Two eggs in an oystercatcher nest, and DoC ranger Pat Liddy next to the nest (images: A Ballance)
If you go to almost any beach in New Zealand, chances are you'll see an oystercatcher or two wandering around. Same goes in the Chathams, except out there they have their own special oystercatcher that needs a helping hand from time to time. Department of Conservation ranger Pat Liddy takes Alison Ballance to Wharekauri Beach to see a conservation success story in action.
Pair of oystercatchers on Wharekauri Beach, sign alerting people to oystercatcher nesting area, and dead pilot whale (images: A. Ballance)