Marahau- Rail, Bittern, Crake?

[FlyingKiwiGirl]

I'm wondering has anyone seen any or all of these birds recently near Marahau? And can perhaps indicate the area I'm likely to find them. From research it seems that the rails may be near the boardwalk at the beginning of the Abel Tasman walk. Thanks for any tips.

[Will Parsons]

There are a pair of banded rail in the estuary running into Kaiteriteri harbour. If you drive up to the trailer park they are are on the left handside in the rushes and mudflats. If you want good viewing stay in your car as they tend to take flight at the slightest movement. Just before Marahau there is a new sanctuary which could be good for bittern, crake and definetly fernbird. Happy birding.

[FlyingKiwiGirl]

Thanks Will! Perfect, I knew I saw you comment on here about them before but I couldn't locate the post. Actually that's more than perfect it's awesome, I didn't know they were that close! I'm in the Kaiteri camp for the next few weeks

[Will Parsons]

Looking forward to your posts -good luck such a special area.

[kengeorge]

I've seen both banded rail and marsh crake in the vegetation on the mud flat viewed from the first or second bridge at the beginning of the Abel Tasman walk at Marahau, only a 100 meters or so from the beginning of the causeway. Look on the seaward side of the track, although I've seen banded rail on the land side of the track too. Grab a coffee and a snack from the great cafe right there at the beginning of the track, and sit and wait. Neither species seemed to be particularly bothered by people moving on the boardwalk, I last saw them in February when the Abel Tasman boardwalk was like Ponsonby Rd on a Friday night.

[andrewcrossland]

Best time to watch is dusk.