BirdingNZ.net

General Birding Discussion :: Re: Obviously incorrect reports on eBird :: Reply by AngryBird45

no_email@example.com (AngryBird45) — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 05:29:22 +0000

identified by merlin of course https://ebird.org/checklist/S166293827

General Birding Discussion :: Re: Chatham Island Pelagic - Jan 2024 :: Reply by David Riddell

no_email@example.com (David Riddell) — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 04:07:39 +0000

Had a great trip with Brent Mallinson from the Flowerpot Bay Lodge going around the islands within reach of Pitt Island last Saturday. We had a good range of birds though sadly not a single prion! Things started well when we found a Chatham Island shag just a couple of minutes out from Flowerpot Bay. It was a beautiful calm morning and we were able to pull up right beside Black Robin Bush on Mangere Island and drift slowly past, where we watched several Forbes' parakeets flying above the canopy. Also Chatham Island fantails, starlings and a couple of pipits, but unsurprisingly no black robins!
We then withdrew a short distance from the shore and put down a line to catch half a dozen big blue cod in 15 minutes (most of which we later used for chum to bring in the mollymawks), before heading around to the far side of the island, where there were a couple of shore plover on the rock platforms near the DoC hut. We'd actually had much better views of an adult (and a brief sighting of a juvenile just before it flew) on Pitt Island itself the day before, but it was wonderful to see them in such a special place.
After passing through the narrow gap between Mangere and Little Mangere we headed towards the Pyramid, but were diverted by a group of white-fronted terns working over a school of fish. As we got closer we saw there also several dozen sooty shearwaters flying around, as well as the first mollymawk of the day - a Buller's. Several more Buller's mollymawks joined us as we headed between the Twin Nuggets (aka the Murumurus) - glad to have Brent's highly manoeuvrable and shallow-draft jetboat!
It wasn't until we were almost at the Pyramid that we saw our first Chatham mollymawk, a recently fledged juvenile. And coming closer to the island it was clear that most of the adult birds had finished breeding and already left. We did a circuit without seeing any, but once we started throwing out bits of the cod a few came in to join the Buller's and we had excellent views of them right beside the boat. A northern royal albatross came past but didn't stop, and there were a couple of giant petrels around - probably northern, though again they didn't come close. The brown skuas had also largely departed, though there was at least one flying high around the cliffs.
With not much sign of anything else forthcoming we headed across to Rangatira, where there were a couple more shore plovers and a few Chatham Island oystercatchers and Pitt Island shags (again, we had much better views on Pitt). On the way we passed a single grey-backed storm petrel - a new bird for me which I initially had trouble placing as a storm petrel as it flew quite differently - as it says on NZ Birds Online, "they flutter more and use their legs less than other storm petrels".
We then headed out to the Star Keys - not part of the original itinerary but the sea conditions were good and Brent was easily talked into going, not having been out there before. Saw a white-capped mollymawk on the way (with unusual white flashes on its upper wingtips) and when we threw out some more blue cod it was joined by another, as well as several Buller's which accompanied us for most of the trip. From what Brent says white-caps seem to be rather uncommon around Pitt.
Approaching the Star Keys there was suddenly a lot more bird activity, the reason for which was soon revealed to be a big school of small kingfish, which at one point were right around the boat. Brent dropped a line over the side and almost immediately was able to watch one take the lure, just a couple of metres from the boat. He quickly hauled it aboard but I was busy watching the birds. There were several Buller's and Chatham mollymawks, lots of white-fronted terns, sooty shearwaters, gulls and a few Pitt Island shags, but the big feature was several dozen subantarctic shearwaters, which breed on the Star Keys.
It was a fairly quick trip back to base after that with the only new bird being a diving petrel. Then a delicious home-cooked meal from Bernie back at the Lodge while we reflected on an amazing day. Not a huge range of oceanic birds but some pretty special ones among them, and spectacular surroundings.

Bird list:
Buller's mollymawk - 40
Chatham Island mollymawk - 10
White-capped mollymawk - 2
Northern royal albatross - 1
Giant petrel (prob. northern) - 3
Sooty shearwater - 60
Subantarctic shearwater - 30
Common diving petrel - 1
Grey-backed storm petrel - 1
Chatham Island shag - 2
Pitt Island shag - 6
Brown skua - 1
White-fronted tern - hundreds
Shore plover - 4
Chatham Island oystercatcher - 4
Red-billed gull
Black-backed gull
Forbes' parakeet, Chatham Island pipit, Chatham Island fantail

Attachments

Pyramid with Bullers mollymawk.jpg (242.86 KiB)

Chatham mollymawks.jpg (440.51 KiB)

Subantarctic shearwater.jpg (67.47 KiB)

General Birding Discussion :: Re: Chatham Island Pelagic - Jan 2024 :: Reply by Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 04:12:37 +0000

Great pelagic trip report/photos David. We missed Subantarctic Shearwater and Common Diving Petrel when we were there. Very interesting that you you didn't see a single prion - even a Broad-billed, which should be back breeding there now.

General Birding Discussion :: Re: Chatham Island Pelagic - Jan 2024 :: Reply by David Riddell

no_email@example.com (David Riddell) — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 19:03:04 +0000

Yes I was a bit surprised too. May have been too calm a day for birds to be up and zooming around. Brent thought we may have had more things later in the day when birds were returning to their breeding grounds - we were home by 2.30. First time he'd run a trip out to the Pyramid and still working things out a bit.

General Birding Discussion :: Re: Shane Jones willing to push our wildlife into extinction for mining :: Reply by chris

no_email@example.com (chris) — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 17:38:23 +0000

I'm concerned about any and all fauna and flora. I'm concerned about the possibility of mining inside national parks and significant reserves.im talking about disregard for any and all species and important ecosystems. Mr jones has iterated that they are of no importance whatsoever . That's my worry

General Birding Discussion :: Re: Shane Jones willing to push our wildlife into extinction for mining :: Reply by chris

no_email@example.com (chris) — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 18:22:49 +0000

Once again sorry for the typo. John's instead of jones. I' dont have a computer only a phone. .
I first posted this topic slash warning of the co govts plans to mine anywhere anytime whether with or without the support of the people and without consequence to the environmental impact back in january. As you all can see the response to the post was apathetic at best. Well now the govt has gone even deeper down the dark hole of cutting us off in the decision making in our own communities. There has been zero leadership shown from our p.m. and quite frankly i wouldn't count on any leadership from the current p.m..over this issue or any issue for that matter.he talks like a caged parrot and is absolutely smitten with the American republican party which is worrying and comes out every time he comments in public.so people some groups are rallying. Will they be listened to and respected.time will tell.
In finishing I would just like to reiterate the awful way in which shane jones first indicated the path that this co govt was going to take in regards to the environment, and there dissmisal of the people in regards to it both economically and emotionally.note this concern is not about mining itself but the attitude shown by the govt ,the lack of thought and consideration towards what kiwis see as the real jewels we have left and what makes us truly kiwi.

General Birding Discussion :: Re: Last huia sighting to make the news? :: Reply by zkarj

no_email@example.com (zkarj) — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 05:44:36 +0000

Michael Szabo wrote:Eclayt - can you rule out Kaka because they also whistle.

Flippin' parrots! I very recently identified a call I have been hearing around home a lot in recent months. It is a two note, very pure whistle, so certainly not a parrot. Except it is a parrot. A blimmin Eastern Rosella.

