FMC Photo competition 2020: Slideshow of entries
The winners of the 2020 FMC photo competition were announced in November’s Backcountry. If you haven’t had a chance to see them yet, you can find them on our website.
Each year, FMC provides slideshows of all the entries to our competition; many clubs enjoy an evening playing “guess the location” or simply having them playing in the background at the end of a meeting.
You can download the slideshows from the FMC Archives. Continue reading
A hoiho reflects on their year in the spotlight
In 2019, hoiho/yellow-eyed penguin was crowned Bird of the Year – the first seabird to win in 14 years.
With kākāpō now elected as 2020 Bird of the Year, we travelled down to the Otago Peninsula and sat down with a hoiho. We asked them how their year in the spotlight went, and what they’re looking forward to once they hand over their title. Continue reading
Dunstan Downs pastoral lease tenure review
Dunstan Downs pastoral lease in Central Otago is currently undergoing tenure review. Straddling the transition between Canterbury and Otago in terms of local governance and natural values, this 12,351.4 hectare Crown pastoral lease stretches from the Ahuriri River in the north, to near Lindis Pass in the west, and to the 2,088-metre Mt St Bathans in the south. On the Wether, Dunstan, and St Bathans ranges, much of the property covers full ridge-to-valley altitudinal sequences. The pastoral lease includes part of the iconic Lindis Pass area as well as Ahuriri riverside land. Continue reading
A new live cam brings you into the nest with kororā
The 24/7 live stream lets viewers peek inside the lives of a nesting pair of little penguins/kororā. On the stream, you’ll see the pair prepare for the breeding season, incubate their eggs and care for their chicks.
These birds are easily disturbed by humans, so the live stream is a perfect way to experience them up close while giving them the space they need. Continue reading
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Kia Ora, Looking forward to longer, sunnier days, summer and getting out and about in Aotearoa more. Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) has recently launched Te Kaupapa a Te Papa Atawhai, its new organisational strategy. This puts nature and people at … Continue reading
See nature through new eyes
Conservation Week 2020 encouraged everyone to enjoy a fresh perspective on nature – to see nature through new eyes.
“This is an opportunity for people to take time to immerse themselves in nature and reconnect with it. Papatūānuku’s wellbeing is our wellbeing. Take a little time in nature for your wellbeing, and if you can, give a little back to nature for its wellbeing.” – Lou Sanson.
You can engage with Conservation Week activities online or by exploring your own backyard.
Continue reading
One more month to apply for a 2020 FMC Expedition Scholarship or a Training Grant
FMC is proud to offer Youth Expedition Scholarships for the 10th year running, and the Simon Bell Memorial Scholarship for the 5th consecutive year.
For information on how to apply, and to check your eligibility criteria, see www.fmc.org.nz/scholarship/ Continue reading
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Kia Ora,
Winter is here and it seems almost like we’ve been in enforced hibernation for March April and most of May with the CO-Vid 19 pandemic. Been through levels 3 to 4 and back down the scale to 3 2 and now 1; it’s been a bit like a roller coaster. Light at the end of the tunnel though and well done, each and every New Zealander, for doing the best they possibly can through the lockdown and continuing on for a while longer. Continue reading
Parenting 101 with our rarest bird
With a population of 40, every fairy tern/tara iti egg and chick counts. So every summer, a small team of dedicated rangers and volunteers go into full alert at the slightest hint of a summer storm, or king tide, in order to protect our most endangered bird.
Recently, the team saved one chick from certain death, taking on the role of both Mum and Dad to help the chick survive. From emulating an environment where the chick could learn to hunt and be independent, to becoming portable field brooders sharing body heat to warm the chick up!
Continue reading
2020 FMC Expedition Scholarship applications are open
FMC is proud to offer Youth Expedition Scholarships for the 10th year running, and the Simon Bell Memorial Scholarship for the 5th consecutive year.
For information on how to apply, and to check your eligibility criteria, see www.fmc.org.nz/scholarship/
For any queries, e-mail our executive officer at eo@fmc.org.nz.
Applications close at 5pm on Friday 18 September 2020. Continue reading
