# LLMs-Full.txt - Full Content for Project Pages # Generated on: 2026-02-04T11:35:42.802Z # Total pages: 38 --- ## URL: https://www.nbr.org.nz/blog ### Title: Blog ### Page ID: 3059445 ### Content: ### Become a Friend ## Key Sponsors ## FOUND AN INJURED BIRD? We welcome your donation to help us continue with the important work of the centre. Our sponsors make the centre possible and we sincerely value their support. We have compiled some top tips on how you can help an injured animal. The award-winning **Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre Incorporated** has cared for and treated thousands of birds since 1st August 1992, when it was first established. Copyright © 2026 Native Bird Recovery All rights reserved Made with ♥ by 1768degrees.com Whangarei Web Design and SEO Specialists. - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](/about-us "About Us") - [Webcams](/webcams "Webcams") - [Bird Tales](/bird-tales "Bird Tales") - [Education](/education "Education") - [Gallery](/gallery "Gallery") - [News](/news "News") - [Contact Us](/contact-us "Contact Us") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](/about-us "About Us") - [Webcams](/webcams "Webcams") - [Bird Tales](/bird-tales "Bird Tales") - [Education](/education "Education") - [Gallery](/gallery "Gallery") - [News](/news "News") - [Contact Us](/contact-us "Contact Us") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](/about-us "About Us") - [Webcams](/webcams "Webcams") - [Bird Tales](/bird-tales "Bird Tales") - [Education](/education "Education") - [Gallery](/gallery "Gallery") - [News](/news "News") - [Contact Us](/contact-us "Contact Us") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](/about-us "About Us") - [Webcams](/webcams "Webcams") - [Bird Tales](/bird-tales "Bird Tales") - [Education](/education "Education") - [Gallery](/gallery "Gallery") - [News](/news "News") - [Contact Us](/contact-us "Contact Us") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](/about-us "About Us") - [Webcams](/webcams "Webcams") - [Bird Tales](/bird-tales "Bird Tales") - [Education](/education "Education") - [Gallery](/gallery "Gallery") - [News](/news "News") - [Contact Us](/contact-us "Contact Us") --- ## URL: https://www.nbr.org.nz/home ### Title: Home ### Page ID: 3059446 ### Content: ##### From wax eyes to albatrosses ##### From wax eyes to albatrosses ##### From wax eyes to albatrosses ## About Us #### We love what we do #### Passionate about what we do. ## Bird Tales #### Sparky to becomes Kiwi Ambassador ### Become a Friend ## Key Sponsors ## FOUND AN INJURED BIRD? Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre takes wild birds, from Sparrows right through to Albatrosses. If the centre is unattended, injured birds can be left in the cages on the front deck. We do not take domestic birds. The Centre is located next to Kiwi North. Our information centre and aviaries are open to the public during visiting hours. Just head up the hill to come and see us. We are a volunteer organisation. Support from sponsors is very important because it is what enables us to keep running. The Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre Incorporated provides help, treatment and rehabilitation for injured and ill native birds so that they can be returned to the wild. Founded in 1992 by Robert and Robyn Webb, the centre is run with the help of a small and dedicated band of volunteers. Entry is by donation as the centre is a non-profit organisation that survives without government help. We welcome your support and hope to see you at the centre soon to meet our talking Tui as well as the many other chirpy characters which find a haven here. Sparky will now follow in Snoopy’s foot step and take on the role of Kiwi ambassador travelling around schools and other public forums to promote wildlife conservation. Sparky is another one legged kiwi who lives at the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre. We welcome your donation to help us continue with the important work of the centre. Our sponsors make the centre possible and we sincerely value their support. We have compiled some top tips on how you can help an injured animal. The award-winning **Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre Incorporated** has cared for and treated thousands of birds since 1st August 1992, when it was first established. 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We welcome your donation to help us continue with the important work of the centre. Our sponsors make the centre possible and we sincerely value their support. We have compiled some top tips on how you can help an injured animal. The award-winning **Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre Incorporated** has cared for and treated thousands of birds since 1st August 1992, when it was first established. 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In order to view the page, please enter the password below: We welcome your donation to help us continue with the important work of the centre. Our sponsors make the centre possible and we sincerely value their support. We have compiled some top tips on how you can help an injured animal. The award-winning **Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre Incorporated** has cared for and treated thousands of birds since 1st August 1992, when it was first established. Copyright © 2026 Native Bird Recovery All rights reserved Made with ♥ by 1768degrees.com Whangarei Web Design and SEO Specialists. - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](/about-us "About Us") - [Webcams](/webcams "Webcams") - [Bird Tales](/bird-tales "Bird Tales") - [Education](/education "Education") - [Gallery](/gallery "Gallery") - [News](/news "News") - [Contact Us](/contact-us "Contact Us") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](/about-us "About Us") - [Webcams](/webcams "Webcams") - [Bird Tales](/bird-tales "Bird Tales") - [Education](/education "Education") - [Gallery](/gallery "Gallery") - [News](/news "News") - [Contact Us](/contact-us "Contact Us") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](/about-us "About Us") - [Webcams](/webcams "Webcams") - [Bird Tales](/bird-tales "Bird Tales") - [Education](/education "Education") - [Gallery](/gallery "Gallery") - [News](/news "News") - [Contact Us](/contact-us "Contact Us") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](/about-us "About Us") - [Webcams](/webcams "Webcams") - [Bird Tales](/bird-tales "Bird Tales") - [Education](/education "Education") - [Gallery](/gallery "Gallery") - [News](/news "News") - [Contact Us](/contact-us "Contact Us") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](/about-us "About Us") - [Webcams](/webcams "Webcams") - [Bird Tales](/bird-tales "Bird Tales") - [Education](/education "Education") - [Gallery](/gallery "Gallery") - [News](/news "News") - [Contact Us](/contact-us "Contact Us") --- ## URL: https://www.nbr.org.nz/about-us ### Title: About Us ### Page ID: 5594553 ### Content: ##### WHANGAREI NATIVE BIRD RECOVERY ## The Origins Of Whangarei Native Bird Recovery #### Elanco incubation vetinerary and education unit ## The centre’s diverse operations include: ### Become a Friend ## Key Sponsors ## FOUND AN INJURED BIRD? The award-winning Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre Incorporated has cared for and treated thousands of birds since 1st August 1992, when it was first established. Centre founders Robert and Robyn Webb, who have over 30 years’ experience working with native birds, manage and run the centre with the help of a small committee of volunteers. The centre takes in all injured birds, both native and non-native, and where possible nurses the birds back to health for release into the wild. More than 60% of the birds that are brought into the centre are successfully released again. A special part of the centre is the Elanco incubation vetinerary and education unit and Elanco kiwi pens. This facility is used to incubate eggs found in the wild and also as a recovery area for injured kiwi. In the Whangarei area, dogs are the biggest cause of kiwi deaths and injuries, followed by motor vehicles. Many of these injured kiwi end up at the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre. Rescuing, caring for and rehabilitating over 1200 birds each year. Running education programmes for approximately 6000 school children who visit the centre each year. Running birdlife education programmes in some of Northland’s more remote schools. Lecturing groups of adults about the centre and its conservation work. Fostering environmental consciousness in Northland’s communities. Educating local landowners on wild birds and care of their habitat. Helping save the kiwi by being part of the kiwi recovery programme in conjunction with the Department of Conservation Ongoing care of birds which cannot be released due to permanent injuries. These form a valuable part of the breeding programme and education. Providing advice on treatment of wild birds to other agencies such as veterinarians and zoos. Incubating kiwi recovery programme eggs and rearing chicks until ready to be released into the wild. Providing free access to the bird recovery centre for the public. We welcome your donation to help us continue with the important work of the centre. Our sponsors make the centre possible and we sincerely value their support. We have compiled some top tips on how you can help an injured animal. The award-winning **Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre Incorporated** has cared for and treated thousands of birds since 1st August 1992, when it was first established. 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Our webcams keep an eye on what’s happening behind the scenes. Usually our webcams are focused on our recovery room and aviary. The birds featured in the recovery room tend to change frequently because of the high number that come through the centre. We move the webcams around on special occasions, for example when we have a Kiwi egg hatching. Keep an eye out! Kiwi egg brought in by Department of Conservation Whangarei for hatching as the nest is damaged. We welcome your donation to help us continue with the important work of the centre. Our sponsors make the centre possible and we sincerely value their support. We have compiled some top tips on how you can help an injured animal. The award-winning **Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre Incorporated** has cared for and treated thousands of birds since 1st August 1992, when it was first established. Copyright © 2026 Native Bird Recovery All rights reserved Made with ♥ by 1768degrees.com Whangarei Web Design and SEO Specialists. - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](/about-us "About Us") - [Webcams](/webcams "Webcams") - [Bird Tales](/bird-tales "Bird Tales") - [Education](/education "Education") - [Gallery](/gallery "Gallery") - [News](/news "News") - [Contact Us](/contact-us "Contact Us") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](/about-us "About Us") - [Webcams](/webcams "Webcams") - [Bird Tales](/bird-tales "Bird Tales") - [Education](/education "Education") - [Gallery](/gallery "Gallery") - [News](/news "News") - [Contact Us](/contact-us "Contact Us") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](/about-us "About Us") - [Webcams](/webcams "Webcams") - [Bird Tales](/bird-tales "Bird Tales") - [Education](/education "Education") - [Gallery](/gallery "Gallery") - [News](/news "News") - [Contact Us](/contact-us "Contact Us") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](/about-us "About Us") - [Webcams](/webcams "Webcams") - [Bird Tales](/bird-tales "Bird Tales") - [Education](/education "Education") - [Gallery](/gallery "Gallery") - [News](/news "News") - [Contact Us](/contact-us "Contact Us") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](/about-us "About Us") - [Webcams](/webcams "Webcams") - [Bird Tales](/bird-tales "Bird Tales") - [Education](/education "Education") - [Gallery](/gallery "Gallery") - [News](/news "News") - [Contact Us](/contact-us "Contact Us") --- ## URL: https://www.nbr.org.nz/education ### Title: Education ### Page ID: 