Green bundles of magic: the breeding season is upon us
A friend of mine and kind sponsor of our project refers to the parakeets as “green bundles of magic” and I always think about this name when Im heading to the field. This morning I’m packing field gear for the first field trip of the 2009-2010 breeding season on Motuihe, Motutapu and Tiritiri Matangi Islands. There has been some breeding activity recorded by visitors on the islands (pairs perching close to nesting holes, courtship calls etc.), and also the weather finally feels summery with some cicadas calling away and more hours of sunlight….so the conditions are right! Tomorrow morning, me and two keen volunteers will spend a few hours in a forested gully hoping to find active nests on Motutapu Island. Then, on monday the 30th I really hope to see at least one egg inside active nests….you see, it is my Birthday on the 30th and for the last five breeding seasons I’ve always found at least a parakeet egg. I like to think is a little present for me from the green bundles of magic. 
