Vineyard flying squad of NZ falcons celebrates first year

Two fierce predators on the loose in south Wairarapa have endeared themselves so much to wine producers that they’re introducing three more. The New Zealand bush falcons, or karearea, will be brought to Martinborough in December, after a successful trial last year designed to reduce the damage done by starlings and other pest birds to the region’s grapes. About 80 per cent of falcon hatchlings are killed in their first year by introduced predators, illegal hunting, cold winters or flying into powerlines or fences.