5596391 ### Content: ##### WHANGAREI NATIVE BIRD RECOVERY ## Visit Our Education Centre ###### What do I do if I find some young birds without their Mum? ###### How do I know if a bird needs rescuing? ###### I have found a bird in trouble, what do I do now? ###### How long do birds usually stay at the Recovery Centre? ## Activities #### Word Finder! #### Colour In Little Tui! ### Become a Friend ## Key Sponsors ## FOUND AN INJURED BIRD? We have at least 5000 school children visit the Centre each year. The program that we offer here at the Centre is a hands on one where children often have the opportunity to see and touch a live Kiwi (Snoopy). This has a huge impact on the children and is an experience that is not easily forgotten. The children also spend time in the education room learning about the dangers of the types of traps that caused Snoopy to loose his leg. Once they know what these traps look like they know to avoid them if they come across one in the bush and to tell an adult. Robert shows them the speed and power of these traps by setting one off using a thick roll of news paper. The children often get such a fright when the trap goes off that they jump clear off the floor where they are sitting. There are also many mounted birds to see and photographs of many other birds that have been in at the Centre since it started. This stimulates good question and answer sessions that lead into discussions on environmental issues. The Centre believes strongly that we have a responsibility to educate the next generation of New Zealanders about the delicate balance of our environment. We believe that everyone must learn that our impact is disrupting this balance and that we all have a responsibility to take greater care to create less impact and work with the environment rather than just consuming. You can also [**download this form**](https://cloud-1de12d.becdn.net/customfile/08bc0cecf53fd75ced181348899b1369.pdf) to arrange a visit. All birds require specialist care to look after. Ultimately a wild bird is happiest back in the wild. If the bird is injured, you should get the bird to the Native Bird Recovery Centre as soon as possible. To handle native and endemic birds the Department of Conservation (DOC) requires the Centre to hold permits, it is illegal to hold native birds without a DOC permit. **It is best to get the bird to the Centre immediately or as soon as you are able.** Please note that we are unable to collect birds due to the large numbers we get through our centre and rely on the public to drop them to us. If you find some young birds, they may not be lost. Mum and Dad birds might just have left them for a while to get them some food. You should leave them alone, watch to see if the parent bird comes back to feed the chick. Help a young bird if you notice any of the following; ***If you can catch a bird in the wild then it is sick and it needs your help.*** Most of the time, a bird just needs a safe quiet place. So the best thing you can do is to put the bird in a cardboard box on a towel over a warm water bottle, and place the box somewhere dark and quiet for a while. Get in touch with us to let us know what’s going on. Don’t try to spoon-feed the bird, as this can do more harm to the bird than good. It varies, but on average birds at the recovery centre tend to stay about two weeks. Some birds stay for a shorter period, while some stay for a much longer period — even two years! We aim to return a bird back to it’s natural habitat as soon as it is well enough. We welcome your donation to help us continue with the important work of the centre. Our sponsors make the centre possible and we sincerely value their support. We have compiled some top tips on how you can help an injured animal. The award-winning **Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre Incorporated** has cared for and treated thousands of birds since 1st August 1992, when it was first established. Copyright © 2026 Native Bird Recovery All rights reserved Made with ♥ by 1768degrees.com Whangarei Web Design and SEO Specialists. - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](/about-us "About Us") - [Webcams](/webcams "Webcams") - [Bird Tales](/bird-tales "Bird Tales") - [Education](/education "Education") - [Gallery](/gallery "Gallery") - [News](/news "News") - [Contact Us](/contact-us "Contact Us") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](/about-us "About Us") - [Webcams](/webcams "Webcams") - [Bird Tales](/bird-tales "Bird Tales") - [Education](/education "Education") - [Gallery](/gallery "Gallery") - [News](/news "News") - [Contact Us](/contact-us "Contact Us") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](/about-us "About Us") - [Webcams](/webcams "Webcams") - [Bird Tales](/bird-tales "Bird Tales") - [Education](/education "Education") - [Gallery](/gallery "Gallery") - [News](/news "News") - [Contact Us](/contact-us "Contact Us") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](/about-us "About Us") - [Webcams](/webcams "Webcams") - [Bird Tales](/bird-tales "Bird Tales") - [Education](/education "Education") - [Gallery](/gallery "Gallery") - [News](/news "News") - [Contact Us](/contact-us "Contact Us") - If the parents do not come back to feed the chick - If a nestling has fallen from the nest and you know for certain which nest it came from, try putting it back (without putting yourself at risk) - If you spot a fledgling on the ground watch from a distance as the parents may be close by. If you are worried about the safety of the fledgling, then put it in the middle of a thick bush as high as possible, eg. a high hedge or a clump of bamboo. - If after the above steps are taken and you consider the chick or fledgling to be orphaned, or likely to get taken by cats and /or dogs in the area, please bring it to the Centre. - An injury is obvious - The bird is having trouble standing or flying - One or both of its legs are dragging - The beak is damaged - A baby or fledgling is orphaned - It is trapped or entangled and cannot free itself - It is has some oil or chemical substance on it - It has hit a window or been hit by a car - The bird is unconscious or cannot move - The bird has difficulty breathing – gasping for air - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](/about-us "About Us") - [Webcams](/webcams "Webcams") - [Bird Tales](/bird-tales "Bird Tales") - [Education](/education "Education") - [Gallery](/gallery "Gallery") - [News](/news "News") - [Contact Us](/contact-us "Contact Us") --- ## URL: https://www.nbr.org.nz/gallery ### Title: Gallery ### Page ID: 5596658 ### Content: ##### WHANGAREI NATIVE BIRD RECOVERY ## Photo Gallery ## Video Gallery ### Become a Friend ## Key Sponsors ## FOUND AN INJURED BIRD? Woof Woof was a Tui whose permanent home was the sanctuary. He started talking at about 18 months old. Woof Woof passed away in 2011. This Bittern was injured by a car, and taken to the recovery centre. Once the bird had had time to rest and recover it was released back into the wild. We welcome your donation to help us continue with the important work of the centre. Our sponsors make the centre possible and we sincerely value their support. We have compiled some top tips on how you can help an injured animal. The award-winning **Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre Incorporated** has cared for and treated thousands of birds since 1st August 1992, when it was first established. Copyright © 2026 Native Bird Recovery All rights reserved Made with ♥ by 1768degrees.com Whangarei Web Design and SEO Specialists. - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](/about-us "About Us") - [Webcams](/webcams "Webcams") - [Bird Tales](/bird-tales "Bird Tales") - [Education](/education "Education") - [Gallery](/gallery "Gallery") - [News](/news "News") - [Contact Us](/contact-us "Contact Us") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](/about-us "About Us") - [Webcams](/webcams "Webcams") - [Bird Tales](/bird-tales "Bird Tales") - [Education](/education "Education") - [Gallery](/gallery "Gallery") - [News](/news "News") - [Contact Us](/contact-us "Contact Us") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](/about-us "About Us") - [Webcams](/webcams "Webcams") - [Bird Tales](/bird-tales "Bird Tales") - [Education](/education "Education") - [Gallery](/gallery "Gallery") - [News](/news "News") - [Contact Us](/contact-us "Contact Us") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](/about-us "About Us") - [Webcams](/webcams "Webcams") - [Bird Tales](/bird-tales "Bird Tales") - [Education](/education "Education") - [Gallery](/gallery "Gallery") - [News](/news "News") - [Contact Us](/contact-us "Contact Us") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](/about-us "About Us") - [Webcams](/webcams "Webcams") - [Bird Tales](/bird-tales "Bird Tales") - [Education](/education "Education") - [Gallery](/gallery "Gallery") - [News](/news "News") - [Contact Us](/contact-us "Contact Us") --- ## URL: https://www.nbr.org.nz/contact-us ### Title: Contact Us ### Page ID: 5596935 ### Content: ##### WHANGAREI NATIVE BIRD RECOVERY ## Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre ### Send Us A Message ## Your Support Makes a Difference #### Automatic Payment #### Internet Banking ### Become a Friend ## Key Sponsors ## FOUND AN INJURED BIRD? The centre is located to the left hand side of Kiwi North, and is available for visitors and general enquiries during Opening Hours. Injured Birds can be dropped off at any time. Saturday – Sunday – Closed (24 hr drop box located on the main office deck for any birds dropped off after hours) **Account Name:** Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre If you would like to donate by internet banking, our bank account details are; **Account Name:**  Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre There is also an option under internet banking, to set up a recurring payment. We welcome your donation to help us continue with the important work of the centre. Our sponsors make the centre possible and we sincerely value their support. We have compiled some top tips on how you can help an injured animal. The award-winning **Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre Incorporated** has cared for and treated thousands of birds since 1st August 1992, when it was first established. 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Snoopy was 15 years old and had lived with Robert and Robyn Webb at their home since he was only 3 months old. Snoopys death was a real shock for Robert and Robyn as Snoopy was like a member of their family. Snoopy would call out to them when they arrived home at night and wait to be let out on the grass to probe for worms and grubs. The Webb’s have not had a holiday in years as they couldn’t just leave Snoopy with anyone. The role in education that Snoopy played has been a total success. For most adults and children it’s the first time they have seen and touched a live Kiwi. We still get many calls from Schools away from Whangarei, and without the help of Eagle Air we would not be able to reach a number of these Schools. Robert and Robyn are extremely proud of the work Snoopy did and the role he played in educating people about the preservation of kiwi. Snoopy had a marvellous personality that meant he was never phased by the noise of a classroom full of excited children. He would still hop around on the grass probing for worms. He has been a great icon and provided a lot of pleasure for many people. On the 10 August 2007, Snoopy posthumously received a Conservation Award from the Department of Conservation. We welcome your donation to help us continue with the important work of the centre. Our sponsors make the centre possible and we sincerely value their support. We have compiled some top tips on how you can help an injured animal. The award-winning **Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre Incorporated** has cared for and treated thousands of birds since 1st August 1992, when it was first established. 