eBird Global Big Day - 13 May - Setting NZ Record

[Patrick Crowe]

In just over a weeks time (13th of May) a group of Marlborough birders will try to set a New Zealand record for most species on an eBird Global Big Day. The current record in New Zealand for an eBird Big Day appears to be Bradley Shields with 73 species in the May 2022 Big Day (https://ebird.org/region/NZ?yr=BIGDAY_2022a).

We have booked a 1/2 day pelagic out of Kaikoura for the morning and then will work our way back up to Blenheim in the afternoon, stopping off at various spots to try nab as many species as we can on the day.

Does anyone else have plans for the coming eBird Big Day and be interested in turning it into a bit of a competition??

If there were any Canterbury people interested, there are still four places available on the pelagic and I can provide a discount code (discounted price is $196 for four hours).

[Jan]

I could have a go for Cirl bunting round the Port Hills, but there are a few places near Kaikoura and further N in Marl. where you should get them, yes?

[AngryBird45]

I'd recommend someone head to the Waimak and CHCH to find:

Little Egret
White Heron
Northern Shoveler
Peafowl
Dabchick
Cattle Egret
Barbary Dove

Among other birds in the area (esp. at lake ellesmere), it shouldn't be too hard to beat 73.

Meanwhile, I'm going to be attempting to beat the current Waimak day record which I think is 53, set by... me a couple of weeks ago.

[Wrybill]

I'm Going Over all Of Otaki But won't get More than 30-40 Maximum

I hear there was a Kapiti Record Of 59 But Someone may have beaten that.

Good Luck all in Marlborough I hope you get more than 73

[RussCannings]

Solo parenting that weekend but definitely going to try and get out locally! Maybe check for some Aussie waterbirds in the Huntly area?

Russ

[Wrybill]

Good Idea we Have a Great Influx this year

[Threeps]

Team Taranaki (Peter Fryer, Vaughan Turner and me) will be attempting to get as many species as possible within Taranaki. We will be camping overnight at Rotokare then making our way along the coast clockwise around Taranaki Maunga until we run out of light! Anything above 55 species will be a great result. Space for one more if anyone is interested BYO sleeping bag, must like malt whiskey...

[Patrick Crowe]

Nice one, Steve. That sounds like a great day out for Team Taranaki! 55 species will be good haul for the day.

[AlfieB77]

I will see if I can go to a few places around the kapiti/Wellington/otaki area to try to beat 60 species

[Davidthomas]

We’re moving that day unfortunately. Will have to reattempt my Christchurch cycling big day another year.