Ever seen the Australasian Bittern, also known as matuku-hūrepo? These birds play a vital role keeping our wetlands healthy, but sadly, they didn't even make it into the top 10 of New Zealand's recent Bird of the Century.

These incredible birds used to gather in big groups, but now spotting even one is like finding a needle in a haystack. Matuku are true wetland dwellers, dining on eels, frogs, fish, and insects. Standing tall at 70cm, their brown-grey feathers let them blend into the reeds like undercover agents. When startled, they strike a pose, freezing in place to hide.

But their homes have been under attack. Wetland drainage and habitat clearing have hit them hard. And to top it off, pests like rats, stoats, and cats raid their nests. It's tough being a Bittern these days.

And in the recent judicial review, which Love Te Arai have been leading, our Bitterns and Fairy Terns were much mentioned.

Here’s how you can help:

Respect their space — stick to designated paths near wetlands and If you spot wildlife, leash your dog and lead it away.

Pest control is a game-changer. By trapping pests away from wetlands, we create safe zones for Bitterns and move closer to making Aotearoa Predator Free by 2050. This is one of the many reasons our team help Auckland Council and Forest Bridge Trust trap pests around the area. You can help by setting up pest control at your home - a few rat traps help alot!

A survey in our local area has just been launched, so if you hear a bittern booming in the next 4 months, please email or phone:

Alex Flavell-Johnson, Project Co-ordinator, Conservation Coast

Ph: 0210659969

alex.fj@windowslive.com

If you want to hear what Bitterns sound like, or read more about these fascinating animals, then check out this website https://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/australasian-bittern.

Let’s be superheroes for these shy wetland guardians. Together, we can protect their homes, ensuring the survival of these magnificent birds for generations to come.

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