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Fertile eggs are recovered from the burrows of wild kiwi approximately 45 to 50 days into the 75 day incubation. Incubation, hatching and rearing of the young kiwi is completed in captivity. The kiwi chick inside this egg has pipped the shell. It could take up to another 24 hrs to hatch. Just breaking out. Of… “The neighbour phoned me to come over and have a look at this strange looking brown and white bird. She said it was trying desperately to get into her chook house!” Mr & Mrs Gregory rushed next door and immediately recognised the bird as a young Bittern. Bitterns fledge at 7 weeks (approx.), somehow the “teenaged”… On 24 December 2005 a Southern Royal Albatross was picked up from Ripiro Beach near Glinks Gully on the west coast of Northland, New Zealand. The male bird, estimated to be two or three years old was worn out and had a wing injury after battling strong stormy winds. Robert Webb, Centre Manager, said that… The white heron had flown into the back yard of a family in the Ruakaka area where he ate all the fish in the goldfish pond. The family let him as they were so amazed at having such a beautiful visitor. They could also see that the bird had an injured left foot and was… These 2 Little Blue Penguins were rescued from Wellingtons bay out at the Whangarei Heads. They were found wedged between rocks below the high tide line. The birds had been chased by a group of Black Backed Gulls and had fallen into the crack between some rocks while trying to get away from the gulls. A member… The 2010 / 2011 chick season has seen quite a number of Morepork chicks come into the Centre. Robert Webb, Centre Manager, says that the very hot summer conditions are the cause of the problem. Morepork will have between 1 and 4 chicks in a clutch at a time. During very hot weather the parent… We welcome your donation to help us continue with the important work of the centre. Our sponsors make the centre possible and we sincerely value their support. We have compiled some top tips on how you can help an injured animal. The award-winning **Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre Incorporated** has cared for and treated thousands of birds since 1st August 1992, when it was first established. 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Media Release 09 November 2020 A newborn kiwi chick found dehydrated and disorientated in a Riponui farmer’s paddock is recovering well and putting on weight under the care of the team at the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre. Named Bruce by the farming couple that found him, the chick was losing weight rapidly when brought… 1 September 2020 A cheeky kaka named Rascal is still battered and bruised but getting a little better each week thanks to the team at the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre. They’ve had the juvenile bird, thought to be about two-years-old, for about five weeks after it was found in the middle of a road… 17 August 2020 After nine months of extensive care and rehab, a young female North Island brown kiwi is getting closer to being released back into the wild. The one and a half years old kiwi was brought into the Whangarei Native Bird Centre just before Christmas after being hit by a car in Russell. … Media Release 15 July 2020 A spate of dog attacks on kiwi is being called a “smack in the face” by Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre manager Robert Web. He is treating the latest victim, a male brown kiwi from Kerikeri, and looking after it’s unhatched offspring – a 12-day egg, which is in the… Media Release 01 June 2020 Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre manager Robert Webb (QSM) says he couldn’t believe it and is “proud all round” to be named a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list. Webb has received the honour for his conservation and wildlife work at… Media Release 18 May 2020 A steep rise in the number of drunk wood pigeons (keruru) turning up at the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre has led manager Robert Webb to issue a warning – don’t offer the drunks anything to eat or drink. With native autumn forest fruits coming to an end, Webb says… We welcome your donation to help us continue with the important work of the centre. Our sponsors make the centre possible and we sincerely value their support. We have compiled some top tips on how you can help an injured animal. The award-winning **Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre Incorporated** has cared for and treated thousands of birds since 1st August 1992, when it was first established. 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Sparky will now follow in Snoopy’s *foot step* and take on the role of Kiwi ambassador travelling around schools and other public forums to promote wildlife conservation. Sparky is another one legged kiwi who lives at the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre. He came to the Centre as a young bird in 2002, his leg injury was also caused by a “Gin trap” that had been set on the ground to trap possums. As Sparky takes over this role we will monitor his stress levels carefully, just as we did with Snoopy. We always look at what is best for all the birds we have at the Centre. Reviewing the work Sparky has done so far tells us that he is handling public situations very well. Here at the Bird Recovery Centre, we firmly believe that everyone should have the opportunity to see a live kiwi up close. The work that Snoopy did certainly proved the value of this kind of unique experience. People still come up to Robert years after they have left school and ask about Snoopy, remembering how amazing is was to touch and watch a real live kiwi. We welcome your donation to help us continue with the important work of the centre. Our sponsors make the centre possible and we sincerely value their support. We have compiled some top tips on how you can help an injured animal. The award-winning **Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre Incorporated** has cared for and treated thousands of birds since 1st August 1992, when it was first established. 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Woof Woof was our semi-tame Tui, he would sing and if you were patient he would talk back to you too. He would often startle visitors with his very deep male voice — an exact match for centre manager Robert Webb. Sadly, Woof Woof passed away peacefully on 5th February 2011. He was 16 years old, as far as we know that is the oldest known Tui on record. The voice of Woof Woof lives on with Tuis called Jett and Little Tui. These tui lived on either side of Woof Woof’s cage and they have picked up many of his phrases. We welcome your donation to help us continue with the important work of the centre. Our sponsors make the centre possible and we sincerely value their support. We have compiled some top tips on how you can help an injured animal. The award-winning **Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre Incorporated** has cared for and treated thousands of birds since 1st August 1992, when it was first established. 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This bird was found on Ninety Mile Beach by surfcasters on Friday 23 April 2007. The albatross was transferred to a small bird centre in the Far North. The bird was very skinny and they could not get him to eat so they sent him to us at the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre on Monday 26 April 2007. It appeared that the bird had been caught in the recent storm, battling gale force winds from the east and he was absolutely worn out, unable to stand or hold his head up.  We also needed to identify what kind of albatross we had, a Royal or Wandering? When these birds are juveniles it is quite difficult to distinguish between them. The sign we looked for was a very distinct dark line running along the cutting edge of the top mandible (beak). As the bird began to drink, what we thought was a dark line ended up being mud and the bird was identified as a Wandering Albatross. We also consulted with the Ranger at the Royal Albatross breeding colony at Taiaroa Head, (close to Dunedin, New Zealand). This gave us vital assistance regarding target weight and feeding. Our initial review of the bird indicated dehydration and malnutrition; we needed to get him re-hydrated and feeding as soon as possible for him to have the best chance of recovery. The bird was only 3.609kgs when it arrived at the Centre, it should have been at least 5kgs. Our treatment consisted of electrolyte re-hydration and a small amount of food, building up the amount each day. The bird would need an ongoing volume of 10% of its body weight of food per day as well as good volumes of hydration. As soon as the public were aware that we had an Albatross eating us out of house and home we had fishermen bringing us fresh fish. Between those gifts and what we provided, our large visitor put on weight very quickly. We did have a few nervous moments with the albatross, we called him “Tricks” as there was one day were we thought we were going to lose him. But he rallied and put on weight so that he was just over 5 kgs when he was released. The albatross was at the Centre for a total of 17 days. We would have liked to have liked his weight to have been closer to 6kgs before release, however once he started walking up the footpath to find high ground and spreading his wings while standing into the wind, we knew that he was telling us he wanted to go.  We had to ensure that the wings and wing feathers were not damaged as the bird practiced flapping his wings, exercising in preparation for flight after release. The bird was released by Dr Ingrid Visser (Orca research scientist) about 20 miles outside the Poor Knight Islands on the east coast of Northland, New Zealand. There were a number of other members of the albatross family sighted during the release. We welcome your donation to help us continue with the important work of the centre. Our sponsors make the centre possible and we sincerely value their support. We have compiled some top tips on how you can help an injured animal. The award-winning **Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre Incorporated** has cared for and treated thousands of birds since 1st August 1992, when it was first established. 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The 2010 / 2011 chick season has seen quite a number of Morepork chicks come into the Centre. Robert Webb, Centre Manager, says that the very hot summer conditions are the cause of the problem. Morepork will have between 1 and 4 chicks in a clutch at a time. During very hot weather the parent bird tries to keep the chicks cool by fanning its wings. If that does not do the trick the parent bird will often choose the smallest chick (known as the runt) and push it out of the nest. Sometimes even the two smallest chicks are pushed out.  While this is a very harsh way of dealing with the heat problem, it is a case of survival of the fittest. The parent bird chooses the fittest ones to stay in the nest. The chick that is pushed out ends up on the ground; it can’t fly yet, is not fed by the parent bird and is vulnerable to predator attack. These are the birds that are picked up by members of the public and brought into the Centre.  Once at the Centre the chicks are fed by hand and their accommodation really is 5 star. Initially the chicks are covered in fine grey down, as their feathers grow small bits of the down remain on the tips of the feathers. This gives them a super cute often comical look about them. As time goes on, the down slowly gets preened off or warn off the birds feathers. The photos show “Rua” as a very young chick that came into the Centre on 1stDec 2011, he was only 67gms and nearly 7cm tall, probably about 7 days old. Adult birds are around 29cm and 175gms. “Rua” got to ride home with Robert and Robyn and back to the Centre each day. Being so small he needed feeding last thing at night and first thing in the morning. He even got his own hot water bottle during the night to keep him warm. Once Rua was starting to fly and feeding himself he was transferred to an outside aviary. This process means that the bird can practice flying to get fitness levels up as well as practicing hunting skills. This part of the rearing process also breaks constant human contact with the bird and instinct takes over. It generally does not take too long for the birds to not want to have anything to do with us once they have been in the outside aviaries for a little while. The pictures above show Rua and Sophie together in the aviary. Rua will be released once all his down has gone and his flying and hunting skills are up to scratch. We welcome your donation to help us continue with the important work of the centre. Our sponsors make the centre possible and we sincerely value their support. We have compiled some top tips on how you can help an injured animal. The award-winning **Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre Incorporated** has cared for and treated thousands of birds since 1st August 1992, when it was first established. 