General Birding Discussion :: Re: Kaka in Birkdale Auckland :: Reply by hayden

no_email@example.com (hayden) — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 21:14:14 +0000

I've just seen two kaka fly into Fernglen Gardens in Birkenhead

General Birding Discussion :: Re: Which bird is this? :: Reply by Neil Fitzgerald

no_email@example.com (Neil Fitzgerald) — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 07:44:21 +0000

Tui. Was it at dawn or dusk by any chance?

General Birding Discussion :: Re: Which bird is this? :: Reply by AngryBird45

no_email@example.com (AngryBird45) — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 19:52:57 +0000

It only took 6 months, but there you go.

General Birding Discussion :: Re: Which bird is this? :: Reply by Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 00:56:10 +0000

Bird call ID requests usually get an answer straight away on the 'New Zealand Birders' Facebook page.

General Birding Discussion :: Re: Which bird is this? :: Reply by Neil Fitzgerald

no_email@example.com (Neil Fitzgerald) — Sat, 06 Apr 2024 05:01:37 +0000

They usually get a prompt answer here too. I've been a bit distracted.

General Birding Discussion :: Blumine & Motuara Islands in One Day, Thursday 30 May :: Author Ian McLean

no_email@example.com (Ian McLean) — Sat, 06 Apr 2024 06:42:41 +0000

Kia ora
Myself & Trina Smith are looking to take a full day tour to Blumine & Motuara Islands in the Marlborough Sounds with E-ko Tours on Thursday 30 May. We are doing this as part of a road trip prior to the Birds New Zealand Conference in Nelson from the 1st to the 3rd of June. E-ko Tours require a minimum of 8 people booked to operate the tour & I am just mentioning this tour possibility in case others also going to the conference would like to visit these predator free islands. Also, please excuse the self interest in encouraging others book this tour !

https://www.e-ko.nz/tours/blumine-and-m ... in-one-day

The tour will depart from Picton at 8.00am on Thursday 30 May & it will include a 5 hour unguided visit to Blumine Island. Bird species seen could include: orange-fronted kakariki & mohua (on Blumine Island), yellow-crowned kakariki (on Motuara Island), king shag, South Island saddleback, weka, tomtit, robin, rifleman & fluttering shearwater etc. It should be a great opportunity to see some rare birds on the fabulous islands of the Marlborough Sounds.

Please kindly make a booking directly with E-ko Tours if you are interested in this tour.
Cheers
Ian McLean

General Birding Discussion :: Chatham Rock Phospate invited to apply under the 'Fast-Track Approvals Bill' :: Author Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 04:39:32 +0000

Chatham Rock Phosphate, a company which intends to mine phosphate from the seabed near the Chatham Islands, has disclosed that it has been “invited to apply” by the government to go through the proposed Fast Track Approvals Bill.

The company’s original application was rejected by the Environmental Protection Authority in 2015, which said, “the mining would cause significant and permanent adverse effects on the seabed environment. The economic benefit to New Zealand of mining the area would be modest, at best.” At the time, Forest & Bird argued the proposal could threaten feeding grounds on the Chatham Rise for five threatened seabird species in the nationally critical category.

Forest & Bird say the new fast-track bill is not about speeding up consent approvals but that it is about wholesale removal of environmental protections, discarding democratic processes, and throwing the door wide open for development that will cause significant and lasting harm to our environment.

RMA Reform Minister, Chris Bishop, one of three ministers who will hold unprecedented power to approve any development project, has written to “over 200” organisations inviting them to apply - but he won’t tell New Zealanders what their names are or how they were selected. Forest & Bird say it is now clear that some of these are organisations that have had projects turned down previously because the evidence showed that they would cause massive harm to our environment.

You can make a submission on the bill now via this link:
https://www.forestandbird.org.nz/petiti ... for-nature

Attachments

Chatham Taiko photo by Graeme Taylor.
435102047_806986394791038_5269150051254159837_n.jpg (298.19 KiB)

General Birding Discussion :: 130 DOC roles to be axed - NZ Herald :: Author Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 02:37:26 +0000

This is a flying kick in the guts for our threatened bird species, ordered by a new anti-science government that's giving a $3 billion taxpayer-funded handout to multi-millionaire landlords who don't even need it.

In addition to axing 130 roles, DOC will have a $7 million funding shortfall at a time when it is expected to pick up the increasingly expensive repair bill for damage from extreme weather events like Cyclone Gabrielle:
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/public-se ... 3u6byzkpBM

General Birding Discussion :: Re: 130 DOC roles to be axed - NZ Herald :: Reply by Jim_j

no_email@example.com (Jim_j) — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 05:07:53 +0000

You missed the bits about dumping the Kermadec Marine Sanctuary and getting rid of limits on the sealion by-catch numbers (apparently the fishing industry didn't like it) - I know it's hard to keep-up!!

I'm waiting for the announcement that they are going to get rid of those annoying seabird deterrent devices on fishing boats.
So much for protection of 30% of the ocean.

Cheers
Jim

General Birding Discussion :: Re: 130 DOC roles to be axed - NZ Herald :: Reply by andrewcrossland

no_email@example.com (andrewcrossland) — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 06:25:53 +0000

The Herald does seem to report that it’s not all coal-face biodiversity roles that are being lost. This is what was actually reported “ Fifty-four of the roles on the chopping block are in regional operations, 24 are in biodiversity, heritage and visitors, 22 are in policy and regulation, 18 in public affairs, nine in organisational support, two in the director-general’s office, and one in treaty relationships, according to the PSA.”

General Birding Discussion :: Re: 130 DOC roles to be axed - NZ Herald :: Reply by Davidthomas

no_email@example.com (Davidthomas) — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 07:07:43 +0000

andrewcrossland wrote:The Herald does seem to report that it’s not all coal-face biodiversity roles that are being lost. This is what was actually reported “ Fifty-four of the roles on the chopping block are in regional operations, 24 are in biodiversity, heritage and visitors, 22 are in policy and regulation, 18 in public affairs, nine in organisational support, two in the director-general’s office, and one in treaty relationships, according to the PSA.”

It’s also currently only a proposal. Hasn’t been confirmed, we just found out the proposed plan today.

General Birding Discussion :: Re: 130 DOC roles to be axed - NZ Herald :: Reply by Jim_j

no_email@example.com (Jim_j) — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 22:46:40 +0000

Interesting - even if they are "back office" roles unless they stop doing things - then it likely means that the "frontline" will have to pick it up.

Sure there is always some savings - merge a few things etc and you'll save a few people here and there - but 130 I think not.

So either the frontline work reduces in real terms and/or they stop doing things... which I think is exactly the idea - no silly environmental impact reports, advocacy for protection etc - these are the key things the government would like to drop.
I believe one of the new ministers for development has already stated that the so-called stewardship land is open for "business".

cheers
jim

General Birding Discussion :: Re: 130 DOC roles to be axed - NZ Herald :: Reply by Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 01:25:30 +0000

andrewcrossland wrote:The Herald does seem to report that it’s not all coal-face biodiversity roles that are being lost. This is what was actually reported “ Fifty-four of the roles on the chopping block are in regional operations, 24 are in biodiversity, heritage and visitors, 22 are in policy and regulation, 18 in public affairs, nine in organisational support, two in the director-general’s office, and one in treaty relationships, according to the PSA.”

