Frigatebird in care in Auckland

[andrewcrossland]

I reckon it's not tickable when in a box or someones arms or at the immediate time of release, but once it's free flying along the adjacent coastline, back on its merry way, then yep, I think then its in the wild again and it's a fair enough tick.

[RussCannings]

Cheers guys. I agree that if it's a cool bird it's worth seeing regardless.

In general though I'd probably ere on the ABA side of things (my usual bias) of waiting 24 hours after release. To me that's a key difference between a frigatebird flying away from a box and a stitchbird that has settled into it's new island home. We don't have this problem here but I have heard of mistnet banders/ringers in Europe keeping healthy vagrants in bags over night to give twitchers a chance to drive down and see the release.

More importantly though, I hope we do find a way to develop a more open and trusting relationship with care facilities and other auxiliary wildlife organisations in NZ.

Ta
Russ

[Steve Wood]

Oscar,

Do you think we would be able to see any of the images from the release ? or is that going to antagonize some people.

thanks
Steve

[Oscar Thomas]

Sure thing Steve, footage will also appear on 7 Sharp tomorrow night.

[Grahame]

Nice photos. Thanks Oscar.

Grahame

[Steve Wood]

Thanks Oscar.

Steve

[Tim Barnard]

Cheers Oscar.

[Clinton9]

As left primaries 9th and 10th were broken, this frigatebird don't shed the damaged left primaries for next 8 to 10 months, and since frigatebirds have two growing primaries per wing during moult season, so if this bird reach its 1st birthday, it will live for next 30-50 years.

[Oscar Thomas]

Footage of the release:
https://www.tvnz.co.nz/shows/seven-shar ... rigatebird

[Tim Barnard]

I think that's enough now Oscar, thanks
It's a nice bird ... would be great if one turns up in future and stays around for a bit.
You never know. We've had some interesting weather patterns this summer. I'm sure they will be repeated.
Cheers
Tim