Threatened black-billed gulls nest on the rooftops in Tūrangi town centre.
Photo: Supplied / DOC
Black-billed gulls are once again nesting on the rooftops in Tūrangi town centre.
A large colony of 150 of the threatened birds had nested there in 2023 – leaving a generous layer of guano on cars, rooftops and around businesses.
This year, the Department of Conservation said only 15 had decided to make the town centre their temporary home since November.
Ranger Sarah Tunnicliffe said businesses have had streamers and sprinklers on the rooftops to scare the birds away, so only a few determined stragglers had returned.
However, she encouraged the public not to feed them – either actively or by leaving food unattended – to continue to deter them away.
“Feeding them just encourages them to continue using the town centre, where they cause problems by pooing everywhere and squawking a lot.
“People might not be aware, but even small actions like not feeding birds count as naturing, and help to protect the nature we love.”
Tunnicliffe said the Department of Conservation was hoping for a less eventful season.
“We expect to see hatching any time now, and fledging should start toward the end of January.
“Hopefully none of the hatched chicks wander into the post-shop this time! But if you do come across one of the little fuzzballs wandering the town centre, please contact us on 0800 DOC HOT.”
While she said the community would be pleased to see only a small number of black-billed gulls in Tūrangi, the Department of Conservation was not sure where the rest of the population had gone.
“If you do come across black-billed gulls nesting elsewhere around Taupō, please contact us at turangi@doc.govt.nz.”
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