A few years ago we went up to Northland and took a walk through the forest to see Tane Mahuta. There was no sound from any birds. Speaking to the DOC guy in the car park, he told us the problem was pests.
I have just come back from a walk through an incredible small reserve near our house. The sound of birds here was almost deafening. They were mostly Tui, but I did spot some Fantails.
It is nice too no the eradication program is working.
Vacation day birding with warblers, tanagers, and more spring migrators was a fun escape into nature with my husband. I love how the peek of cloudy sky behind this Indigo Bunting creates a full moon effect.