Kōrero: Birdwatching

From the 1860s, Scottish-born explorer Charlie Douglas spent four decades roaming southern Westland. Interested in geology, fauna and flora, he provided maps and reports to the Lands and Survey Department. Recognising his ability to travel independently in the most difficult country, the department employed him as an explorer. He and his dog Betsey Jane (pictured) lived mostly off the land, catching birds and eels. His descriptions of the abundant bird life make fascinating reading.