Falcon researcher Dr Donna Falconer (photographed by a
motion-activated camera) uses a walking pole to protect
herself from attacking falcons, at Ferintosh Station, near
Mt Cook. Photo supplied.
There is no room for complacency over the future of the
endangered New Zealand falcon, researcher and falcon advocate
Dr Donna Falconer says.
Dr Falconer, who recently gained a University of Otago PhD in
geology, and has had her distinctive name since birth,
swiftly found herself inspired by a series of close
encounters with New Zealand falcons after moving to Twizel
six years ago.
Her subsequent research and close-up photography involving
falcons will feature in a talk she will give at the Orokonui
Ecosanctuary at 1pm tomorrow.
Dr Falconer said she was seriously considering going back to
Otago University to study for another PhD, on these birds.
It was a good time to be raising awareness about the karearea
or New Zealand falcon, as the latest season's fledglings were
''starting to make themselves known''.
Chicks from the Eastern falcon subtype, in the mid/southern
South Island, started fledging from early December until the
middle of this month and were easy to tell from their parents
because they had white/grey feet and soft fleshy body parts,
whereas adults were all yellow.
Two of the biggest threats inexperienced falcons faced were
being electrocuted by power lines or hit by cars when eating
Falcons were ''a bit of a double-edged sword'' where
ecosanctuaries were concerned.
''As majestic as they are, it's only natural they'd put all
those incredible hunting skills to good use given the
veritable smorgasbord of fine dining opportunities at their
wing tips in such places.''
Orokonui Ecosanctuary general manager Chris Baillie said two
falcons and a hawk overflew the ecosanctuary from time to
She was not aware of having lost any birds or other animals
through falcon predation, and birds and lizards had places to
hide if needed.
''Falcons are part of the ecosystem- they deserve
conservation as much as any other native species.''