There's plenty to see and do at the estuary.
The estuary walkway provides beautiful views, and there are signs along the way providing information about some of the birds you might see.
There is a lot of interesting wildlife at the estuary. As well as birds, the estuary is also home to some interesting plants and is an important habitat for native fish.
The Manawatū Estuary Trust enjoys giving people the opportunity to learn more about this amazing environ
Many thanks to Jonathon Gribble for allowing use of photograph and Horizons for producing the map
The population status of Fernbirds is now on the increase due in part to concentrated pest control efforts which has allowed birds to be re-introduced to areas that previously held populations. The closest being Pauatahanui Wildlife Reserve where, with a little effort, they are relatively easy to observe. It is a success story for pest control and relocations.
Fernbird Flats at the estuary has a robust pest control regime, and it is planned to do a survey in the near future to assess current populations in the area, not only Fernbird Flats but other sites where recorded.
More often seen than heard it is a fairly drab brown speckled bird with a long tail which, because of its preferred habitat of wetland scrub is unlikely to be confused with any other species.
Distribution is throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, including some of the islands but is a little patchy and their abundance, or otherwise is governed by suitable habitat being available. Wetland and surrounding areas have been much reduced in recent times, but it is hoped the interest in reversing this trend will benefit the species recovery.
Diet consists mainly of insects but occasionally some seed and berries.
Mātātā/New Zealand Fernbird Poodytes punctatus
Endemic. At risk-declining.
The Fernbird is one of the estuaries special birds that has a limited but concentrated distribution at the estuary The main population being at the aptly named Fernbird Flats which is an out of the way area that is relatively undisturbed.
