His name was Nigel. He stayed with a concrete mate for years, built her a nest, preened her “feathers.” Researchers tried to bring more of his kind but only a male named Norman came. After his death they made changes to the sound system calling the birds, and several females came. If he lived a little longer he could have finally met a real female. They wrote him this poem after he passed away:
“To Nigel
You stayed awhile on Mana Island,
Attracted by your concrete mates
You built a nest, you did your best
But only Norman dropped on by.
We weeded, we painted, we sprayed guano around.
We hoped you’d find the real thing.
Three newbies arrived, a Christmas surprise,
But suddenly you are gone.
RIP ‘no mates’ Nigel”
“To Nigel
You stayed awhile on Mana Island,
Attracted by your concrete mates
You built a nest, you did your best
But only Norman dropped on by.
We weeded, we painted, we sprayed guano around.
We hoped you’d find the real thing.
Three newbies arrived, a Christmas surprise,
But suddenly you are gone.
RIP ‘no mates’ Nigel”