Four rare New Zealand birds are being protected in a forest near Gisborne after being discovered by crew members from a logging company.
The karearea falcon fledglings were found nesting in the Waitahaia River Valley in early January this year.
The Department of Conservation has installed traps to kill predators in the area.
John Lucas, a manager for DoC in Gisborne, says the birds are vulnerable to feral cats, stoats and rats and it is important to protect them as they are unique to New Zealand.
Mr Lucas says the birds have left the nest.