Report rook sightings in North Canterbury

Just when we thought rooks had flown the coop in Waitaha Canterbury, a recent sighting in North Canterbury has biosecurity staff asking the public to keep their eyes and ears open.

A possible rook was reported near Hawarden earlier this month, prompting Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) biosecurity officers and contractors to visit the area and investigate.

While it's not yet clear whether the bird was simply passing through or has decided to stick around, one thing is certain: early reports give us the best chance of responding quickly.

Why this sighting matters

Environment Canterbury Biosecurity Officer Rob Kent says community reports are critical to helping locate any remaining birds.

"Rooks are highly intelligent and extremely wary, which means they can be difficult to find and control," says Rob.

"The public plays a vital role in helping us track down any remaining rooks. If you spot a bird that looks or sounds like a rook, report it as soon as possible. The sooner we know about it, the better our chances of locating it and responding effectively."

Rooks are a declared pest in our region. They can cause significant damage to newly sown crops by pulling up seeds and young plants while feeding and can also damage pasture by tearing up the ground in search of insects and grubs.  

For decades, Environment Canterbury has worked to completely eradicate rooks from the region. Once numbering in the thousands across parts of Canterbury, these birds are now rarely seen thanks to sustained control efforts and support from local communities. However, ongoing vigilance is needed to stop rooks from re-establishing and undoing years of progress.

What does a rook look like?