Cameras will be set up in the forests near Reefton after some "curious activity" was noted in the search for the South Island kokako, thought to be extinct.
A $10,000 reward is still on offer for confirmation the bird is still alive.
The initial $5000 reward offered in January by the South Island Kokako Charitable Trust generated 40 reports of possible encounters, and interest from around the world. The Morgan Foundation then matched the $5000 reward.
To claim the $10,000, claimants must provide evidence needed to confirm the bird’s existence.
Trust spokeswoman Inger Perkins said this week it received a couple of "good reports" recently, from the Ahaura area and 50km east of there inthe Nina Valley.
A community trapping project set up near Reefton and the Oceana Gold site at Globe Progress about three years ago because of the possibility of kokako in that area had not yet found any evidence of the bird.
Volunteers had observed moss grubbing activity, apparently unlike anything made by other birds or creatures.
"A couple of the volunteers will be putting two trail cameras out soon. The cameras will be set up to try to find out what’s doing it," Ms Perkins said.
- Laura Mills