As University of Otago lecturer in ecology and former DOC staffer Jo Monks told RNZ today:
* The budget cuts mean DOC won't be able to deliver all of its species and ecosystem conservation programmes;
* The cuts put more pressure on DOC's already overstretched conservation work;
* They further reduce DOC's capability in the science sector;
* They also reduce DOC's ability to provide technical conservation advice and policy advice which will hinder conservation work, conservation strategies and related initiatives; and
* Given the current biodiversity crisis, the government should be increasing DOC conservation staff and funding.

Link to Jo Monks interview: https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programm ... c-job-cuts

General Birding Discussion :: Re: 130 DOC roles to be axed - NZ Herald :: Reply by Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 01:34:22 +0000

Jim_j wrote:You missed the bits about dumping the Kermadec Marine Sanctuary and getting rid of limits on the sealion by-catch numbers (apparently the fishing industry didn't like it) - I know it's hard to keep-up!!

I'm waiting for the announcement that they are going to get rid of those annoying seabird deterrent devices on fishing boats.
So much for protection of 30% of the ocean.

Cheers
Jim

Yes, I've posted elsewhere about them scrapping the Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary to appease the fishing industry. That would have extended protections for seabirds and migratory species that utilise or inhabit that area, including albatrosses, petrels, marine turtles and migratory tuna, all of which are impacted by fisheries activities.

The long-standing NZ sea lion by-catch limit was scrapped yesterday, as you say to appease the fishing industry.

This 'Great Leap Backwards' is a blatant cash grab by the most anti-science NZ govt in living memory. At the same time they are doing all this, they are giving a $3 billion public handout to multi-millionaire landlords who will stash it in their already bulging bank accounts. The proposed cut to DOC staffing and budget is a tiny amount in comparison with the $3 billion they are handing out to wealthy landlords.

General Birding Discussion :: DOC set to lose scientific expertise in job cuts - RNZ :: Reply by Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 02:10:47 +0000

Science advisors and technical experts are among those set to lose their jobs as the Department of Conservation makes cuts to reach the government's savings target.

Among the disestablished roles are the chief science advisor and the five-person aquatic delivery team, while the department's predator-free function would be substantially reduced.

The Resource Management Act (RMA) regulatory delivery team is being cut from 20 people to four, and almost the entire strategic partnership team is being cut, with 21 out of 22 jobs disestablished and the one remaining advisor to sit under a different team.

The department has been asked to make cuts for savings of 6.5 percent, on top of its separate 2024/2025 cost pressures of $7.2 million.

Link to longer RNZ report: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/514 ... 9QcSmDHAPz

General Birding Discussion :: DOC set to lose scientific expertise in job cuts - RNZ :: Author Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 02:12:06 +0000

Science advisors and technical experts are among those set to lose their jobs as the Department of Conservation makes cuts to reach the government's savings target.

Among the disestablished roles are the chief science advisor and the five-person aquatic delivery team, while the department's predator-free function would be substantially reduced.

The Resource Management Act (RMA) regulatory delivery team is being cut from 20 people to four, and almost the entire strategic partnership team is being cut, with 21 out of 22 jobs disestablished and the one remaining advisor to sit under a different team

The department has been asked to make cuts for savings of 6.5 percent, on top of its separate 2024/2025 cost pressures of $7.2 million.

Link to news report: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/514 ... 9QcSmDHAPz

General Birding Discussion :: Unusual raptor in Selwyn District :: Author Gregortims

no_email@example.com (Gregortims) — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 07:49:01 +0000

Hi everyone,

My mother-in-law sent me these photos of a raptor that she watched take a Hare in her garden today in the Selwyn District in Canterbury. I assume it is a strange coloured Swamp Harrier (there are loads around her garden), but I’ve never seen one with colouring like this. I was wondering if it might be an escaped Hawk of some type? It looks almost like an Eastern Marsh Harrier with those colours!

Attachments

28b7f1ee-e5b3-47f4-a9e9-fdcf0d34aefa.jpeg (304.53 KiB)

0f6d48fe-9d1e-4cda-aca7-009c265f10ef.jpeg (303.18 KiB)

General Birding Discussion :: Re: Unusual raptor in Selwyn District :: Reply by SomesBirder

no_email@example.com (SomesBirder) — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 17:16:54 +0000

It is a Swamp Harrier with unusual colouration. There aren't any birds of prey in NZ that are found only in captivity.

General Birding Discussion :: Sand mining decision good news for NZ Fairy Tern :: Author Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Sat, 13 Apr 2024 01:59:57 +0000

Yesterday the Environment Court declined consents for offshore sand mining in the Mangawhai-Pakiri Embayment, Auckland. The case was taken by Forest & Bird to highlight the inadequacy of information supplied by the applicant concerning ecological effects on sensitive seabed ecology and the critically endangered New Zealand Fairy Tern Tara Iti.

Forest & Bird worked alongside the Department of Conservation, community groups and mana whenua including Friends of Pakiri Beach, Te Whānau o Pākiri, Ōmaha Marae, Ngāti Manuhiri, the Environmental Defence Society, and others in efforts to protect the area.

This is an example of how the Resource Management Act can work to protect one of our most threatened bird species. Under the government's proposed new Fast-Track Approvals Bill, a trio of ministers could ignore all the evidence and expert advice, and overturn this decision at the stroke of a pen.

You can make a submission on the Fast-Track Approvals Bill here until 19th April:
https://www.forestandbird.org.nz/petiti ... for-nature

or here:
https://petition.act.greenpeace.org.nz/ ... submission

Attachments

Tara Iti photo by Glenda Rees.
437695964_807608528062158_8991779474458327683_n.jpg (164.8 KiB)

General Birding Discussion :: Re: Sand mining decision good news for NZ Fairy Tern :: Reply by Jim_j

no_email@example.com (Jim_j) — Sat, 13 Apr 2024 20:56:39 +0000

Yes its a shame that this win and all the others that have gone before it are now essentially worthless.

Cheers
jim

General Birding Discussion :: Re: Sand mining decision good news for NZ Fairy Tern :: Reply by Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Sat, 13 Apr 2024 21:37:17 +0000

Yes, especially now we know the relevant minister has actually invited some of the developers to apply again under the Fast-Track Approvals Bill:
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/51 ... d-to-apply

General Birding Discussion :: Tern Id wanted :: Author BerndHuss

no_email@example.com (BerndHuss) — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 06:39:56 +0000

I went to Waipu last Saturday hoping to see a Fairy Tern. I didn't think I succeeded, but I took photos of a very small Tern which I cannot identify. The bird was very far away (roughly 70-100m) so the photos only offer very vague features. On the last picture to the right are 2 Caspian Terns and a Red-billed Gull, which can be used for size comparison. It was very small, but it seems to have a black bill and the legs don't look orange, which seems to rule out a Fairy, but maybe Little Tern??

Attachments

IMG_6288.JPG (340.56 KiB)

IMG_6289.JPG (478.09 KiB)

IMG_6304.JPG (268.91 KiB)

General Birding Discussion :: Re: Tern Id wanted :: Reply by benackerley

no_email@example.com (benackerley) — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 08:33:21 +0000

Looks like a white-fronted tern

General Birding Discussion :: Re: Tern Id wanted :: Reply by Ian Southey

no_email@example.com (Ian Southey) — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 20:14:57 +0000

Bernd

Its the offseason. The Fairy terns will have gone 2-3 months ago when they had finished breeding. They'll probably be somewhere on the Kaipara now.