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These 2 Little Blue Penguins were rescued from Wellingtons bay out at the Whangarei Heads. They were found wedged between rocks below the high tide line. The birds had been chased by a group of Black Backed Gulls and had fallen into the crack between some rocks while trying to get away from the gulls. A member of the public saw the gulls and went to investigate. The penguins were very lucky as they were rescued and brought into the Centre.  If that lady had not stopped to see what was going on those little guys would have either drowned at the next high tide or been taken by the gulls. The reason why the birds were up out of the water is a complete body moult which happens once a year. The birds usually return to their breeding site during this time. The moulting period is between December and March and usually lasts for 10 – 18 days. The birds must get themselves into top condition before they start their moult. They have to stay on land and can not go into the water to feed. They are not water proof again until their moult is complete. We have found that this makes for a very grumpy little bird! Perhaps it gets itchy with all those tiny feathers falling out as the new ones come through. If the penguin is moulting and not injured, all we have to do is provide a safe environment and water. The bird does the rest and once all their new feathers are through we take them back to the beach and release them.  They get so excited when they catch their first smell of salt water. As you can see from this photo the bird bolted from the carry cage and started swimming in very shallow water. He swam out about 30m and just floated around for a while. He certainly was very pleased to be back home. These penguins were at different stages of their moult, the first one went back to sea 5 days after coming into the Centre. The second bird was released after 10 days at the Centre. We welcome your donation to help us continue with the important work of the centre. Our sponsors make the centre possible and we sincerely value their support. We have compiled some top tips on how you can help an injured animal. The award-winning **Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre Incorporated** has cared for and treated thousands of birds since 1st August 1992, when it was first established. 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The white heron had flown into the back yard of a family in the Ruakaka area where he ate all the fish in the goldfish pond. The family let him as they were so amazed at having such a beautiful visitor. They could also see that the bird had an injured left foot and was not weight bearing on that leg. The Family fed the bird daily for at least 2 weeks. Once it was standing and walking ok they stopped feeding it and the bird flew away. However, the Heron returned 3 days later and the foot was obviously sore again. The Heron was then brought into the Recovery Centre as family were going overseas.  On arrival at the Centre (2 March 2007), we observed that the left foot was very swollen and the skin was starting to split and peel from the foot. It looked like the middle toe had been broken and was still sore but healing. The bird was also very skinny. The Heron was treated and fed on a diet of ox heart, fresh fish and tua tuas. The bird remained at the Centre until there appeared to be no further problems using his foot. The bird was then transferred to a 7 acre wet land area out at Paru Bay on 08 March 2007. The Heron stayed at the wetland area for 2 days before we had sightings from the public, these indicated that the bird was moving across the harbour and heading back to the Ruakaka area.  From that day on we had daily calls reporting a large white bird either “playing chicken with vehicles on SH 1”, as it flew low across the road to get into the side ditches. Or that a white bird was following people around as they walked on their property. The public that called were all concerned for the birds’ safety, weather from dogs, people or vehicles. The problem of the bird seeking out humans was a big one. Finally, a horticulturalist was able to catch the bird after it had been curious enough to follow him through a 40 metre polly-house. He phoned us to see what he should do, we asked if he had any mince that he could use to entice the bird into a shed and then catch him. This is exactly what he did. The bird came back to the Centre on 17 April 2007 after only 39 days in the wild. DOC staff consulted scientists and decided that they would try and release the bird on a reserve further north, but for several reasons, this did not happen. DOC banded the Heron on the right leg, band number M22487. The bird was again released at the wetlands area at Parua Bay on 18 May 2007. The Heron stayed around the wetland area this time, but would fly out daily to visit people from around the Parua Bay area. Where ever anyone was doing something that took its interest the bird would visit; this caused a number of problems; The bird would walk into people’s houses, he was found on a kitchen table and on a bed. The Heron had started to take great interest in poultry chickens and was seen “having a go” at them. Both these situations caused people to get very angry with the bird. The heron would have been harmed in some way, if not killed as a result of being over humanised. Some of the public could not understand that it was natural for the bird to hunt other smaller birds – waxeyes in particular. A lady out gardening dropped her glove and quick as a flash the Heron darted in and picked it up thinking it was food. It was only a matter of time before the bird would try to take food from a child and could have pecked them in the face. The bird arrived back at the Centre on 29 May 2007. Together with DOC and Auckland Zoo we worked through the best option for the Heron. Given that the bird showed repeatedly that he was very humanised it was decided that the best option was to get him to the Auckland Zoo. The bird was transferred to the zoo on 15 June 2007. Zoo staff were very happy to have the heron, the wet land area at the zoo was undergoing re-development so a suitable white heron was an unexpected wonderful addition. If you find a wild bird in trouble get in touch with the organisations that care for wildlife. They will know the best way to help the bird so that it has the best chance for release back into the wild. Some birds are more easily humanised than others, herons in particular. In this instance the White Heron is now likely to have to be in captivity for the rest of its life, for its own safety. This is very sad especially when physically there is no reason to be in captivity, it can fly and knows how to hunt but its too easy now for it to go to humans as it has no fear of them. We welcome your donation to help us continue with the important work of the centre. Our sponsors make the centre possible and we sincerely value their support. We have compiled some top tips on how you can help an injured animal. The award-winning **Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre Incorporated** has cared for and treated thousands of birds since 1st August 1992, when it was first established. 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On 24 December 2005 a Southern Royal Albatross was picked up from Ripiro Beach near Glinks Gully on the west coast of Northland, New Zealand. The male bird, estimated to be two or three years old was worn out and had a wing injury after battling strong stormy winds. Robert Webb, Centre Manager, said that the bird would normally rest for several days on the beach until he got his strength back. Due to the number of people on holiday in the area at this time of year, it was the safer option for “Royal Albert” to come in to the safety of the Centre to recover. The royal albatross was only the second one to come into the Centre since it started. After contacting the Dunedin sanctuary it was confirmed that the bird did not come from there, so it probably came from lower down in the Auckland Island area, about 465 kms south of Bluff. The bird is absolutely huge, with an estimated weight of 9kg and 3.3m wing span. He is also very well behaved and extremely hungry. He eats about $20 of pilchards a day. Robert Webb jokes; he’s eating us out of house and home so hopefully he pays his board before he goes. While Royal Albert was at the Centre we had hundreds of people coming to visit to see this magnificent bird up close. Royal Albert took his new found celebrity status in his stride and was not at all worried about all the people visiting him as long as the pilchards kept on coming to fill his tummy. The number of visitors was also a god send for the Centre as their donations helped to buy the large volumes of pilchards required. The daily routine to care for Royal Albert was to get him out of his pen in the morning, he would walk up to where he was to be fed. He would have a big flap and stretch, a few little runs then he used to quite often sit down and preen him self for the next half hour. This gave us time clean his pen. As with any bird a few hours a day in the ultra violet light aids in the recovery of the bird by helping to replenish natural energy resources. The daily exercise on the lawn also provided the opportunity for the public to view this bird at very close quarters. Very few people would ever get the opportunity to get this close to a live albatross. We could tell that Royal Albert was ready for release when he started to hold his wings out while facing the wind, jumping up and down on the spot. An albatross can only take off from the top of the water or by jumping off a cliff. We welcome your donation to help us continue with the important work of the centre. Our sponsors make the centre possible and we sincerely value their support. We have compiled some top tips on how you can help an injured animal. The award-winning **Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre Incorporated** has cared for and treated thousands of birds since 1st August 1992, when it was first established. 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At first, “Bitty” (his nick name) was very friendly, a quite un-bittern like characteristic. These birds are usually solitary and secretive; they live in wetland areas especially beds of raupo and reeds in freshwater. They young bird was very hungry and we gave him a diet of ox heart, mince, corn kernels’ and peas. Of course being a young bird he ate all the meat and left the greens. Bitty continued to eat well and changed to have more adult bittern characteristics each day. When ever we moved toward the brooder box he was housed in, Bitty would slowly drop to a crouch also retracting his head down close to his body. When the cover was removed to put his food in or move him so his bed could be cleaned he would then spring or lunge up at us. He would stand to full height and shoot his neck toward us with his sharp beak gaping wide and his feathers all puffed out. Quite a scary thing if you are not expecting it and I’m sure that sharp beak could inflict a nasty wound. Once Bitty started to exhibit this behaviour regularly and his weight had increased satisfactorily it was time for him to be released. Bitty was released on the18 Jan 2008 at a protected wetland area. He was with us for 9 days, it was a pleasure to see him go home back into the wild. We welcome your donation to help us continue with the important work of the centre. Our sponsors make the centre possible and we sincerely value their support. We have compiled some top tips on how you can help an injured animal. The award-winning **Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre Incorporated** has cared for and treated thousands of birds since 1st August 1992, when it was first established. 