Ōi (grey faced petrels) are remarkably resilient birds. They can persist on rat infested islands, and there are even relict populations on the mainland - but their chicks are very vulnerable to being eaten by rats, stoats, and ferrets. After hatching, they sit in the burrow alone while their parents feed, and their only defence is to spit oil at intruders - but it not enough to stop a hungry mammal. There are community groups around northern Aotearoa working to protect these birds and help them breed successfully in the mainland like @karioiproject . There are always setbacks, and even a predator proof fence isn’t a permanent solution. But one day there will be parts of the mainland where these birds can breed safely again, not just our predator free islands! #birdventurenz #birds_adored #birds_captures #nzbirds #seabirds #petrelhead #nocturnal #whatwedointheshadows #conservationphotography #conservationphotographer #wildlifeonearth #your_best_birds #nuts_about_birds #eye_spy_birds #kiwipics #discoverearth #wanderwonder #seabirdstory @docgovtnz @forestandbird @fujifilmphotosnz #fujix100s #best_birds_of_ig #best_birds_of_world #bird_brilliance #birdstagram #bird_lovers_daily #aotearoa #wildnz https://www.instagram.com/p/B48B7kbJ9jK/?igshid=3vfyd9e6klq7