Ian

General Birding Discussion :: Bird ID please :: Author zkarj

no_email@example.com (zkarj) — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 03:07:14 +0000

Hi all. New member here.

While I am definitely a bird nerd, I am also a nerd for the big metal variety and that was what I was focusing on (literally and figuratively) so I had no idea I had captured this flock of birds until I was looking at my photos at home.

The location is Wellington Airport, only a very short distance from Lyall Bay Beach. The birds appeared in two frames, with an intervening frame in between. They look to have been scared by the approaching aircraft and then wheeled back the other way (a smart choice).

CleanShot 2024-04-01 at 15.59.34@2x.jpeg

CleanShot 2024-04-01 at 15.59.50@2x.jpeg

I know there are Banded Dotterels in the area, as I have photographed them less than a kilometre from this spot. These look, to me, like they may be some kind of Dotterel, but I'm not sure what they'd be doing low level inside the airport boundary, as the usual place I spot the Banded Dotterels is on the rocky embankment outside.

Attachments

CleanShot 2024-04-01 at 15.59.34@2x.jpeg (117.18 KiB)

CleanShot 2024-04-01 at 15.59.50@2x.jpeg (107.33 KiB)

General Birding Discussion :: Re: Bird ID please :: Reply by benackerley

no_email@example.com (benackerley) — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 07:45:24 +0000

Non breeding banded dotterels by the looks.

General Birding Discussion :: Re: Bird ID please :: Reply by zkarj

no_email@example.com (zkarj) — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 05:24:57 +0000

Thanks. I've only ever seen them in the area singly before, so had no idea they flocked like this. I will keep more of an eye out now!

General Birding Discussion :: Re: Bird ID please :: Reply by Peter Frost

no_email@example.com (Peter Frost) — Sat, 06 Apr 2024 02:51:55 +0000

Good observation. They certainly look like banded dotterel. At least at Whanganui airport, where there is an extensive grass apron and close to the Whanganui estuary, a large number of banded dotterel use the airport during winter months. This can be seen in the following data, kindly collected by Bevin Shaw, who was helping out as a baggage handler there at the time. Between April 2011 and April 2014, he counted the birds that he could see on the grass and runway up to 4 times a day, 4-5 days a week, for 28 months in this period. There were gaps in counting during the spring-early summer months in years 2 and 3, but this coincided with the birds' breeding season, when they were elsewhere, so the number of birds, if present, was quite likely low; see the data for 2011-12, which was presented a complet annual cyclee. Obviously, the counts were quite variable because they were made from a single stationary position and so depended on variables such as grass height, weather conditions (wind, rain or not, light levels, etc.), as well as on time of day and the tidal conditions on the adjacent estuary, to which the birds would move to feed. But, if one takes the maximum count each month, a clear pattern emerges.

Banded Dotterel_airport_April 2011-April 2014-v2.png

Banded dotterel have also nested on the airport apron (see https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/publications/nest-relocation-by-banded-dotterel-charadrius-bicinctus/), including one pair that nested right on the edge of the taxiway in front of the airport buildings. The following photo shows an Air New Zealand plane heading for take-off, with the wing tip passing near the nest (marked "N"). The nesting bird (marked "B") moved off briefly (but didn't fly), before returning to sit on its three eggs.

Banded_Dotterel_nest_Wanganui_airport+Air New Zealand_20101207.jpg

It might be worth looking at the outer fringes of Wellington and other airports, perhaps the smaller ones, where banded dotterel are seen and where one or more pairs may nest.

Peter

Attachments

Maximum number of Banded Dotterel counted monthly on Whanganui Airport apron, April 2011-April 2014 (data courtesty of Bevin Shaw)
Banded Dotterel_airport_April 2011-April 2014-v2.png (225.52 KiB)

Location of a banded dotterel nest ("N") on the edge of the taxiway, with an Air New Zealand plane heading out for take-off, briefly causing the sitting bird ("B") to get off the nest.
Banded_Dotterel_nest_Wanganui_airport+Air New Zealand_20101207.jpg (452.05 KiB)

General Birding Discussion :: Re: Bird ID please :: Reply by Shane Cotter

no_email@example.com (Shane Cotter) — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 05:53:57 +0000

Thanks for the report zkarj of the dotterels at Wellington Airport. I am involved in the MIRO project, monitoring and banding banded dotterels living and nesting at Eastbourne, the Pencarrow lakes and at Baring Head. Several of our flagged dotterels have been seen at Wellington airport with one recovered dead there. After your report, we have made contact with Wellington Airport and visited them today. They confirm there are about 15-25 banded dotterels hanging around the airport with what appears to be a permanent population as well and showed us where they regularly hang out. We saw one on our short introductory visit today. They have noted nests and chicks previously and are keen for us to be involved with dotterel monitoring (including banding) at the airport. This is something we would consider but it is a little distance from Eastbourne where most of the team lives. We would be happy for people living closer to the airport to be involved. We have explained what leg flags are and asked them to keep an eye out for any on their patrols and report them to the Banding Office at DOC and us. If you see any dotterels with leg flags, please report them too. Thanks again.

General Birding Discussion :: Re: Bird ID please :: Reply by Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 18:53:22 +0000

I posted your comments to the 'New Zealand Birders' Facebook group yesterday and someone has replied with this comment:
"Just anecdotally, I've seen a pair regularly flying in at dusk to Lyall Bay, landing amongst people and dogs, and scurrying into the dune plantings. Very smart!"

General Birding Discussion :: Beyond DOC job cuts: ‘The worst is yet to come’ :: Author Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Sat, 20 Apr 2024 02:05:20 +0000

The Department of Conservation faces a triple whammy – losing staff, losing budget, and enduring a time of increasing costs.
“The worst is yet to come,” predicts Gary Taylor of the Environmental Defence Society. “There’s going to be more, and more serious and far-reaching, disruption coming for DOC over the next little while.”
Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones (of NZ First) has talked about selling conservation stewardship land - that's land transferred to DOC in 1987 but which hasn’t been fully assessed for conservation values.
How much stewardship land might go? “Probably all of it,” Gary Taylor says.

Link to full article: https://newsroom.co.nz/2024/04/16/beyon ... GGZ2zR8GmN

General Birding Discussion :: Re: Beyond DOC job cuts: ‘The worst is yet to come’ :: Reply by Richard_Jones

no_email@example.com (Richard_Jones) — Sun, 21 Apr 2024 02:16:35 +0000

Hi Michael/All.
Thanks for bringing yet further serious news to our attention. It just gets worse and worse. Notwithstanding, does anyone know (i) how much land falls within the 'conservation stewardship land' umbrella? and (ii) why has this land not been fully assessed for conservation values after having been transferred to DOC 37 years ago?
Regards,
Richard

General Birding Discussion :: Re: Beyond DOC job cuts: ‘The worst is yet to come’ :: Reply by Jim_j

no_email@example.com (Jim_j) — Sun, 21 Apr 2024 03:22:26 +0000

There was a big review underway of stewardship land just last year - I think it got as far as the recommendation stage - I imagine the election killed it.

