BirdingNZ.net

Two Greater sand plovers seen at Big Sand Island today by Russell Cannings, Michael Burton-Smith, Joe Dillon and myself, along with 11 Asiatic whimbrel and 7 Little tern. Earlier in the day, Papakanui Spit yielded a lone Fairy tern and 3 Eastern curlew, while the nearby field had a Bittern.

If anyone can turn the bird in the grass into a Lesser I would be eternally grateful

Sorry Russ

Both are Large Sand Dotterels with very typical bill shape.

Ian

Cheers Ian,

Perhaps it was too much to ask! Ill take 2 GSPs in NZ any day. Really enjoyed Waionui Lagoon (Papakanui area) too so will definitely have to get back up there for a full day some time.

Russ

2 greater sands still showing well in the flooded vegetation on the west side of the causeway between Tapora and Big Sand island (just before high tide). As previously both birds tend to stick to the north end of the flock (which today included close to 600 bandies, 54 NZ Dot, 20 PGP, 1 stint, 1 whimbrel, 1 sharpies, and many knot and godwit. The other highlight was an adult Pomarine Skua (though lacking streamers) that flew directly over us at the causeway. It was raining steadily so we decided against trudging all the way to the south end which was our original plan. Earlier in the day we checked the gathering waders at Birds Beach which included 9 whimbrel.

Fingers crossed for a drier day tomorrow off Tutukaka+

Russ Cannings & Harry Boorman

Hi all,

For those interested, both Greater Sand Plovers appear to be overwintering at Big Sand Island in the Kaipara. One is still in very pale non-breeding plumage while the other has developed some warmer tones but nothing like a breeding adult (See below). The former was with the bandies and NZ Dots at the causeway roost while the latter was completely by itself at the north end of the island (High tide). It didn't look too pleased about the winter storm!


Just a few turnstones around and several hundred each of godwit and knot. A single Little Tern (immature) was fishing near the causeway, and 3 redpoll flew over when I first arrived. Those were about it for 'notables.' Managed to not get toooo wet

Russ C
Morrinsville, NZ