First SIPO of spring

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andrewcrossland
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Joined: Mon Dec 14, 2009 2:29 pm
Location: Christchurch

First SIPO of spring

Postby andrewcrossland » Mon Aug 01, 2016 4:04 am

Two days ago the first SIPO of spring turned on on farmland beside Rolleston, central Canterbury. The lambs are out too, so blossoms and singing skylarks can't be far away.
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Mig
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Joined: Sat Sep 07, 2013 8:13 pm
Location: Northland

Re: First SIPO of spring

Postby Mig » Mon Aug 01, 2016 8:12 am

That,s interesting as I was looking for the Marsden flock yesterday in Northland and they have disappeared:)
Paul Sagar
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Joined: Sun Mar 01, 2015 8:59 am
Location: Geraldine

Re: First SIPO of spring

Postby Paul Sagar » Tue Aug 02, 2016 7:22 pm

I recorded the 1st SIPO of the season in our paddocks in Pleasant Valley, just out of Geraldine, South Canterbury, on 23 July
Ian Southey
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Re: First SIPO of spring

Postby Ian Southey » Tue Aug 02, 2016 9:51 pm

Well, you guys should be getting some more soon. I was at the Miranda carpark this evening and saw 150+ birds departing in several flocks in about 10 minutes. It was interesting because they were starting north and rising and slowly swing round in a big circle coming right overhead to head between Thames and Paeroa fairly high up. Must have been a wind thing as they usually just rise steadily in the direction they are going.

Departures have been noticed since early July so I am wondering if these birds are late for you. Keith Woodley at Miranda thought that numbers there still seemed a bit high for this time of year. I haven't been out enough to know.

Ian
Jan
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Location: Christchurch

Re: First SIPO of spring

Postby Jan » Wed Aug 03, 2016 9:04 am

none were recorded in the Ashburton Lakes July bird count this year, despite mild weather.They are usually there in small numbers by then.
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Okuralass
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Joined: Mon May 23, 2016 2:08 pm

Re: First SIPO of spring

Postby Okuralass » Wed Aug 03, 2016 9:48 am

The birds at Okura haven't been around either - wasn't sure if it was the weather or the tides but 25/7/16 the plovers seemed to have taken over their spots on the rocks.

I wonder how they will survive this cold snap down south since the temperatures up here have been unseasonably high this year.
Richard Schofield
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Re: First SIPO of spring

Postby Richard Schofield » Wed Aug 03, 2016 9:09 pm

They presumably don't winter at Miranda, but S Otago birds start returning soon after the shortest day, and this year was no exception.
andrewcrossland
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Joined: Mon Dec 14, 2009 2:29 pm
Location: Christchurch

Re: First SIPO of spring

Postby andrewcrossland » Fri Aug 05, 2016 11:09 am

A pair now in residence at west rolleston school playing fields.
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Okuralass
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Re: First SIPO of spring

Postby Okuralass » Sun Aug 14, 2016 11:39 am

As an aside - spotted some SIPO at Orewa yesterday - don't know whether they are on route south or staying put.
Davidthomas
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Re: First SIPO of spring

Postby Davidthomas » Sun Aug 14, 2016 3:23 pm

Just down in the Mackenzie Country and there are a few SIPOs running around in the usual fields/swampy bits. Even a few banded dotts and good number of black fronted terms which all seem to be returning now.

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