Cheers jim

General Birding Discussion :: Re: Beyond DOC job cuts: ‘The worst is yet to come’ :: Reply by Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Sun, 21 Apr 2024 04:13:01 +0000

One third of all the conservation land is currently classed as stewardship land. That's about 2.7 million hectares of conservation land, or around 9 percent of New Zealand:
https://www.forestandbird.org.nz/campai ... gIL0vD_BwE

General Birding Discussion :: mystery call :: Author @lobotaniser

no_email@example.com (@lobotaniser) — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 22:30:29 +0000

Any ideas on this call?
in a rough gully next to the wairoa river.

https://inaturalist.nz/observations/208003805

General Birding Discussion :: Re: mystery call :: Reply by Neil Fitzgerald

no_email@example.com (Neil Fitzgerald) — Sun, 21 Apr 2024 23:38:27 +0000

You have both tui and silvereyes there.

General Birding Discussion :: Re: Open letter to the Coalition government from NZ Scientific Societies :: Reply by Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 04:29:43 +0000

Two petitions have been launched to stop the 'Fast-track Approvals Bill' now:
https://www.forestandbird.org.nz/petiti ... for-nature
https://petition.act.greenpeace.org.nz/ ... submission

General Birding Discussion :: Re: Open letter to the Coalition government from NZ Scientific Societies :: Reply by Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 20:41:42 +0000

The Environmental Defence Society has also produced a template submission on the Fast-Track Approvals Bill that covers 5 key issues with the Bill and has space for people to add their own perspectives:
https://eds.org.nz/resources/documents/ ... -template/

General Birding Discussion :: Re: Open letter to the Coalition government from NZ Scientific Societies :: Reply by Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 01:42:18 +0000

Closing date for making a submission is Friday 19 April 2024.

You can make a submission via the following 2 websites:
https://www.forestandbird.org.nz/petiti ... for-nature
https://petition.act.greenpeace.org.nz/ ... submission

General Birding Discussion :: Re: Open letter to the Coalition government from NZ Scientific Societies :: Reply by Colin Miskelly

no_email@example.com (Colin Miskelly) — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 01:25:46 +0000

Lessons in how to swallow a dead rat

After failing to swallow it whole, it pecked at the anal region to expose its entrails...

Attachments

Swallowing a dead rat.jpg (397.76 KiB)

General Birding Discussion :: Re: Open letter to the Coalition government from NZ Scientific Societies :: Reply by Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Sat, 06 Apr 2024 21:12:19 +0000

Yes, and while climate scientists warn of a world record temperature jump in Antarctica where an unprecedented leap of 38.5C above its seasonal average in the coldest place on Earth is a harbinger of a disaster for humans and the local ecosystem (including various penguin species), the newly minted NZ coalition government is proposing a law designed to circumvent other laws that require decision-makers to take into account the impacts of proposed developments on the climate and threatened species: https://www.theguardian.com/environment ... atastrophe

I can definitely smell a dead rat - in this case, a bag containing three of them.

General Birding Discussion :: Re: Open letter to the Coalition government from NZ Scientific Societies :: Reply by Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 21:03:53 +0000

Another reason the Fast-Track Approvals Bill is flawed is that the Crown could be left to pay tens of millions from the public purse to decommission and clean up abandoned toxic contaminated sites if the owner goes bankrupt, as happened at the Tui mine at Mt Te Aroha, Coromandel.

Please make a submission via the link in this article - the deadline is 5pm this Friday 19 April:
https://www.greenpeace.org/aotearoa/sto ... he-bottom/

General Birding Discussion :: Re: Open letter to the Coalition government from NZ Scientific Societies :: Reply by Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 19:12:56 +0000

"Conservation 'good news' stories - the release of native birds into new habitats, for example - are always welcome. They recognise the work of conservation staff and volunteers who do the hard slog of checking trap lines and removing weeds. The reality is, however, that Aotearoa New Zealand's environment is in deep trouble."

Margaret Stanley is Professor of Ecology at University of Auckland

Link to article: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/on-the-insid ... ZeEfIiRHN7

Link to petition: https://petition.act.greenpeace.org.nz/ ... iw_J2oQkbI

General Birding Discussion :: Re: Open letter to the Coalition government from NZ Scientific Societies :: Reply by Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 19:06:19 +0000

The deadline for submissions on the Fast-Track Approvals Bill is midnight tonight. You can make a quick submission now via these links:
https://www.forestandbird.org.nz/petiti ... for-nature
https://petition.act.greenpeace.org.nz/ ... submission

General Birding Discussion :: Re: Open letter to the Coalition government from NZ Scientific Societies :: Reply by Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 04:17:29 +0000

General Birding Discussion :: Re: Open letter to the Coalition government from NZ Scientific Societies :: Reply by Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 00:18:15 +0000

At least two businesses invited to apply for fast-track consents have donated to the National party, says Labour Party - RNZ

"Labour is warning that allowing just 3 ministers the last word on fast-tracking infrastructure projects opens them up to accusations of bias, especially when political donations might muddy the waters.

Environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said they had identified at least two businesses on the government's list of organisations invited to apply for fast-tracked consents, which have donated to the National party."

Link to RNZ news report: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/514 ... ays-labour

General Birding Discussion :: Thanks to everyone who made a submission :: Reply by Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 04:22:09 +0000

Thanks to everyone in this forum who made a submission on the government's proposed Fast-Track Approvals Bill.

More than 15,000 people used the online submissions form that Greenpeace set up and more than 13,000 people used the similar online submissions form that Forest & Bird set up.

That's an impressive number of people given the time allowed for submissions by the government was just a couple of weeks rather than the usual several months.

General Birding Discussion :: Quarry linked to $55,000 donation to NZ First and Shane Jones, approached over fast-track :: Author Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 05:08:38 +0000

Quarry connected to $55,000 donation to NZ First and Shane Jones, approached over fast-track - NZ Herald:
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/ ... 1714004934

General Birding Discussion :: Re: Quarry linked to $55,000 donation to NZ First and Shane Jones, approached over fast-track :: Reply by andrewcrossland

no_email@example.com (andrewcrossland) — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 00:03:47 +0000

There’s probably a bunch of other special interest web groups that would be super interested in these political postings team, but the fact is that almost all politicians are dodgy to some degree or another aren’t they? Both the right and the left have dropped the ball on species protections and ecological management in this country over the last 30 or more years. (Bring back the NZ Wildlife Service!).
Unless there’s something specifically relevant about birds is this the right forum to try to start the revolution? There’s also a bit of a risk in over-stepping the accusations and crossing the line to committing libel as this is a public forum eh.

General Birding Discussion :: Re: Quarry linked to $55,000 donation to NZ First and Shane Jones, approached over fast-track :: Reply by bdarlow

no_email@example.com (bdarlow) — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 02:03:16 +0000

I appreciated your posting, Michael - thank you. I suggest all those interested in birds will know the proposed fast track legislation is likely to be a disaster for the natural world, including birds. Minister Jones' comment about "bye bye freddie" could just as easily have been "bye bye birdie". If comments are restricted to niche political sites they can be dismissed as the opinions of a small lefty minority. People of all political persuasions interested in preserving our native fauna and flora need to be concerned about this undemocratic legislation. Brian Darlow

General Birding Discussion :: Re: Quarry linked to $55,000 donation to NZ First and Shane Jones, approached over fast-track :: Reply by andrewcrossland

no_email@example.com (andrewcrossland) — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 07:07:23 +0000

Ok, so how about adding a new forum to the list, something like "nature conservation issues and political developments".

