Auckland Waikato Fish & Game Council Mallard/Grey Duck Banding Schedule 2024

This is an invitation for volunteers to help with the banding of birds.

Sometimes a banding weekend may be delayed or even shifted if bird numbers have yet to build. Please RSVP your intentions to be sure you’re in the loop so we can update you.

Sometimes a banding weekend may be delayed or even shifted if bird numbers have yet to build.  

• Start: 8:00am on weekdays and Saturdays. 8:30am on Sundays. 
• Kids very welcome if supervised. In fact, lots of little jobs for them to do and a posted certificate afterwards, (their name & mailing address required).
• Ducks have blunt bills so kids will come to no harm. In fact, it can be quite an experience for them handling live birds.
• DoC Banding Office log-books signed off to confirm attendance of trainee banders.
• For maps to any of these sites, just email John Dyer - jdyer@fishandgame.org.nz.
• An RSVP will assist our planning.
• Usually, we go ahead whatever the weather. But if it is called off for some reason, we can’t tell you if we’re not expecting you.
• Bring sunscreen, a raincoat, water, snacks and hat. Long-pants suggested, (ducks have somewhat scratchy feet).
• Hand-wash will be available.
• Choose a site/s and date/s that best suits you.
• The usual Covid precautions apply. If you are feeling unwell or have recently tested positive, please stay at home this time.  We hope to see you when you are feeling much better next time.

Locations and dates

Parakai:

Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 January 2024.

Farm belonging to Wendy Young, 33 South Head Road, Parakai.  Meet outside house.  If late, we are in the paddock opposite where you can also park. 

Late and/or lost: ring John Dyer 0210 243 0015.

Paeroa, Hauraki Plains. 

Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 January 2024.

1244 Hauraki Road, Netherton RD1. Paeroa. 3671.

Drive well past cowshed straight down race until you see vehicles in the paddocks.  Mind the owners dogs on the race entrance.

Late and/or lost: ring David Klee 021 300 183.

Glen Murray, (west of Te Kauwhata/Rangiriri across 1-lane Waikato River bridge).

Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 January 2024.

Farm belonging to Mr Colin Sherrard, 912 Glen Murray Road, Rangiriri.  Assemble at the top of the farm track first.  If late, we are down the main farm track, up and over the hill, where you can also park.

Late and/or lost: ring David Klee 021 300 183.

Aka Aka

Saturday 20 and Sunday 21January 2024

Sands’ family farm. 648 Aka Aka Road, Franklin.  We are 360m down the straight track, look for entry sign by 1^st shed on right and park in paddock adjoining.  

Late and/or lost: ring John Dyer 0210 243 0015.

Wellsford

Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 February 2024.

Ron’s Pond.  Borrows Road, (off Whangaripo Valley Road, off Matheson Rd.  Matheson Road starts at the top of the town, going off SH1, Wellsford by the Community Centre).

Along Borrows Road we are the 2^nd track on the right, (with 37 and a blue arrow on a sign on the post.  Follow the arrow).  Meet & park at cowshed. If late, walk down the track by turning hard left, past the cowshed double-gates.  We are under 400m along this track.  Please leave gate shut if you found it that way and please don’t block gate access for large farm machinery. Leave your car at the cowshed as there is no parking along track.

Late and/or lost: ring John Dyer 0210 243 0015.

Te Awamutu

Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 February 2024:

Two sites in Paterangi, west of Te Awamutu:

First site:  Meet at Ellis Finch property, 972 Paterangi Road, Te Awamutu.  Dairy number “73654” by entry gate: Assemble in yard first.

Afterwards, meet at Peter Shaw property, 1311 Paterangi Road, Te Awamutu, (opposite Paterangi School):

Late and/or lost: ring David Klee 021 300 183.