Hand-Carved Totara Fairy Tern Sculptures
Capture the grace of New Zealand’s rarest seabird with our Minimalist Fairy Tern Sculpture Pair. Carved from recycled totara beams, these elegant birds are depicted in mid-flight, their fluid forms reflecting the effortless motion of terns gliding on the wind.
Mounted on brass rods and anchored into a base of natural schist stone, the sculptures achieve a striking balance—light, airy movement contrasted with the raw, grounded strength of stone. The aged totara, with its rich grain and deep history, adds warmth and character, ensuring each piece is truly one of a kind.
Features:
- Hand-carved from sustainably reclaimed totara beams
- Minimalist, abstract form capturing the elegance of terns in flight
- Mounted on brass rods for a weightless, floating effect
- Set into a schist stone base, grounding the sculpture in natural beauty
- Unique grain and patina, making each piece one of a kind
- Thoughtfully crafted in New Zealand
Dimensions:
- Width: 400mm
- Depth: 500mm
- Height: 600mm
A timeless tribute to one of New Zealand’s most graceful birds, this sculpture pair brings movement, texture, and a quiet sense of wonder to any space—crafted with care at Bearwood Workshop.
Care: Dust gently with a soft cloth; avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and moisture to preserve the wood’s natural beauty.
More details about the Fairy Terns –
With a population of around 45 individuals that includes approximately 12 breeding pairs, the New Zealand fairy tern is probably our most endangered indigenous breeding bird.
It is ranked as an endangered species, and carries a ‘Category A’ priority for conservation action. A Department of Conservation Recovery Plan is currently in action.
Records from the 19th century suggest that NZ fairy terns used to be widespread around the coast of the North Island and eastern South Island, but were not abundant in any one area.
New Zealand fairy terns are now confined to the lower half of the Northland Peninsula. Breeding is limited to four regular sites: Waipu, Mangawhai, Pakiri and the South Kaipara Head.
Find out more here – https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/nz-fairy-tern-tara-iti/
In 1983 the number of fairy terns at Mangawhai and Papakanui Spit dropped to an alarming all-time low of 3–4 breeding pairs. The Department of Conservation (then the New Zealand Wildlife Service) stepped in and initiated protection. A successful population turnaround resulted. This was probably due to the introduction of wardens and the fencing of nests.
Protection has continued until the present day. The number of pairs rose to 7 in 1993. Since 1997, between 6 and 9 pairs have bred each season until 2005. The numbers for the years following are:
- 2006–7: 10–12 pairs
- 2007–8: 10 pairs
- 2008–9: 10–12 pairs
- 2009–10: 8 pairs
- 2010–11: 9 pairs
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