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Fertile eggs are recovered from the burrows of wild kiwi approximately 45 to 50 days into the 75 day incubation. Incubation, hatching and rearing of the young kiwi is completed in captivity.  The kiwi chick inside this egg has pipped the shell. It could take up to another 24 hrs to hatch. Of all the kiwi hatched and reared in the wild only 5% make it to adulthood. Most of the 95% of birds that are killed, die within the first 6 weeks of life. Many of these birds are killed by predators such as stoats, ferrets, weasels, ferrel cats and roaming dogs. Unlike many other birds; Kiwi do not imprint on humans. This is one of the “kiwi factors” that helps make Operation Nest Egg so successful.  This kiwi chick has just hatched. Kiwi hatch fully feathered, once they dry out their feathers fluff up to keep them warm. Once kiwi chicks have reached approx 400 to 500gm in weight, they are micro-chipped and transferred to a predator-free sanctuary island. The bird is then transferred to a travel box for the trip to the island.  At the island, the kiwi chick is released into a suitable area where the grass has been pushed down to make a nice hollow for the bird to rest until night time. The kiwi stay on the island until they reach a weight of 1.2kgs (approx) which is a size that gives them a reasonable chance against predators. The kiwi are then taken from the island and put back into areas where predator control is in place. Sometimes eggs are brought in from the wild because the burrow has been found in an area of pine forest that is about to be logged. DOC rangers wait until the kiwi has moved off the nest to feed at night. The egg(s) are then collected and kept warm until they can be transported to an incubation unit. The rangers then wait for the bird to come back to the nest. The bird is captured and relocated to an area away from the logging.  In the north of New Zealand kiwi eggs are incubated at Auckland Zoo and the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre. In the picture below, the Kiwi chick eats its first worm. We welcome your donation to help us continue with the important work of the centre. Our sponsors make the centre possible and we sincerely value their support. We have compiled some top tips on how you can help an injured animal. The award-winning **Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre Incorporated** has cared for and treated thousands of birds since 1st August 1992, when it was first established. 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We would like to thank CIVILTRAIN for joining the Recovery Centre as a long-term Sponsor, your support is what is required to help make sure the Centre is around for many years. Big thank you to Stuart and Carly for your kind support. We also welcome the support from NORTHERN DISTRICTS SECURITY, we all work very hard providing a great service and this support show us that what we are doing for Wildlife is very worthwhile in the eyes of these people. April has been a very busy month with 4 injured kiwi, one Wandering Albatross, many Little Blue Penguins and 7 Harrier Hawks along with a few other Birds. The Albatross has been released thanks to our friends at Dive Tutukaka, many of these Birds are taken out to the Poor Knights for release by Dive Tutukaka which places the Albatross in a safe area for them to carry on their flight many miles away. All the Kiwi have been released, the Female Kiwi that Bruce our vet had to remove part of her toe after being caught in a gin trap is doing well back in the wild, the Department of Conservation have been tracking her and have let us know she has settled back into the wild. We have received 10 Seagull this month and most have been injured by humans being cruel to them, I must remind the Public that the RED BILL GULL is totally protected and carry a fine of $100.000 for killing one, they have the same protection as a Kiwi. The big run of Harrier Hawks being sent to us is caused by being run over by cars, if you see a Hawk on the road please slow down as the Hawk when frightened hang on to their pray and this makes them very slow to get out of your way, this time of the year food is very hard to find in the wild so they must take a risk of feeding off dead possums and Rabbits from the road. Very soon we will start receiving Kiwi eggs, did you know that you can view the eggs in the Bayer Incubation Unit with our web-cams, go to our web site www.nbr.org.nz and click on web cams, when we have an egg we can update their progress and when its time you can see a Kiwi Chick hatch. The Recovery Centre is a Registered Charity and GST Registered which helps when we go for grants but every now and then something come along that we can’t get a grant for, we have a boat that is used for releasing and retrieving Sea Birds, a good example of this is we have released around 30 Shearwaters and Petrels over the past month because of the bad weather, so to me, being safe on the water is very important, on board along with other safety equipment I have an electronic safety beacon and guess what, it has reached the end of the battery life and it’s cheaper to buy a new one that have new battery’s installed in the old one, a new one costs $350.00 so if anyone would like to help I would be keen to hear from you. We welcome your donation to help us continue with the important work of the centre. Our sponsors make the centre possible and we sincerely value their support. We have compiled some top tips on how you can help an injured animal. The award-winning **Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre Incorporated** has cared for and treated thousands of birds since 1st August 1992, when it was first established. 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At long last the weather has settled down which has slowed the numbers of sea Birds being sent in. With all the guava trees in fruit the Native Pigeons are having a ball, at least the weather is not hot which can turn the juices from the berries into alcohol and make the Pigeons drunk. Medication for the Birds is very expensive, to give you some idea, the last Kiwi that was caught by a dog the medication bill was $250 just to stop infections setting in, all medication we have to pay for just like any vets have to. I was talking to Sandy and Ian from Rainbows Relics who deal in Antiques and Collectables and they were shocked when I told them how much it costs to run the Centre each year. Sandy decided to do something about it, on the 16th June 2018 from 10.00am till 2.00pm we will have Sparky our Kiwi on display at their shop at 49 Clyde Street. This will be a good chance to see and touch a live Kiwi, to many it will be the first time. If you want to know more about the day contact Sandy or Ian on 09.4383150, come along for a visit and help the Centre at the same time. I was talking to a member of the Public who said with the announcement of new funds for the Department of Conservation I guess the Recovery Centre will be able to get some funds. It would be nice if that’s was did happen but we don’t see any of this windfall. The funds are for predator control only to help get rid of them and in turn should help our Native Birds. The Recovery Centre still receives around 1300 Birds each year, it would be nice to have a visit from the Minister of Conservation to show just what we do in Northland for the Native Birds, I have invited other Ministers and top People from the Department in the past and told they would love to visit, sadly to date we have never seen anyone over the past 25 years. They must think we are just a small group looking after a few Birds, each year we reach thousands of people Educating them about Native Birds. When dropping of a Bird at our Centre please leave a contact number so we can get back to you about the Bird, it’s important that every Bird goes back to where it came from, you can even text me a message on 0276750564, this is handy for after hours. We welcome your donation to help us continue with the important work of the centre. Our sponsors make the centre possible and we sincerely value their support. We have compiled some top tips on how you can help an injured animal. The award-winning **Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre Incorporated** has cared for and treated thousands of birds since 1st August 1992, when it was first established. 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On the 28th June we have two items happening at the Centre, one is our AGM which will be held at 1.30pm at the Recovery Centre, Members of the Public are welcome. The other is we are having a celebration marking 25 years we have been operating from our site. One question I get asked quite often is why, did Robyn and I start the Recovery Centre. After being injured at my driving job I was put on ACC, after a while we were moved from ACC to sickness benefit, this was how ACC was made to look like it was achieving its goals by getting people back to work or at least off their books. Rather than go into all the details I will skip some, sitting at home with a damaged back was not what I wanted to do with my life, so Robyn and I decided to start the Recovery Centre, this way I could be doing good for the Wildlife. Very few knew we were running the recovery Centre from our home for more than 5 years before having the accident. Running the Centre from home was not a good idea, we ended up with no home life, Birds were being brought in all hours of the day and night. Getting the Centre started at Maunu was quite a challenge but after a while we finally were given some land to put buildings on. One of the very first Business people to help us out was John Rosvall, getting support like this meant so much to us both, John said just let me know if you think I can help. Followed around the same time came Mike Daniel, we were having trouble with Telecom at the time, Mike came to the Centre and said I will be paying your Phone and Power from now on, support from both John and Mike was the help the Centre really needed and has seen the Centre grow to what it is today. The welfare of the Wild Birds is what the Centre is about and Education of the young who are going to be our next generation. Robert and Robyn Webb. We welcome your donation to help us continue with the important work of the centre. Our sponsors make the centre possible and we sincerely value their support. We have compiled some top tips on how you can help an injured animal. The award-winning **Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre Incorporated** has cared for and treated thousands of birds since 1st August 1992, when it was first established. 