Conditions often dry and hot so kiwi doing it hard, especially chicks. Stoat numbers high. Birds can be out for long periods at night (including dawn and dusk at this time of year) as they are struggling for food. They often move to wetter areas, drains, swamps, dams, creeks, so can be in unexpected areas. High risk of traffic strikes and dogs from holiday makers. Kiwi deaths from starvation and dehydration.

Dads on nests if second clutches happening. Dry and hot conditions make non nesting kiwi more likely to be roaming so at risk of vehicle strike, dog attack and often found in unusual places e.g. culverts, drains on roadsides. Kiwi deaths from starvation and dehydration sometimes seen depending on season.

Second clutch chicks hatching. These can be out all hours and in unexpected habitat as food is generally scarce. Massively vulnerable to predation and dog attacks. Starvation and dehydration still a reality.

Last chicks hatching for the season. Often a bit wetter but not always. Chicks very vulnerable to predation – second clutch chicks are the most vulnerable as stoat numbers are generally higher. Adults out for longer and longer periods as daylight hours slowly decrease, autumn rains increase food supplies and weight is slowly regained. School holidays, Easter and Anzac day means more traffic and dogs.

Kiwi out for long periods and mating beginning. Birds mobile, active and high incidence of vehicle strike. Longer nights mean dog walkers at dawn and dusk could meet kiwi.

Kiwi are mating and are out for long periods each night. Gravid females are often on the surface as they struggle with a large belly. This makes them less mobile, more easily found by dogs and at risk of egg peritonitis if hurt. The long hours spent out and about makes them more vulnerable to car strikes and dogs. Long weekends this month mean many visitors, often with dogs, and more traffic.