Three mallard ducks have been euthanised after being caught in the “graphic” act of preying, hunting and eating newly-hatched native pūteketeke chicks.

This duck behaviour was unknown to DOC experts, and there was a concern that it would spread, as ducks learnt from each other.

“It was shocking to see them eating pūteketeke chicks,” principal biodiversity ranger Dean Nelson said.

Mallard ducks usually eat plant material with insects and snails. It was unusual for ducks to prey on other birds.

Also in this week’s The World Outdoors, Predator Free South Westland nears eradication goal, parents use walking to stay connected to adult children, and more.

Missed yesterday’s feature? We reviewed this new hyper light & hyper packable tent from Big Agnes.

Wilderness is proud to award the inaugural Shaun Barnett Memorial Scholarship as a tribute to leading tramping author and photographer Shaun Barnett.

Open to aspiring photojournalists of all ages, the annual scholarship offers up to $1000 to the successful applicant in support of their backcountry adventures and creative development.

⏰ Don’t delay: applications close Monday!

Take a look at this week's most read articles at wildernessmag.co.nz.

Featuring the best places to grab a bite to eat before or after your adventure.

Food place: The Dangerous Kitchen

Recommended by: John Gray, Kahurangi Guided Walks

Price range: From $4.90 for a coffee to $29.50 for a main.

Location:  46 Commercial Street Tākaka 7110 (view location and hours)

When to visit: After exploring the beaches of the uncrowded Golden Bay side of Abel Tasman National Park or after a big mission in the Cobb Valley.

Why I like it: The relaxing atmosphere including a comfy couch by the wood stove and works by local artists. The perfect place to relax and refuel after a morning excursion on the Rameka Track.

I recommend: For a quick snack, you can’t beat a slice of pizza with ingredients sourced from Golden Bay. For a more substantial meal, the Buddha Bowl will fill you up with lots of freshness to make up for all those dehy meals you’ve been eating in the bush.

Have a place you’d like to see featured? Email us your recommendation using the format above.

Historic Frew Saddle Bivouac is on a beautiful alpine saddle along one of Westland’s classic multi-day tramps.

It holds a small but notable place in the story of New Zealand’s backcountry huts. In 1957 the first of a new design of deer culler’s bivouac, the NZFS B49, was erected here by Forest Service staff. In 2003/04, DOC re-piled it and in March, 2013, repainted it. At some point, the hold-fast tie downs were replaced. It has two short wooden sleeping platforms with mattresses on the side and end walls.

Frew Saddle is a key to the heartland of the Hokitika Catchments tramping region, and as well as the popular but rugged Toaroha–Whitcombe circuit there are many more remote routes and huts accessible from here, including Frisco Hut, Homeward Ridge, Sir Robert Hut and Mathias Pass into Canterbury.

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