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I notice many of the smaller Birds Like the Thrush, Blackbirds and the Starlings are busy getting prepared for nesting time, so I guess by early next month we will start to see an increase in young Bird numbers. I would like to say a big thank you to the Northpower Board and Staff for the nice flowers that were sent to Robyn my wife when she was in hospital, yes, at times even we need looking after. Robyn ended up in Whangarei Hospital where they thought she had a mild heart attack, after 3 days they sent Robyn to Auckland Hospital for more checks. Thank goodness they found it was not a heart attack but ended up being too much stress over the past few months which made it look like a heart attack. So, thank you all at Northpower, it sure brightened Robyn’s day for her. I would like to also thank Bayer NZ Ltd for renewing their support for another 3 years, this is what keeps the Recovery Centre going. We have a Kiwi egg from Kaitaia in the incubator, being a very fresh egg, it will be another 60 days before we end up with a Kiwi chick, you can see the egg on our web site and as it gets closer to hatching I will update when it will hatch. This is also the time of the year when we start getting the big Sea Birds like the Albatross and Giant Petrels, they get caught in the big storms way out at sea. To avoid being drowned they head for land and safety along the West coast. I like to let the Media know when we get these Birds as this gives the Public a chance to see what they look like while they are recovering. At times I get asked are we allowed to show our injured Birds to the Public, all the work we do at the Recovery Centre is covered by The Department of Conservation Permits, the Recovery Centre is not a Zoo or Wildlife Park which means we don’t keep our Birds just for show, If I feel showing a Bird won’t do it any harm then it’s at my discretion to do so, this forms a valuable part of Education that we display at the Recovery Centre, I think after 30 years I should know what is good for a Bird. We welcome your donation to help us continue with the important work of the centre. Our sponsors make the centre possible and we sincerely value their support. We have compiled some top tips on how you can help an injured animal. The award-winning **Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre Incorporated** has cared for and treated thousands of birds since 1st August 1992, when it was first established. 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It looks like our quite time is nearly over, many of the Blackbirds and Thrush are either making nests or feeding their young so all the other Wild Birds will start to follow. Please remind children not to remove baby Birds from a nest, some Children like to try and be helpful but looking after Baby Birds is a full-time job and can get very boring and the next thing we get them delivered to the Centre, so please, Adults remind the Children to leave any nests alone. For any Wild Ducks you can contact the Centre and we will give you a contact number as we don’t take Ducklings, we just don’t have the room to have ponds for them to swim in. If you find a Baby Bird on the ground first try placing it back into a tree or Bush as sometimes they fall off a branch while learning how to fly and don’t require any Human help. When finding a Bird in trouble just keep it quiet and warm, please don’t feed them food or water as when they are in shock feeding them will kill them. From now until Christmas is when our Food and Medication bills go sky high, any support means a great deal to us at the Recovery Centre, we are registered and will give a receipt which you can claim on. If you go onto our web site www.nbr.org.nz on the top right of the of the first page you will see what to do for direct payment to our Bank. You can also send a Donation to PO.Box 10187 Te-Mai post centre or call into the Centre and have a look around. If you bring an injured Bird to the Centre and no one is around you can place it in one of the cages by the door, there is a whiteboard that you can leave what the Bird is and a contact number so we can let you know how the Bird gets on, plus we then know where to send the Bird back for release. We welcome your donation to help us continue with the important work of the centre. Our sponsors make the centre possible and we sincerely value their support. We have compiled some top tips on how you can help an injured animal. The award-winning **Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre Incorporated** has cared for and treated thousands of birds since 1st August 1992, when it was first established. 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Springtime at last, this will start to bring warmer weather, but it also signals the start of the Wild Bird chick season. Each year we receive many baby Birds, some of this could be avoided by reminding Children that when they see a nest with baby Birds in it, they are better being left in the nest for the Adult Bird to look after. A young Bird with feather found on the ground can be put back up in a tree, they are just learning to get around and while jumping from branch to branch at times they miss and end up on the ground, it will not upset the Adult Bird because you have touched its chick. Any teachers reading this can you please let the Children know not to go around the School grounds looking for baby’s in the nests and decide they need help, many small chicks that are taken from the nest too soon will only die in captivity, a good idea is contact the Recovery Centre first. We have received quite a few Kiwi over the past 6 weeks, some hit by cars others caught by Dogs, when walking your Dog please take notice of any Conservation signs asking that you keep your Dog under control. You would be surprised how many people say my Dog would never catch a Kiwi as it’s never seen one, a Kiwi has a scent that a Dog can smell 100 mtrs away, its too late after a Kiwi has been caught. With the influx of Birds over the next 5 months is also the time of year that we need your support, Food and Medication cost skyrocket which takes a big bite out of our funds, remember the Recovery Centre is run Voluntary so your support means a lot to us. When finding a Bird just keep it warm and quite until we can get them, please remember not to give an Injured Bird food or water as this in most cases will kill them, the stress is very high on any Bird when being captured by Humans. You can contact the Centre on 09.4381457 or 0276750564 for advice. We welcome your donation to help us continue with the important work of the centre. Our sponsors make the centre possible and we sincerely value their support. We have compiled some top tips on how you can help an injured animal. The award-winning **Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre Incorporated** has cared for and treated thousands of birds since 1st August 1992, when it was first established. 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We would like to thank Northpower for their renewal of their Sponsorship, this is what enables the Recovery Centre to keep going each year. We should not have to struggle each year when looking after our Native Birds, I see where thousand are found to look after the Kauri Trees, walking tracks, predator control and many other items, but who planted the trees in the Forest, yes, our Native Birds so where is the help for them. We must remember that the Native Birds were here long before man arrived, many of the injury’s that Birds sustain are man-made, humans call it progress, I wonder what the Birds call it. Most years I send an invitation to the Head people at DOC in Wellington to come and have a look at what the Recovery Centre is doing for Conservation for the past 30 years, I do get the odd reply saying the Minister would love to visit but that never happens. Some years ago I was asked to hand rear 12 Native Pigeon Chicks for the Department, this was a project that they were running to introduce the Pigeons back on the 3 Kings, after rearing them for 8 months they were taken to the 3 Kings for release, we never received a cent for the work we did and never found out how it all went, not even a letter of thanks. The funny part of this was at the start we received two plants in pots that were put in the cages to see if the Pigeon would touch them as they were very rare plants, ( Pennantia baylisiana ) Three Kings Island endemic complete with a registered number. After the Pigeons were taken away the 2 plants were still in the aviary’s, after 3 months the plants were looking very sad, I took them home and planted them in the Bush on our property where they started to look heathy again. Two years on I received a frantic call about these 2 very rare trees and did I still have them, I was pleased to say they were growing very well, the guy on the phone was thrilled and said they would come and pick them up, he nearly had a fit when I told him I have planted them at my place, this meant that since they had been planted they could not be removed, “O”Dear. I was asked that when they have seeds could I let them know so they could collect some, now that should be worth a bob or two for the Centre. We welcome your donation to help us continue with the important work of the centre. Our sponsors make the centre possible and we sincerely value their support. We have compiled some top tips on how you can help an injured animal. The award-winning **Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre Incorporated** has cared for and treated thousands of birds since 1st August 1992, when it was first established. 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This year we had CivilTrain, Rainbows Relics, Carters and Renovation Warehouse. There are many others as well so a very big thank you all from all of us at the Recovery Centre. Our open hours are the same everyday over Christmas, on the weekends only Robyn and I run the Centre and we like to catch up at our home and do a few other things which means we don’t get to the Centre before 5.00pm, Birds can still be put in the cages on the deck at the Centre and if you leave a contact number we will let you know how your Bird is getting on, by leaving your contact details it also means we know where the Bird will be released once its better. When phoning the Centre please leave a short message and contact number so we can get back to you, sometimes we are working outside and can’t get to the phone in time. When finding a Bird please just keep it warm and quiet, no food or water, this may sound strange, but all Birds have a very high stress level, so food or water will do more harm than good. If you have time, visit the recovery Centre and have a look around, you never know what we may have in at the time. Robyn and I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Safe and Happy New year. We welcome your donation to help us continue with the important work of the centre. Our sponsors make the centre possible and we sincerely value their support. We have compiled some top tips on how you can help an injured animal. The award-winning **Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre Incorporated** has cared for and treated thousands of birds since 1st August 1992, when it was first established. 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Welcome to the first Column for 2019, we were very busy over January Most Birds have finished nesting so now is a good time to check your chimney before winter comes around, I know winter is still some time away, but it could cost you big time if you light your fire and next thing you have a fire in your roof. The fireplace may still look new but the netting around the top will rust very quick. We have had a big run of Harrier Hawks that have been hit while feeding on the road, some of these Hawks have been run over deliberately, the Hawk does a great job cleaning road kill off the roads so please try to avoid them. The other Bird is the Pukeko and the chicks, if you see someone run any of these Birds try and get a rego number, time and location, then let me know. I know at times you can’t avoid hitting a Bird on the road, but some drivers take a delight on deliberately running them over, We receive an Australasian Bittern with damage to its hip, I took it to the Kamo vets to check it out and Sandra rang Massey university Wild life who said they would have a look at it, the Bittern is now at the top of the list as being endangered so we need to do what ever we can to help them. We have had a big run of baby Tui’s and Kingfishers, so far 21 tui chicks and 12 Kingfishers, This time of the year you will notice many of the Birds you see in your garden or trees like Black Birds, Thrush and Silver eyes, seem to disappear, they are still around but are now feeding on insects, they start to appear by the end of March. Its been great catching up with overseas Visitors who have visited us in the past or friends have recommended they visit the Centre. The baby Birds we have are a big hit with Visitors, our Baby Pook has been a big hit along with the Penguins. A big thank you to those that have been sending in Donations, this is what keeps the Centre going. We get very busy this time of the year so if you phone us please leave a message so we can get back to you as soon as we get a chance. We welcome your donation to help us continue with the important work of the centre. Our sponsors make the centre possible and we sincerely value their support. We have compiled some top tips on how you can help an injured animal. The award-winning **Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre Incorporated** has cared for and treated thousands of birds since 1st August 1992, when it was first established. 