Northern Shoveler, Invercargill

[Richard Schofield]

Came across a drake Northern Shoveler at the Pleasure Bay/Tip Lagoon. It was on the edge of a flock of about 230 Aust Shoveler at the northern end of the lagoon. Managed a few distant shots before the light went.

[Michael Szabo]

I know there are people interested in going for this bird from the other end of the country, so it would be very helpful if any further sightings today could be posted here.

Happy birding!
Michael

[Richard Schofield]

I don't want to tempt fate, but he seemed fairly settled last night, and didn't seem too worried by my presence (apart from only presenting rear views for most of the time). Unfortunately I'm back in Balclutha now, so won't be able to keep an eye on it, but hopefully the locals will keep tabs on it. A couple more heavily cropped shots attached.

[Phil Rhodes]

Went to the lagoon this evening and with the help of some DoC staff saw the bird very quickly, great views through the scope. It was at the northern end with a big flock of Australasian Shoveler. They prefer this end as it is less prone to disturbance. Something forced the flock to fly up and we got good views of the bird in flight, they circled around and settle down again the same area. Good views from up on the hill at the bird shelter. I presume this would be the most southerly record and probably the easiest place to see one in NZ. Great bird and a lifer for me.

[Michael Szabo]

Steve Wood reports that it has not been present there this morning since first light, but that he will report it if he sees it.

[Michael Szabo]

Steve just called to report that he and Igor have located the bird at the settling ponds about 1 km south of the lagoon, near Avon Rd/Clifton, where it is feeding with a flock of Australasian Shovelers on one of the ponds. The GPS location of the settling ponds is: -46.454085, 168.357511

[Jan]

I don't know if 'Byrd' still posts on this forum but maybe he can say if there are any Nrn Shovellers in captivity in wildfowl collections?

[Byrd]

No, there are no Northern Shovellers kept in Australasia.

[Steve Wood]

Hi attached few images of the bird that was superbly re found by Igor today on the neighbouring po ponds.

[sav]

Matt Jones reports that the bird is present this morning, last seen at 1100. Same location as Igor and Steve had it yesterday, access via Lake Street off SH1.

cheers