Many of us are familiar with the “ru-ru” call of the morepork (Ninox novaeseelandiae) in rural areas, but it is always a treat when you hear one in the city.
They’re not exactly abundant on the Auckland isthmus, but there are reasonably frequent observations across the region, particularly in the bigger parks and along streams. Ruru like to nest in tree hollows, so retaining old trees is only going to help ruru.
Visit New Zealand Birds Online for more on ruru.