Yealands Estate Helps Bring Near-Extinct Falcons Back to Marlborough

New Zealand’s leading sustainable winery, Yealands Estate, has welcomed a pair of endangered native Falcons into its vineyard as part of a breeding programme that aims to bring the rare bird back from the brink of extinction.

Owner and founder Peter Yealands was approached by Colin Wynn, General Manager of the Marlborough Falcon Conservation Trust, who had read about the winery and Peter’s commitment to sustainability.

“It’s terrific to think they’d do it at our place,” said Peter. “Falcons once inhabited the valleys of Marlborough, so it’s exciting to be one of the wineries chosen to bring them back into the area.”

For Colin Wynn, Yealands Estate was a perfect location for the Falcon breeding programme.

“The 1,000 hectare estate provides a very open space and has few power lines, essential for Falcons who are susceptible to electrocution. It also has more than 20 wetland areas to preserve native species and attract native birds like the Falcon,” says Colin.

The breeding programme run by the Marlborough Falcon Conservation Trust is designed to mutually benefit both the Falcon and Marlborough vineyards.

Falcons hunt non-native pest birds and vineyards owners involved in the programme have experienced a notable decrease in the amount of pest birds and related crop damage.

“Lincoln University, estimates that Marlborough grape growers lose $2 million each year due to pest birds eating grapes. If there are Falcons around, pest birds are less likely to feed with gusto and usually they vacate the area,” says Colin.

“If we can encourage more wineries like Yealands Estate to breed Falcons and look after their welfare, it will be a win-win situation for everybody,” he says.

In January a young male and two females were successfully released and Peter describes the male bird as an ‘outstanding bird’ who is almost feeding from the hand. Colin agrees the birds have settled well and says it was the best Falcon release he’s ever done.

“Normally we have to babysit newly released Falcons for quite a while as they often stay on the ground for a period of time, but this release went very smoothly and they took to the air straight away” says Colin.

The Falcons seem to be happy settling into their new homes, practising flying to develop their wing muscles and Colin hopes to have four Falcons ready to breed at Yealands Estate in the spring time.

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Female Flacon at Yealands Estate

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Brydie – Yealands Cellar Door Manager holding male Falcon

ENDS

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