In response to L M Tindill’s letter (Times, April 5), I too have observed the absence of the kereru in the Mangemangeroa Reserve.
The last sighting was on Christmas Day, but since the Anniversary Weekend storm and Cyclone Gabrielle, they have not been spotted. During the Howick bird count at the beginning of March, I was disappointed not to see any kereru, and I suspect that the drought the previous year, which affected the taraire, a food source for the kereru, may have had an impact.
However, there is some hope as I did spot two flying overhead in late March, so hopefully, they will return.
Marion Skelton
Chairperson The Friends of Mangemangeroa