General Birding Discussion :: Re: Quarry linked to $55,000 donation to NZ First and Shane Jones, approached over fast-track :: Reply by Neil Fitzgerald

no_email@example.com (Neil Fitzgerald) — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 08:56:39 +0000

I'm not convinced we want a new forum and I'm not convinced we need reposts of political news headlines. This govt may be a disaster, but unless it is directly related to birds, please leave it to the news sites.

General Birding Discussion :: Oceans Secretariat scrapped by Shane Jones :: Author Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 02:41:59 +0000

A cross-departmental group supposed to deliver holistic ocean management has been dissolved in a move slammed as short-sighted. Fisheries Minister Shane Jones announced he had dissolved the Oceans Secretariat last week week

The Oceans Secretariat was set up in 2021, with the government of the day saying the current marine management system was too fragmented. Supporting an oceans and marine ministerial group, the secretariat was hosted by the Department of Conservation and comprised officials from the Ministry for Primary Industries (including Fisheries) and the Ministry for the Environment. ...

Greenpeace oceans campaigner Ellie Hooper said it was a short-sighted power grab by Jones that risked less Department of Conservation input.

“Getting rid of the Oceans Secretariat is another power grab by Shane Jones. It’s designed to keep the actual Department of Conservation – who are mandated to look after protected marine species – completely sidelined when it comes to decisions that will affect those very species including dolphins, fur seals, sea lions and endangered seabirds like albatross."

“It’s simply another short-sighted move that favours industry profit over the well-being of the ocean and the planet.”

Link to story: https://newsroom.co.nz/2024/04/19/warni ... dissolved/

General Birding Discussion :: Re: Oceans Secretariat scrapped by Shane Jones :: Reply by Neil Fitzgerald

no_email@example.com (Neil Fitzgerald) — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 09:29:30 +0000

It's hard not to get angry at the stream of bad news but we have done well to keep politics to a minimum here and I'd like to keep it that way. Unless it's directly related to birds, please leave it to other media.

General Birding Discussion :: Potential for NZ vagrants from North America? :: Author sav

no_email@example.com (sav) — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 05:06:33 +0000

Hi all,

We have a long history of shorebird vagrants from North America, with Western Sandpiper being the latest star attraction. Also, records of Franklin's and Laughing Gull of course. The recent discussion about the red-billed Common Tern, and a long-held belief that our Northern Shoveler and Northern Pintail records are from the Americas rather than Asia has got me thinking about other birds that we might need to look out for.

Brent has recently been to Hawaii, and his eBird report has some really interesting (at least to my mind!) things. North American ducks Winter in Hawaii in small(-ish) numbers, and Hawaii is about halfway to NZ from the West Coast of USA - still a really long way, but......

Brent saw 71 Northern Shoveler and 6 Northern Pintail there - more or less mirroring the proportions of NZ records (?). Plus 8 Laughing Gulls. He also had 8 American Widgeon (and a European Widgeon) and that is something that I had never considered occurring here.

Add single Green-winged Teal, and single Ring-necked Duck, and (the most interesting) 2 Lesser Scaup. Lesser Scaup is at least an annual visitor to Hawaii in small numbers, but what intrigues me is how similar a female/immature Lesser Scaup is to a female/immature New Zealand Scaup.

Might be time to put that species on the radar!

Any thoughts?

Cheers

General Birding Discussion :: Re: Potential for NZ vagrants from North America? :: Reply by Jan

no_email@example.com (Jan) — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 19:38:05 +0000

Well the godwits make it here from somewhere over Hawaii, every year......so who knows what others could do the same, and they can rest on water as well.

General Birding Discussion :: Re: Potential for NZ vagrants from North America? :: Reply by andrewcrossland

no_email@example.com (andrewcrossland) — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 09:49:30 +0000

It interesting looking through Pacific regional fieldguides to see what the possibilities for North American vagrants to NZ might be....
six species that have made it to the islands north of us must be potential contenders for reaching NZ eventually?
American Wigeon
Greater Yellowlegs
Spotted Sandpiper
Long-billed Dowitcher
Short-billed Dowitcher
Ring-billed Gull

Birding Trips and Events :: Re: AUTUMN 2024 : The Petrel Station pelagic seabird tours, Tutukaka, New Zealand :: Reply by ourspot

no_email@example.com (ourspot) — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 07:56:27 +0000

eBird GLOBAL BIG DAY out at The Petrel Station
•• SATURDAY 11 May 2024 --> only 4 spaces left
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Be part of the world’s biggest birding event with The Petrel Station seabird tours, Tutukaka, New Zealand

We've got a special seabird tour scheduled on 11 May 2024 to coincide with Cornell Lab's 'eBird Global Big Day' event ... and out at The Petrel Station we've got a very good chance of adding a bunch of stunning seabirds to the Global Big Day list that won't get seen anywhere else in the world on the day (ie. NZ Storm Petrel)!

Birdwatchers around the world will be getting out on the day to see how many bird species can be recorded globally in a single day (in 2023 over 7,700 bird species were recorded - nearly three-quarters of the world’s bird species!). All sightings on the day are added to eBird, as well as to The Petrel Station's long term at-sea seabird sightings research project that's being run in conjunction with our seabird tours.

So if you're keen for a great day out with some stunning seabirds, and getting to be part of the Global Big Day then get in touch and book a spot to join us. The best way to experience these seabirds is out on the ocean, in their world :)

We've also got plenty of seabird tours running throughout autumn and winter which are great for the Albatross species visiting our area, migration seabirds, and the winter breeding seabirds are around in good numbers too - check out the upcoming tour dates on our website.

Find out more at: www.thepetrelstation.nz

Cheers
Scott Brooks
The Petrel Station seabird tours and research – Tutukaka, New Zealand

P : 021 322 324
E : seabirds@thepetrelstation.nz
Website: www.thepetrelstation.nz
Facebook : www.facebook.com/thepetrelstation
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thepetrelstation

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: White Heron at Huntly :: Author avianz

no_email@example.com (avianz) — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 04:34:49 +0000

Good to see the white heron at Huntly again, haven't seen it in a while. Only had phone with me.

Attachments

20240329_163548.jpg (536.42 KiB)

20240329_163800.jpg (587.19 KiB)

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Maketu - Pacific Golden Plover gathering :: Author Tim Barnard

no_email@example.com (Tim Barnard) — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 01:52:10 +0000

Hi
There were 92 birds on the sandbank next to the Whakaue Marae yesterday - many in BP. Ken saw them the day before too. This is an annual event. Maketu and Little Waihi hold good numbers of PGPs but at this time of year the number rises and appears to correspond to the combined total of the other flocks from around the BoP. They were very active and calling continuously yesterday. They don't often visit this sandbank until shortly before migration - preferring paddocks and less accessible sites. One of the best birding spectacles in the BoP.
Cheers
Tim

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Great Knot, Pūkorokoro Miranda :: Reply by David Riddell

no_email@example.com (David Riddell) — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 04:24:08 +0000

Great knot again easily found in front of the Godwit Hide this morning, though it mostly kept its head tucked in while we were there. Still plenty of godwits and red knots, many colouring up well.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Great Knot, Pūkorokoro Miranda :: Reply by Caiden

no_email@example.com (Caiden) — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 04:45:24 +0000

As David says, the bird was present this morning at high tide. It was around for the three hours we spent there, quite close in front of the Kuaka hide. It took flight at one point and landed back in the flock after a strong gust of wind. Still about 40 PGP around and a few are starting to colour up nicely. Great morning with lots of happy birders despite the weather!

