Hatching season begins for Hāwea Grebes
Australasian Crested Grebe (pūteketeke, kāmana)
Photo: IM Turnbull
The grebes at the ANZAC Peninsula platform have hatched their first clutch of the season. We’re not sure whether they have one chick or two, but the family left the nest on 1st October. If they follow the pattern of last year, they will return to the nest at times, making longer sorties out into the lake in between. We can help the birds by giving them space, although they don’t seem to be too worried about normal boat ramp traffic. You may see them up the lake somewhere, probably between the boat ramp and Round Hill, or along the southern lake shore. This pair may re-nest, as happened last season.
Another question people ask - is this is the same pair that nested last season and raised 5 chicks? We don’t know! Grebes can’t be marked with bands or other identifiers on their legs as their legs are always under the water. And they all look pretty much alike (the male is slightly bigger). All we can do is enjoy and admire them for the charismatic wild birds that they are.
In other news, one of the platforms at ANZAC Peninsula, that wasn’t being used by grebes, has been taken out. This has gone to John Darby for the Wānaka Marina grebes, which have run out of space and are trying to nest on the shore. With the falling level of Lake Wānaka, this could end badly unless the nests can be moved to better sites, so we’re happy to help.
Jane Forsyth & Guardians of Lake Hāwea
