Brancott Estate has suspended visitor operations since 2020. BEST BITS thoroughly enjoyed the interaction with all things karearea, or native falcon. Visitors were introduced to one of the fastest birds in the world. The falcon is the country’s most threatened bird of prey, with only around 3000–5000 breeding pairs remaining.
While Brancott Estate is no longer offering falcon visits look up in the sky over Marlborough for the karearea. The falcon is their own best ambassador for their continuing welfare.
Check your $20.00 note for the falcon pinup girl. “The main image on the $20 note showcases Shaheena, whose regal figure sits on the reverse side from Queen Elizabeth II. Shaheena is a small, dark bush falcon, a form classified as ‘threatened/nationally vulnerable’ and found mainly in the North Island.”
New Zealand geographic 142, Nov 2016.
