Be on the rook out – but don’t shoot
Don’t shoot at rooks - it can make them harder to control
Once eradicated in Marlborough, rooks have been spotted a number of times by local farmers and contractors over the past few years.
Council’s Biosecurity Manager Liam Falconer urges the public to report any sightings of this pest to prevent them establishing here.
“These introduced birds are intelligent, but destructive. They are capable of stripping crops and ripping up paddocks. If you see a glossy black bird similar in size to a magpie, with a slight purple tint, let us know immediately,” he said
If you do see a rook, do not shoot at it as it can reduce the chances of successfully controlling them, he said.
“Rooks are smart birds and learn very quickly to avoid control methods. They become very wary of any shooting. Therefore, controlling rooks is a specialised activity which Council will undertake,” he said.
The last active rookery in Marlborough was eradicated in 2006. Individual rooks have occasionally arrived in Marlborough with the latest arrival in July this year. They continue to be an ongoing problem in the North Island and can fly here, Liam said.
“They have a distinctive ‘kaak’ call and are particularly noisy during the spring breeding season. Their favoured nesting spot is the top of tall pine and gum trees,” he said.
If birds were looking to make their way here, then they would likely do so in spring when they want to nest, Liam said. If you think you’ve seen a rook, contact Council's biosecurity team at biosecurity@marlborough.govt.nz or Ph: 03 520 7400.