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A $7000 funding shortfall for a new rescue boat means the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre is unable to mount sea rescue operations for injured birds, including the iconic albatross. Bird Centre manager Robert Webb says the Centre had been without a boat now for three months, which was a cause of concern. “This time of year we start getting the big seabirds coming in after they get injured out at sea – it’s definitely not the time to be boatless. “Every day that we don’t have a rescue boat is potentially another day that we’re unable to help injured seabirds, especially the larger species such as albatross, giant petrel and mollymawk.  “Our previous boat served us well for 12 years but started leaking. Unfortunately, the cost of repairs was prohibitive for us, so we had no choice but to buy a new rescue boat.” Webb says while the Centre is able to meet a large proportion of the new boat costs – about $40,000 for a new 5.1 metre McLay boat, it is still short $7000 and has exhausted all funding avenues available through grants.  “Many of the grants we apply for don’t provide support for items such as rescue boats, so we’re really relying on the public to help us make up the “I can’t stress enough how important a rescue boat is for the Bird Centre. A common occurrence is rescuing shags with fishing gear wrapped around them as well as red-beaked gulls who often get themselves in trouble around the Marsden Point oil refinery.  “We’re also part of the area’s oil spill planning team and need to be able to respond quickly in the event of an oil spill.” As well as rescuing seabirds, the Centre uses a rescue boat for releasing birds further out to sea, particularly near the Hen and Chicken or Poor Knights islands.  “That’s where we release larger birds such as albatross, who like the deeper water and a ready supply of food,” says Webb. The bird centre cares for about 1500 birds a year, including 20 – 30 seabirds per month. To make a donation to the Bird Centre’s rescue boat fund via internet banking, visit its website: [**click here**](/contact-us). The award-winning **Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre** has cared for and treated thousands of birds since 1992, when it was first established. Centre founders Robert and Robyn Webb, who have over 30 years’ experience working with native birds, manage and run the centre with the help of a small committee of volunteers. The centre takes in all injured birds, both native and non-native, and where possible nurses the birds back to health for release into the wild. More than 60% of the birds that are brought into the centre are successfully released again. A special part of the centre is the Bayer incubation unit and kiwi recovery pens. This facility is used to incubate eggs found in the wild and also as a recovery area for injured kiwi. We welcome your donation to help us continue with the important work of the centre. Our sponsors make the centre possible and we sincerely value their support. We have compiled some top tips on how you can help an injured animal. The award-winning **Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre Incorporated** has cared for and treated thousands of birds since 1st August 1992, when it was first established. 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One question I get asked is how old Sparky is, my Kiwi, Sparky is now just over 15 years old, I received Sparky when he was around 2 months old. He has his own pen outside which has matured Native Trees in it, the leaves fall on the ground which makes it just like in the forest. We don’t have to spray water to keep the ground moist its all taken care of by nature. Each night he gets a bowel of food that is made up fresh each day, the Ox Hart meat is brought fresh every second day, this is why any food left over the next day is still really fresh, the ox hart looks just like new, the rule book says it must be frozen but if you do that by the next day the ox hart goes a very dark colour. When the meat is processed at the meat works it gets chilled before being sent out to the shops, the chilling gets rid of any bad bacteria so its ready to use when we buy it. My first Kiwi called Snoopy lived for just over 16year, like Sparky he never had a sick day in all those years, the reason Sparky died young was a powder that you mix with their food, most kiwi in captivity are not getting all the vitamins that they would get in the wild so the powder makes up for this loss. At the end Massey university found that the pre-mix was what caused Sparky’s death, the powder was modified and now this trouble has gone away. Before any away trip with Sparky I take his weight, after I return to the Centre his weight is recorded again, for the past 10 years his weight over the summer months is around 1500 grams, over winter this goes up to just over 1600 grams. This is a good weight for a male kiwi, after working with Kiwi for over 30 years you can tell if there is any stress on the Kiwi and you know what to look for. One thing I very rarely do is let people hold Sparky, and I never hold a Kiwi with their back to the ground, this something I hate seeing done, it’s not a normal position for any Kiwi and unless you are very skilled at this it can lead to hip damage if the Kiwi panics. Hope this answers some of the common questions asked about Sparky. We welcome your donation to help us continue with the important work of the centre. Our sponsors make the centre possible and we sincerely value their support. We have compiled some top tips on how you can help an injured animal. The award-winning **Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre Incorporated** has cared for and treated thousands of birds since 1st August 1992, when it was first established. 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A steep rise in the number of drunk wood pigeons (keruru) turning up at the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre has led manager Robert Webb to issue a warning – don’t offer the drunks anything to eat or drink. With native autumn forest fruits coming to an end, Webb says the wood pigeons start to come into residential areas to feed on guava berries. “They absolutely adore them and scoff them down as fast as they can. The problem is the berries sit in the bird’s crop where they ferment and turn into alcohol – the birds get bombed out of their brains and then fly into windows and cars, or simply fall out of trees.” The Centre currently has about 10 wood pigeons recovering from their drunken escapades and Webb says they’ve had about 25 come through in the last three weeks. “We usually get around 80 wood pigeons this time of year – we’re well into the drunken season.” With the number of drunks on the rise, Robert has firm advice for anyone finding a drunken wood pigeon. “The main thing is to not give them water or anything to eat. Most people think water is the best way to sober them up, but usually the bird is so stressed it spills the water, gets wet and then almost always catches pneumonia.  “Even though they may appear hungry and want to eat, this is often a reflex action caused by stress and is actually dangerous as they can get sick and then choke.” Webb advises that instead the wood pigeon should be put in a box with something soft to protect them and kept in a warm, quiet place before being taken to the Bird Centre. Just give us a call or leave the bird at our front door. We’ll take them to our rehab unit and get them sobered up before releasing the bird somewhere safe.” The Bird Centre can be contacted on [**09-438 1457**](tel:09-438 1457) or [info@nbr.org.nz](mailto: info@nbr.org.nz). We welcome your donation to help us continue with the important work of the centre. Our sponsors make the centre possible and we sincerely value their support. We have compiled some top tips on how you can help an injured animal. The award-winning **Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre Incorporated** has cared for and treated thousands of birds since 1st August 1992, when it was first established. 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Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre manager Robert Webb (QSM) says he couldn’t believe it and is “proud all round” to be named a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list. Webb has received the honour for his conservation and wildlife work at the Bird Centre, which he started 27 years ago. Over that period he has cared for tens of thousands of injured birds, including iconic species such as kiwi, keruru and albatross, the majority of which have been released back into the wild “It was a huge shock really, but I’m over the moon – it means people respect what we’ve done with at Centre. It’s also a big plus for the Centre as it raises our profile and hopefully draws more support.” Webb and his wife Robyn Webb spend most days at the Centre caring for injured birds, both native and non-native, and are supported by a group of volunteers. “I’ve never been paid for what I do – it’s completely voluntary,” says Webb. “Every year I ask for my pay to be doubled and our Board agrees – double nothing is still nothing. “But seriously, I couldn’t run the Centre without Robyn – it’s a shame she can’t be included in the Award too. Why do women always seem to miss out?” A former truck driver and welder, Webb has a lifelong fascination with birds. He initially started picking up injured hawks off the side of the road when driving trucks between Whangarei and Auckland.  Before long he was caring for 30 birds at home and word soon spread that he was the man to go to if you found an injured bird. With his fame growing, Webb found space in a disused building in the Whangarei Museum grounds where he could care for injured birds. Around the same time he suffered his own serious injury while working as a welder. A fall left him with severely crushed vertebrae and at times “bent over like a staple.” “I went onto ACC and was at a bit of a loss before deciding to follow my passion and start up the current Bird Centre where I could give something back to the community,” recalls Webb.  That was 25 years ago. The Centre quickly grew and now includes a surgical unit, incubation room for hatching kiwi eggs, recovery pens, education centre and a hospital. There are also aviaries for birds too badly injured to be released into the wild. It’s not just Webb who has become famous, but some of his patients too.  He had a Harrier hawk called Blue that he used to carry around on his arm without a glove to protect his arm. Then there was Rowdy the Kaka who suffered a badly damaged beak after being shot. Another well-known bird was Morris the Minah, who would go missing and turn up at the Poroti pub 15km away where the publican would joke that he didn’t serve minors. In recent years the Centre has gained international stardom with a talking tui called Woof Woof and the much-loved one-legged kiwi Snoopy who Webb would take around schools to help spread the conservation message. Snoopy’s work continues today with another one-legged kiwi called Sparky who Webb takes to corporates as well as schools in an effort to educate adults and raise funds for the Centre. Webb also hatches kiwi eggs which are brought in by the Department of Conservation. The chicks are grown to a healthy weight before being released. Often described as a ‘bird whisperer”, Webb believes certain people are good with certain animals.  “I’ve always believed humans have a magnetic field or aura about them that animals can see. When a hawk comes in, I can handle it without gloves. I’m lucky to have that built into me.” As for the future, Webb (73) says there is no time to retire just now. With the Centre receiving more than 1300 birds a year, life is simply too busy and the birds too important. “Both Robyn and I are dedicated to doing this. Who’s going to help the birds if we don’t? “We get too much enjoyment from the birds to retire. Putting birds back into the wild is something special. Seeing a bird come into the Centre, making it safe and then seeing it fly away again – you feel you achieved something in life…and that’s the biggest reward.” The award-winning **Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre** has cared for and treated thousands of birds since 1992, when it was first established (25 years on its current site). Centre founders Robert and Robyn Webb, who have over 30 years’ experience working with native birds, manage and run the centre with the help of a small committee of volunteers. The centre takes in all injured birds, both native and non-native, and where possible nurses the birds back to health for release into the wild. More than 60% of the birds that are brought into the centre are successfully released again. A special part of the centre is the Bayer incubation unit and kiwi recovery pens. This facility is used to incubate eggs found in the wild and also as a recovery area for injured kiwi. We welcome your donation to help us continue with the important work of the centre. Our sponsors make the centre possible and we sincerely value their support. We have compiled some top tips on how you can help an injured animal. The award-winning **Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre Incorporated** has cared for and treated thousands of birds since 1st August 1992, when it was first established. 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A spate of dog attacks on kiwi is being called a “smack in the face” by Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre manager Robert Web. He is treating the latest victim, a male brown kiwi from Kerikeri, and looking after it’s unhatched offspring – a 12-day egg, which is in the Bird Centre’s incubation unit. “Landowners found the kiwi and after having a look around found its nest with the egg in it, which is just as well as the egg would not have survived without its dad to look after it. “Dog attacks are incredibly frustrating. Teams of people are out there doing their best to save these birds and in one night their efforts can be wiped out – it’s a real smack in the face.” The Kerikeri dog attack follows the mauling to death of several Northland kiwi in recent weeks – including one Webb had nursed back to health. “Kiwi suffering from the drought were moved to Northland from Motuora Island in Auckland. The Bird Centre cared for two of them, got them eating again and well enough to be released on the Whangarei Heads, but unfortunately one was soon caught by a dog and killed – it’s heartbreaking.” Webb lays the blame for the attacks firmly with dog owners. “You take your dog into a forest and let it off, it’s clearly not going to chase rabbits – it’s going to chase after kiwi if there’s any around – a dog can smell a kiwi 100 metres away. “People need to take time to stop and think – are there kiwi in the area, if you don’t know then call the Department of Conservation and ask – it’s not difficult.” Webb also points to dogs not being tied up at night and allowed to roam as another reason for attacks.  With so many dog attacks, Webb is calling for an education programme for dog owners, particularly dog aversion training, which trains dogs to avoid kiwi.  “The number of times I’ve heard people say, ‘my dog would never harm a kiwi, they’ve never even seen one’, and then be completely surprised when their dog kills a kiwi. Kiwi don’t have a breastbone, so there is no protection from a dog bite – they get crushed immediately, usually fatally. “An education programme, including dog aversion training is more important than ever if we’re going to reverse the decline of our national icon.” In the meantime, Webb expects the kiwi at the Bird Centre to make a full recovery. Its offspring will remain in the Centre’s incubation unit where it will take another 70 days to hatch. We welcome your donation to help us continue with the important work of the centre. Our sponsors make the centre possible and we sincerely value their support. We have compiled some top tips on how you can help an injured animal. The award-winning **Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre Incorporated** has cared for and treated thousands of birds since 1st August 1992, when it was first established. Copyright © 2026 Native Bird Recovery All rights reserved Made with ♥ by 1768degrees.com Whangarei Web Design and SEO Specialists. - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](/about-us "About Us") - [Webcams](/webcams "Webcams") - [Bird Tales](/bird-tales "Bird Tales") - [Education](/education "Education") - [Gallery](/gallery "Gallery") - [News](/news "News") - [Contact Us](/contact-us "Contact Us") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](/about-us "About Us") - [Webcams](/webcams "Webcams") - [Bird Tales](/bird-tales "Bird Tales") - [Education](/education "Education") - [Gallery](/gallery "Gallery") - [News](/news "News") - [Contact Us](/contact-us "Contact Us") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](/about-us "About Us") - [Webcams](/webcams "Webcams") - [Bird Tales](/bird-tales "Bird Tales") - [Education](/education "Education") - [Gallery](/gallery "Gallery") - [News](/news "News") - [Contact Us](/contact-us "Contact Us") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](/about-us "About Us") - [Webcams](/webcams "Webcams") - [Bird Tales](/bird-tales "Bird Tales") - [Education](/education "Education") - [Gallery](/gallery "Gallery") - [News](/news "News") - [Contact Us](/contact-us "Contact Us") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](/about-us "About Us") - [Webcams](/webcams "Webcams") - [Bird Tales](/bird-tales "Bird Tales") - [Education](/education "Education") - [Gallery](/gallery "Gallery") - [News](/news "News") - [Contact Us](/contact-us "Contact Us") --- ## URL: https://www.nbr.org.nz/long-road-to-recovery-for-lucky-kiwi ### Title: Long road to recovery for lucky kiwi ### Page ID: 5599558 ### Content: ### Become a Friend ## Key Sponsors ## FOUND AN INJURED BIRD? After nine months of extensive care and rehab, a young female North Island brown kiwi is getting closer to being released back into the wild. The one and a half years old kiwi was brought into the Whangarei Native Bird Centre just before Christmas after being hit by a car in Russell.  Bird Centre manager Robert Webb says the kiwi had a twisted neck and for a long while could not walk. “She had a really bad balance problem and fell over all the time. We had scans done, but couldn’t find anything – we’re putting her problem down to muscle damage.” After months of rehabilitation and a hearty diet of oxheart, peas, corn, banana, sultanas and worms, the kiwi has put on weight and is starting to walk properly. “She now walks quite well, but still falls over every now and then,” says Robert. “Some may wonder why we have kept the kiwi for so long – she’s still not ready for release back into the wild, but has a nice clean coat and is putting on weight, which is a good sign. We have learned a lot with this kiwi and look forward to her release date.” All going well, the kiwi will be ready for release in another month or so. We welcome your donation to help us continue with the important work of the centre. Our sponsors make the centre possible and we sincerely value their support. We have compiled some top tips on how you can help an injured animal. The award-winning **Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre Incorporated** has cared for and treated thousands of birds since 1st August 1992, when it was first established. 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A cheeky kaka named Rascal is still battered and bruised but getting a little better each week thanks to the team at the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre. They’ve had the juvenile bird, thought to be about two-years-old, for about five weeks after it was found in the middle of a road near Wellsford.  Bird Centre manager Robert Webb says Rascal was probably hit by a car and received “severe hip and leg damage. “He’s starting to use his leg again, but we need to make sure the bruising is totally gone before we release him back in to the wild.  “The bird’s legs play an important role, especially when hanging upside in trees to get at food, so he needs to be fully operational.” Webb says kaka have been driven out of the mainland by predators and now mainly survive on offshore islands. “They’re slowly starting to come back and we often see a few this time of year. Department pest eradication programmes have also helped, particularly out at Whangarei Heads where rats and mice used to be a real problem.” Webb believes Rascal probably originated from the Hen and Chicks islands, which is where he’ll be released when he’s fully recovered.  In the meantime, he’s enjoying the Bird Centre’s hospitality and feasting on a healthy diet of various nuts, dried apricots, plums, apples, bananas and his particular favourite – pine nuts.  We welcome your donation to help us continue with the important work of the centre. Our sponsors make the centre possible and we sincerely value their support. We have compiled some top tips on how you can help an injured animal. The award-winning **Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre Incorporated** has cared for and treated thousands of birds since 1st August 1992, when it was first established. 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A newborn kiwi chick found dehydrated and disorientated in a Riponui farmer’s paddock is recovering well and putting on weight under the care of the team at the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre. Named Bruce by the farming couple that found him, the chick was losing weight rapidly when brought into the Bird Centre. Bird Centre manager Robert Webb says it’s concerning that dry conditions are already having an impact on kiwi before summer has started.  “If it can’t find water in the bush, a kiwi will walk into a paddock at night and rub its beak from left to right across the dew on the grass. It will then lift its head and drink the water stuck to its beak.  “Sometimes they don’t make it home in time when the sun comes up, so they curl up into a ball in the middle of the paddock.  “Bruce is very lucky the famer was being observant and found him – he would have died otherwise.” Robert believes Bruce was about seven-days-old when he was brought in as he still had a dry patch on his body where his umbilical cord was attached. “Most kiwi weigh around 300g when they hatch. Bruce got down to about 228g, but is starting to gain weight now – he put on 40g in one night after a feed of worms.” Robert says once Bruce gets up to around 400g he will be released back to the Riponui farm where he was found. “A lot of kiwi conservation work has been done in the area, particularly predator control with the use of 1080 and poison bait stations. Six or seven years ago, Bruce would have been killed by a stoat before he could make it to a paddock.” If you find a kiwi during the day contact the Department of Conservation or the team at the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre the sooner the better.  We welcome your donation to help us continue with the important work of the centre. Our sponsors make the centre possible and we sincerely value their support. We have compiled some top tips on how you can help an injured animal. The award-winning **Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre Incorporated** has cared for and treated thousands of birds since 1st August 1992, when it was first established. 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