers, membership of BRaid is your chance to have your voice heard. Casual membership is free. Thank you to those of you have already paid the annual membership dues of $20. If you wish to renew your membership for 2016/2017, could you please:
1.  Pay by cheque to BRaid, PO Box 460, Ashburton 7740
Or
2 Online bank transfer to account 03 1351 0554552 02 with your name and the words 2016 2017dues in the reference lines.

Volunteer treasurer needed: We are incredibly grateful to our amazing treasurer who has been a crucial part of BRaid since its humble beginnings in 2006, but after 10 dedicated years she has asked to pass on the baton. We would love to hear from you if you are interested in becoming BRaid’s new treasurer, or know someone who might be willing to put in a few hours each month.

Upper Waimak bird survey October 2016: This year we will meet lunchtime on the Sunday 16th October to do a half day. Monday will be a full day followed by three days with the jet boat – Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. We understand that some participants will only be available for some days. However,  you must be there, ready to go, at the start time (which will be determined by the jet boat on three days). If you have not already done so and are interested in participating, please register with Nick Ledgard nick.legdard@xtra.co.nz. Closer to the dates, we will provide registrants with an itinerary and all the necessary information about where to go, where we’ll be staying (for those overnighting), and what to bring. And please pass this information along to anyone you think may be interested in participating.

News items from around the web:

Thanks to those who have contributed to this newsletter. Please keep news items coming.

Cheers,

Sonny Whitelaw

Manager

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