Birds and Birding's Guide to:

Watching THE KIWIS, OR WINGLESS BIRDS OF NEW ZEALAND

Kiwis of Stewart Island

The Kiwis of Stewart Island were fast approaching extinction, but as the island has recently been set aside as a sort of game preserve, it is possible that it may survive for many years. The following entertaining account of its habits is by a Mr. Marklund, who was a resident collector before the island was protected by law. He says: “

At the end of July I came down from the hills, and on this trip I found that the Kiwi were moving down to the lower country, probably for nesting purposes. After some practice with a leaf of wild flax held ina certain position between my two thumbs I can fairly well imitate their cry.

I have discovered that the best time for these birds is a moonlight night, with a sky -somewhat overcast. If it is too light, the birds will not leave the scrub. They also object to rainy weather.

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