<\/p>\n
\nThreatened black-billed gulls nest on the rooftops in T\u016brangi town centre.
\nPhoto: Supplied \/ DOC\n<\/p>\n
Black-billed gulls are once again nesting on the rooftops in T\u016brangi town centre.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
This year, the Department of Conservation said only 15 had decided to make the town centre their temporary home since November.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
However, she encouraged the public not to feed them – either actively or by leaving food unattended – to continue to deter them away.<\/p>\n
“Feeding them just encourages them to continue using the town centre, where they cause problems by pooing everywhere and squawking a lot.<\/p>\n
“People might not be aware, but even small actions like not feeding birds count as naturing, and help to protect the nature we love.”<\/p>\n
Tunnicliffe said the Department of Conservation was hoping for a less eventful season.<\/p>\n
“We expect to see hatching any time now, and fledging should start toward the end of January.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
While she said the community would be pleased to see only a small number of black-billed gulls in T\u016brangi, the Department of Conservation was not sure where the rest of the population had gone.<\/p>\n
“If you do come across black-billed gulls nesting elsewhere around Taup\u014d, please contact us at turangi@doc.govt.nz.”<\/p>\n