New Zealand plant a tree that attracts Native Bush Pigeons. Tree Lucerne for Kererū скачать в хорошем качестве

New Zealand plant a tree that attracts Native Bush Pigeons. Tree Lucerne for Kererū

This large and distinctively-coloured pigeon is a familiar sight to many New Zealanders. This is because the New Zealand pigeon (or kereru) has a widespread distribution through the country, being present in extensive tracts of native forest, and rural and urban habitats, including most cities. As well as allowing close approach, it often roosts conspicuously, such as on powerlines or on the tops of trees. The distinctive sound of its wing beats in flight also draws attention. Kereru also frequently feature on works of art, such as paintings and sculptures. However, even though it is widespread, like many forest birds its abundance is severely compromised by introduced mammals, particularly possums, stoats and ship rats. Only where these pests are not present (predator-free islands) or are controlled to low levels do kereru populations thrive. What are the benefits of tree Lucerne? Growing tree lucerne has other benefits including providing food for bees, providing shelter, providing habitat for birds, preventing soil erosion and acting as a wind break for lambing. It will also recover following fire. Is tree lucerne invasive in NZ? It was there feeding on a shrub known as tree lucerne. Tree lucerne was introduced to New Zealand in 1897 as a fodder crop to be grown on poorer soils. In some places it is now regarded as an invasive species. Do chickens eat tree lucerne? Lucerne is used in NZ to feed cattle, sheep, and horses. It's drought-tolerant, fixes nitrogen, and increases organic matter in the soil. Poultry can also eat fresh lucerne foliage. It's at its most nutritious just before it flowers, as buds are forming.