Hunua Bird Life

01/06/2026

01/06/2026

(2/3) I'm feeling a bit stuck, but don't you dare steal my food!

24/05/2026

(1/3) Feed me! 🤤🥹

16/05/2026

I have had a cluster of young adult kōtare that were caught by cats. Birds of this age are vulnerable as they are developing life experience.

If the crush and wing injuries are not too severe, they commonly make it with antibiotic treatment, combined with pain medications.

Releasing them is the most rewarding part of bird rehabilitation!

16/05/2026

I want to thank the rescuers who go out of their way to rescue and bring injured birds to Hūnua Bird Life.

You are incredible, warm-hearted and make this world a better place!!

12/05/2026

Will we see you at this talk about cat predation of birds tomorrow?

I'm looking forward to it!!

This is another fundraising opportunity for Hunua Bird Life, with thanks to Chloe and others involved -

The Zoological Society presents:
"Cat Predation - Trends and Outcomes on Wild Bird Admissions at Two Wildlife Organisations" by Chloe McMenamin, lecturer at the School of Environmental and Animal Sciences.

This study examined how often birds were admitted to Hunua Bird Life and BirdCare Aotearoa after being caught by cats. The researchers, Paolina Llor and Lulu Duncan, analysed several years of admission records, to identify patterns and outcomes related to cat-predation injuries. Their study highlights the vulnerability of native bird species, and the importance of community-based cat management strategies.

After Chloe's presentation there will be a discussion respectfully sharing views and ideas relating to 'responsible cat ownership'.

Details:
Wednesday 13 May at 6:30PM, Unitec Building 115, upstairs in room 115-2009/10. There is some free parking at Gate 4.

A koha of $5 is welcomed.
Koha given at this talk will be gifted to Birdcare Aotearoa and Hūnua Bird Life, to support their work.

Hoping you can attend!

09/05/2026

This morning we had a stand at the Ararimu Mothers Day Market.
Thanks Robyn and Cathy for organising!! It was our most successful market to date.

We had a great time catching up with the community and raising funds to feed the birds 🐦🦉🦅

28/04/2026

Willow and I have been invited by our whanau to go to Wingspan and Hobbiton in the weekend. It will be so much fun!

Unfortunately we will not be able to take any birds now until after the weekend.

Thank you for your understanding 🌷🌿

26/04/2026

The parapara or bird-catcher tree is currently dispersing its seeds. The parapara is a native tree species that produces seeds which are large and sticky, and can adhere to the feathers of birds, pet fur, etc.

This post is about a ruru that became entangled in the seeds. The rescuers and Hunua Bird Life carefully removed the seeds, taking care to avoid injury from the bird's claws and beak, using a bird-safe chemical.

The ruru had a healthy appetite, consuming a mouse and a one-day chicken every two days. The ruru was a character. It shredded its bedding and attempted to escape on multiple occasions.

As evident in the accompanying image, the initial washing with Dawn did not achieve the desired level of waterproofing. Following the second washing, the ruru's feathers now display a satisfactory water-repellent quality, and it is deemed ready for release.

The ruru will undoubtedly miss the rich meat offerings it received during its stay!