Attachments

_94A2956-Enhanced-NR.jpg (145.87 KiB)

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Great Knot, Pūkorokoro Miranda :: Reply by naturespotter

no_email@example.com (naturespotter) — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 07:28:48 +0000

I also had great views of the bird today at the Godwit hide with Caiden and others.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Great Knot, Pūkorokoro Miranda :: Reply by David Riddell

no_email@example.com (David Riddell) — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 18:52:10 +0000

Great photo Caiden, and thanks for finding the bird in the first place.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Great Knot, Pūkorokoro Miranda :: Reply by Logan

no_email@example.com (Logan) — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 00:01:00 +0000

Bird present now in front of godwit hide.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Spotless Crake - Gisborne - Innes St Pond :: Author @lobotaniser

no_email@example.com (@lobotaniser) — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 01:54:03 +0000

I took advantage of the lack of industrial noise today (there was still quite a bit), and played some spotless crake calls. Got a response.
As far as I can tell it's the first record from here. Russ tried Marsh Crake (successfully) and Spotless (unsuccessfully), in 2017.
I've tried a few times over the years but never had success (but also, without much actual commitment from me..).
(I didnt try marsh crake calls)

I had the 7 year old with me - she was also stoked to hear it.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Hudsonian Godwit, Asiatic Whimbrel and Eastern Curlew - Ohiwa :: Author Tim Barnard

no_email@example.com (Tim Barnard) — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 05:01:12 +0000

Hi,
A second Bay of Plenty Hudsonian Godwit at Ohiwa today and an Asiatic Whimbrel with 450 Bar-tailed Godwit. Ken was on the Little Waihi bird at the high tide so good to know there were two out there. One Eastern Curlew at Wainui Inlet - a rare bird in the Bay (Ken gave me a tip-off this week - great spotting).
Hope you all had a great weekend.
Tim

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Common Tern, Ashley River mouth :: Reply by benackerley

no_email@example.com (benackerley) — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 05:42:52 +0000

Red-billed one present today at Island roost with 126 WFT and 6 BFT. Coming into breeding plumage nicely!

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Common Tern, Ashley River mouth :: Reply by benackerley

no_email@example.com (benackerley) — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 07:22:38 +0000

Probably just a weird WFT but does anyone have thoughts on this tern? Slightly smaller than WFT juveniles near it that were chasing it off.

Attachments

43CCA22E-3A40-4BE8-A5E2-106C0FC20248.jpeg (235.73 KiB)

9674B599-9509-4C71-BE5E-A7C51986224B.jpeg (150.34 KiB)

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Barbary Doves in Selwyn District :: Reply by Hypno

no_email@example.com (Hypno) — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 22:07:20 +0000

Pair seen Selwyn road Rolleston, easter weekend

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Barbary Doves in Selwyn District :: Reply by andrewcrossland

no_email@example.com (andrewcrossland) — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 22:54:14 +0000

Please remember folks to put any Barbary or Spotted Doves seen in Canterbury on ebird. cheers

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Black-fronted Terns, Te Raekaihau Pt, Wellington :: Author Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 04:04:09 +0000

Saw two BFTs with a flock of about 400 WFTs yesterday in Princess Bay close to Te Raekaihau Pt on the south Wellington coast at low tide.
Some of the WFTs had a pink wash.

Attachments

Part of the WFT flock - photo M Szabo.
WFT flock_7882.JPG (895.15 KiB)

BFT photo M Szabo.
BFT wings up_7962.JPG (317.44 KiB)

BFT photo M Szabo.
BFT_7973.JPG (413.62 KiB)

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: 2 Black-fronted Terns, Te Raekaihou Pt, Wellington :: Reply by Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 18:36:52 +0000

Vandy Pollard reports there were 2 BFTs with about 20 WFTs at the same spot about 3pm this afternoon.

Attachments

BFT photo by Vandy Pollard.
bft vandy pollard shot.jpg (202.67 KiB)

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: 2 Black-fronted Terns, Te Raekaihou Pt, Wellington :: Reply by Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 03:45:21 +0000

Stephanie RJ report 6 BFTs with a group of 50+ WFTs in the same spot at 2.30pm this afternoon.

Attachments

5 BFTs photo Stephanie RJ.
433259198_10160825282777435_2455506167600165253_n.jpg (593.49 KiB)

Adult BFT photo Stephanie RJ.
434653368_10160825279522435_9210703676215870581_n.jpg (505.86 KiB)

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Black-fronted Terns, Te Raekaihau Pt, Wellington :: Reply by Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 03:06:49 +0000

Vandy Pollard reports there are 9 Black-fronted Terns with the White-fronted Tern flock at the same spot in Princess Bay this afternoon, including 2 adult BFTs still mostly in breeding plumage.

Attachments

Photo by Vandy Pollard.
434477883_8135670893111917_3595573093328122789_n.jpg (75.67 KiB)

Photo by Vandy Pollard.
434059661_8135670926445247_5616040842933238966_n.jpg (210.55 KiB)

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Black-fronted Terns, Te Raekaihau Pt, Wellington :: Reply by Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 01:30:20 +0000

Duncan Watson reports 14 Black-fronted Terns at Te Raikaihau Pt at the moment.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Black-fronted Terns, Te Raekaihau Pt, Wellington :: Reply by Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 04:57:39 +0000

Sally Eyre was there this afternoon around high tide and got this shot of a flock of 17 Black-fronted Terns with 1 White-fronted among them.

Attachments

17 BFTs photo by Sally Eyre.
bft flock x 17 sally eyre.jpg (255.39 KiB)

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Black-fronted Terns, Te Raekaihau Pt, Wellington :: Reply by Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 00:00:49 +0000

The annual migration of BFTs east along the south Wellington coast continues today - just saw 5 flying east across Island Bay.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Myna in New Brighton, Christchurch :: Reply by Neil Fitzgerald

no_email@example.com (Neil Fitzgerald) — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 19:31:26 +0000

Item on RNZ about them this morning.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/513 ... parks-hunt
Pleased Anita pointed out they are not the biggest threat.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Myna in New Brighton, Christchurch :: Reply by Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 21:30:33 +0000

She is also quoted saying: "Birds New Zealand Canterbury regional representative Anita Spencer said if the birds remained and bred, they were likely to have a negative impact on native birds, as they are known to be aggressive and territorial and to kick other birds' eggs out of their nests."

Nobody has said the Common Myna is a greater threat to NZ native birds than invasive mammal predators such as stoats, rats and cats. If they establish in the South Island they will add to the combined pressure that invasive species exert on native birds and ecosystems. As such, it would be prudent to eradicate these 2 birds now rather than leave them to establish because the cost of trying to control them later on will be far higher.

Photo of two Common Mynas raiding a native Jungle Babbler nest in India by N Kesavamurthy.

