Ōi chicks are hatching!

Springtime celebrations in Whāingaroa - ōi chicks are hatching! This photo was taken by Karioi Project seabird ranger Georgia in early October showing a fluffy little ōi chick tucked up safely in its burrow.

Every year between June and July the ōi (also known as the grey-faced petrel or northern muttonbird) arrive on the west coast of Whāingaroa Raglan to lay their eggs (just one egg per pair of birds). These eggs can take up to two months to hatch, so you can imagine our excitement!

Eggs and chicks are incredibly vulnerable to predators like mustelids, rats, cats and dogs. Our seabird monitoring and predator control teams are working hard to keep these little chicks safe till they fledge around Christmas. Welcome to the world spring chicks!