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.

[@AditiBajwa690]

Let's continue to prioritize environmental stewardship

[@thenewforestjoefleet]

Yes let's get together not just with words, let us plant a tree for our birds.

[@MiaVanHeerden-um3sl]

Hi,Joe. I planted 3 Lucerne trees in Auckland this weekend. Two in my backyard and one on the walkway behind my house.

[@thenewforestjoefleet]

Tell your friends, the more that participate in this activity the greater numbers of Kereru we will see in suburbia.

[@MiaVanHeerden-um3sl]

Ill share this video with my friends and family want to encourage them to do the same. 👍

[@thenewforestjoefleet]

Please do.

[@nestermaratos1070]

sharing this around🙏🏻

[@thenewforestjoefleet]

Please do

[@MerciMayawati]

This video is a reminder of the beauty of nature and the importance of preserving it.

[@thenewforestjoefleet]

Yes the satisfaction I get from my work gets my up early every morning.

[@phyllisdelpapa8435]

Planting Tree Lucerne to attract Kererū is a small but impactful way to contribute to biodiversity. Kudos to those involved!

[@thenewforestjoefleet]

yes it is. I have friends that are now planting Tree Lucerne.

[@JayneTata302]

The sight of Kererū gracefully flying among the Tree Lucerne is truly breathtaking!😃

[@thenewforestjoefleet]

Yes it truly is just seeing them about my place. makes my day.

[@rolandocamarena7767]

It's wonderful to see individuals and communities taking action to support the conservation of these iconic birds.

[@thenewforestjoefleet]

It is wonderful, well worth the effort we have put in.

[@darwinbronw1241]

I love learning about efforts to preserve native wildlife like the Kererū. 👍

[@thenewforestjoefleet]

Even in my eighties I've never stopped learning about our forests and our bird life, and now to pass some of this knowledge on to you,

[@lazarusriederer3439]

Planting Tree Lucerne seems like a great step towards creating a welcoming habitat for them. Well done!

[@thenewforestjoefleet]

Yes. It works well for me.

[@DrishtiRaval17]

I'm impressed by the dedication to conservation shown in this video. Planting Tree Lucerne to attract Kererū is a thoughtful gesture towards preserving New Zealand's native wildlife.

[@thenewforestjoefleet]

I hope you are able to take part by planting a Tree Lucerne

[@clovismohamed5823]

What a fantastic initiative! Planting Tree Lucerne to attract native Bush Pigeons is a wonderful way to support biodiversity in New Zealand. Let's keep these beautiful birds thriving!

[@thenewforestjoefleet]

If you can plant one or two in your area.

[@jeramiewhitteker9068]

Watching this video makes me appreciate the importance of conservation efforts. It's heartwarming to see people taking action to support the Kererū population by planting Tree Lucerne. Amazing work!

[@thenewforestjoefleet]

I would love to see you follow my lead and plant a Tree Lucerne somewhere. Any problems talk to me.

[@MiaVanHeerden-um3sl]

Hi Joe, is this an fast growing evergreen tree?

[@thenewforestjoefleet]

Yes it is.

[@RitikaRattan58]

Planting Tree Lucerne is a brilliant idea to encourage their presence. Let's keep up the conservation work!

[@thenewforestjoefleet]

I hope you are to take part by planting a tree.

[@roriseltzer6232]

The Kererū is such a majestic bird, and it's inspiring to see efforts being made to attract them to urban areas.

[@thenewforestjoefleet]

Wouldn't be wonderful to have them at your place.

[@AkhilaBava]

I had no idea about the relationship between Tree Lucerne and Kererū! Learning something new every day. It's encouraging to see communities coming together to create habitats for native birds.

[@thenewforestjoefleet]

Yes this relationship I discovered some years ago. and now I have Kereru at home and in my New Forest. And some of my friends do as well.at their place.