Our first day back
in Lincoln was a well welcomed sunny one. Compared to the grey and wet west coast,
we were all pretty happy to be back on campus and shed off a few layers. The
first stop of the day was to meet Dr. Colin Meurk and his PhD student at Travis
Wetland. This area used to be dairy land and in the 1990s there was talk of
filling in the wetlands for housing. Thankfully, in 1997 the City Council
acquired the land and set up the nature heritage park we now know as Travis
Wetland. Hundreds of birds call this place home and we were fortunate guests.
We all walked the 2.5-mile perimeter of the wetlands, noting the various plant
species and birds that we encountered on our journey.
Today, we were conducting
bird surveys to get a better idea of the avian species that inhabit this
other-worldly dwelling. Everyone paired up and conducted either a point count,
standing in one area and identifying and counting every bird you see in a
10-minute time frame, or a count on a transect, looking in one direction for 20
meters and then in the other for the same amount of time while identifying and
counting all birds within the area. It is very important that birds flying over
or through your area were ignored for the survey.
Conducting a bird count.
Just one of the data sheets completed on the transect for the bird count.
Our next stop was at New
Brighton Beach. Dr. Meurk pointed out the exotic grasses, that were originally introduced
by Europeans, and how they were still dominating these coastal areas. After dipping
our toes in the icy Pacific water, we ran across the street to the playground and
instantly became kids again. This particular playground was home to the
infamous Flying Fox, a zipline type of ride. Sadly, it was not functioning today
but we all still made use of the giant climbing tree, see-saw, slides, and swings.
All of us at New Brighton Beach.
Giant climbing tree at the playground.
Next, Dr. Meurk took us to the Red Zone, an area highly affected by the liquefaction
caused by the 2010-2011 earthquakes. The entire area used to be suburbia, but
after the houses were deemed un-liveable the government had to set up a
department responsible for managing the evacuation of the area, removal of houses,
and turning it into a parkland environment. Dr. Meurk also explained to us how
the land is managed currently is not ideal. Extensive mowing and spraying of
plants are actually discouraging the growth of native seedlings and encouraging
the growth of various weeds.
The Red Zone, previously all suburbia, is now a parkland environment.
Dr. Meurk pointing out that extensive mowing and sprawing
has caused a severe decrease in growth of native coprosma.
Our very last stop of the day was at the Avon
Heathcote Estuary. This area is also a huge habitat for waterfowl and migratory
species. The estuary actually opened up the area and allowed high tide to come
in and be a more suitable habitat for these birds.
The class at Avon Heathcote Estuary.
The water was alive with birds
and seemed so picturesque with the setting sun casting its golden hue on the
landscape. We all finally piled back into the Gator Waka satisfied with our experiences
of the day and eager for what tomorrow will bring.
- Tatiana
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