The Eastern Bays Songbird Project carries out pest trapping, weed control, and monitoring in parks and reserves throughout the Ōrākei and Maungakieie-Tāmaki Local Board areas. A recent bird count across 28 parks and reserves in Auckland’s eastern bays area has seen a 32 per cent increase in the native bird population since 2018. Volunteers trap in 30 reserves across 13 suburbs.

There are also 4,500 locals trapping in their gardens, thanks to the organisation.

The group has implemented a biannual monitoring programme to track progress, including pest surveys at 11 sites and bird counts in 28 parks and reserves. Currently, one of the biggest challenges is managing pest plants.

If you’re interested in volunteering at your local park in the Ōrākei or Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board area, find out more on the Eastern Bays Songbird Project website.

More here.

Image: Auckland Council