Christchurch City Council is calling on dog walkers to help protect the hundreds of nesting birds that inhabit wetlands and reserves across the city.
Some dog owners may not be aware that birds are nesting and raising chicks during spring along many of the city's popular scenic walkways and beaches, such as the Avon-Heathcote Ihutai Estuary. That is why it’s important dog owners use a lead in these area, says city council ornithologist Andrew Crossland.
"Spring and early summer is the peak breeding time for birds and because most of them nest on the ground or in low vegetation they’re very vulnerable to losing their eggs and their chicks being eaten," Crossland said.
"If a bird is disturbed by a person or animal it gets off the nest and moves away. If it’s off the nest for more than ten minutes on a hot, sunny day the eggs will cook – and they’ll die.
"Mum and dad bird come back to the nest and don’t realise. The eggs are still intact but they’re dead. As a consequence they waste an entire breeding season sitting on rotten eggs.
"It’s a vicious cycle. When the bird sees the dog, its instinct is to fly away. When the dog sees the bird flying, its instinct is to chase. As well as the chase instinct, the dog's incredible sense of smell enables them to follow a trail right to where the birds are nesting."
Dog owners can help enormously by planning ahead, taking the lead and making sure they respect any restrictions in place.
Said council animal services manager Lionel Bridger: "It’s about learning to share the outdoor spaces we all love.
"Dog owners are kaitiaki to all living things. Plan ahead, so you can give your dog a great walk while also protecting our nesting birds and biodiversity," Bridger said.
"Explore different spaces at different times of the year and please report wildlife in distress if you see it."
Find out where you and your dog can exercise off-leash together here.
