Birds

See Figure 2 for maximum minimum numbers of species present. By far the most dominant species in this assemblage is the spotted shag^* (45% of total number of individuals). Of the remaining twenty-three species identified in this layer, the Fiordland crested penguin (6.5%) is the most frequently occurring. The spotted shag and Fiordland crested penguin suggest spring through summer exploitation. Evidence for probable winter exploitation is found in the presence of the New Zealand pigeon, tui and king shag. These birds are thought to be in their best condition during winter. However, winter exploitation indicators are minimal. If layer 6 is part of layer 4 (see pp. 8 and 9 above) then the addition of the South Island kaka and Australian gannet strengthen the case for winter exploitation. The latter species is almost certainly exclusive to the months June through September in the Cable Bay area.

Figure 2