Takahe in Fiordland (1 Viewer)

[Larry Sweetland]

A trip report I have read mentions that it is still possible to see Takahe in the Murchison range with luck.

Anyone know more specifically where to search, whether the area is accessible to the public, and if we can get there, how much luck we'll need to bring along?

Anyone on BF actually seen them there, or know of anyone who has?

cheers

Larry

 

[Chlidonias]

I'd be interested in what the trip report actually says. The area where takahe are found in the Murchison Mts has been closed to the public since 1949. A permit is required to access the area, and the only possible ways in are by hiking or helicopter. Mostly permits are issued for people involved with DoC in some way, although cavers and such can also go in (though possibly only as part of a guided group)

EDIT: just found the trip report you've seen. I think the author is being overly optimistic (shall we say) in how he phrases his throw-away line

 

[Larry Sweetland]

Thanks for clearing that one up Chlidonias, it's, er , perhaps a trifle more tricky than I'd dared to hope then.

PS. I see you like Ground Parrots, I do too...now...but was far from keen on them until a couple of months ago, as my girlfriend had seen one and I hadn't!

 

[Chlidonias]

I saw my ground parrots at Melaleuca, Tasmania, in November 2007. I saw six in total over two days. Most were the typical flush-and-fly-away ones, but two paused to let me look at them. The best one flushed from the right side of the track I was on, flew straight up and landed on the left side about two feet away from me -- then just sat there on the ground and looked at me, tilting its head to the side to try and figure out what I was all about!!! And the lens on my camera was too long to get any photos of it because it was too close!!! Until I see a kakapo I suspect the ground parrot will remain my all time favourite bird seen in the wild.

 

[okaritoian]

Larry - I heard about your Great Spot Kiwi adventure the following night from our great night. The Great Spots are a difficult bird to find !
Ian