Attachments

Common Mynas raiding a native Jungle Babbler nest, India. Photo by N Kesavamurthy.
Common Myna raiding Jungle babbler nest_N Kesavamurthy crop.jpg (101.29 KiB)

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Myna in New Brighton, Christchurch :: Reply by Jan

no_email@example.com (Jan) — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 21:52:55 +0000

Anita didn't say they should not be removed, just that they are more visible than cats, stoats and rats that mostly do damage at night, out of sight. Who writes these reports that all the time refer to Myna birds, kaka birds, kiwi birds? Are they American? We don't say Sparrow birds, Thrush birds, do we? Science reporting is done so badly and once over lightly, it's really annoying. If it were sport now, wow it would get a hiding.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Myna in New Brighton, Christchurch :: Reply by Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 22:14:59 +0000

Yes, I think when reporters refer to 'Myna birds' they are trying to distinguish them from the human miners that dig up minerals underground.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Myna in New Brighton, Christchurch :: Reply by Jan

no_email@example.com (Jan) — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 22:40:28 +0000

!!!

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Myna in New Brighton, Christchurch :: Reply by Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 04:32:15 +0000

I see that Simon Fordham has also commented on this story on Facebook: "On Tiritiri Matangi Island, I have witnessed mynas pulling kakariki chicks out of a nest, for no apparent reason. They have also been known to destroy active saddleback nests, as well as utilise nesting boxes intended for various endemic species, inside the forest."

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Myna in New Brighton, Christchurch :: Reply by jimmifinn

no_email@example.com (jimmifinn) — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 00:52:44 +0000

Here in Wanganui, we have had Mynahs for many years. They are bullies and regularly take over starling nests. I have seen them pecking at House Sparrow nests. Whether they were after the eggs or chicks, I don't know.

They are not nice birds and shouldn't be encouraged in new areas.

Jim Norris

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Myna in New Brighton, Christchurch :: Reply by Neil Fitzgerald

no_email@example.com (Neil Fitzgerald) — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 01:03:22 +0000

You might be surprised how many people still think mynas and magpies ARE the biggest threat (because they see them). I believe the native birds on Tiri (and Tawh, and Shakespear) are still doing ok, despite the mynas, and I wouldn't worry too much about them bullying starlings and house sparrows. I've never suggested leaving them – it could be terrible if they got into mohua areas – but I do think the general public needs constant reminding that most of the country gets little to no control of mammalian preds, and they are vastly worse.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Myna in New Brighton, Christchurch :: Reply by Neil Fitzgerald

no_email@example.com (Neil Fitzgerald) — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 01:33:50 +0000

A call bird in a cage trap would probably get one or both of these birds by sunset. I could probably send a bird down, although a falcon took one in the garden this morning so the rest of the gang might be a little wary for a day or two. If Andrew wants to put it to others in the council, I'm sure it could be arranged.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Myna in New Brighton, Christchurch :: Reply by gmckinlay

no_email@example.com (gmckinlay) — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 08:00:57 +0000

I would think some kind of attractant + cage might be better than shooting. A cage with a remote trigger perhaps.

We had a single myna in Pohnpei, Micronesia which we took out by shooting some years back. However it was hard process, knowing that a missed shot would likely mean the bird would move elsewhere. We had an excellent shooter who took several days before getting his one shot. The bird flew off with a few less feathers.

It was never seen again, so presumably died as a result, but not having confirmation was not helpful.

Prior to the shooting I spent several days visiting, to observe the bird to enable a good plan to be developed. i am convinced the the bird quickly figured out that unlike everybody else I was paying attention to it, and so modified it's behavior in response to my presence such that I started having difficulty re-finding it. The fisheries workers at the site however, would see the bird acting normally, but when I wasn't there.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Myna in New Brighton, Christchurch :: Reply by andrewcrossland

no_email@example.com (andrewcrossland) — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 01:30:56 +0000

Rest assured folks, the mynas will be got one way or another - and the baby kakariki and saddlebacks will suffer no more.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Kōkako in the wild, Mt Bruce :: Author Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 05:34:58 +0000

Louise Thomas reports seeing a pair of unbanded North Island Kōkako in the wild on the Loop Track at Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre (Mt Bruce) in the Wairarapa over the Easter weekend. She says they were "about 150m from the top going through the bush side."

Attachments

Photo by Louise Thomas
434397519_954128280048650_3018927007267449675_n.jpg (264.09 KiB)

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Kōkako in the wild, Mt Bruce :: Reply by Jim_j

no_email@example.com (Jim_j) — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 01:36:59 +0000

I see that Mt Bruce is also currently undertaking a breed and release program for Y/C Kakariki - so another good reason to visit.

Y/C Kakariki seem to me to be sliding quietly to extinction on the mainland - just too many rat plagues to often - hopefully there is enough rat control at Mt Bruce to maintain a population.

Cheers
Jim

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: BOP marsh sandpiper :: Author Ken George

no_email@example.com (Ken George) — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 20:07:15 +0000

Has anybody seen the marsh sandpiper seen in the upper Tauranga Harbour estuary area a few weeks ago?

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: BOP marsh sandpiper :: Reply by Andrew Rousell

no_email@example.com (Andrew Rousell) — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 03:19:51 +0000

Hi Ken, I do fairly regular visits on the harbour between Athenree / Omokoroa with a search between Tanners point and Ongare point a couple of days after the report and have been looking since but seen nothing yet. Wondering if it may have been a juvenile Pied Stilt with lots around a few weeks ago with a huge amount of difference in plumage at the Katikati h/t roost, including a hybrid. Just a thought, no offence intended.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: BOP marsh sandpiper :: Reply by Ken George

no_email@example.com (Ken George) — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 04:36:03 +0000

Thanks Andrew. It wasn't me that put the original sighting up on eBird, I've not seen a marshie here in the Bay of Plenty yet so just wondered if the bird had been seen again and verified so I could go up there for a look, doesn't seem like it has. Tim Barnard has seen them here in the BOP in years past so it's always a possibility.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: BOP marsh sandpiper :: Reply by Ken George

no_email@example.com (Ken George) — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 07:06:40 +0000

Original eBird post by Jerry Hampton from Illinois USA March 26 at Tanners Point Foreshore Reserve. BOP.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: White sparrow :: Reply by Neil Fitzgerald

no_email@example.com (Neil Fitzgerald) — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 07:49:32 +0000

That adds a bit of interest to the sparrow flock. The mallard looks a little poorly though.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Arctic Tern? - Whanganui River Estuary :: Author Paul Gibson

no_email@example.com (Paul Gibson) — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 03:41:17 +0000

This morning, I found a lone tern on the Whanganui River Estuary mud, and the short legs called my attention to it. It was with some scattered, red-billed gulls, but apart from some Caspians, there was not another tern in sight. I believe, as do some other birders, that it is likely an arctic tern? I returned this afternoon, but could not locate it again.

_77A2715s.jpg

Attachments

_77A2715s.jpg (216.91 KiB)

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern? - Whanganui River Estuary :: Reply by Adam C

no_email@example.com (Adam C) — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 04:43:26 +0000

Primary pattern suggests White-Fronted Paul.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern? - Whanganui River Estuary :: Reply by Paul Gibson

no_email@example.com (Paul Gibson) — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 06:01:02 +0000

You are right Adam that the plumage suggests White-fronted, but that is also just like an Arctic immature non-breeding bird - see artwork below from The Australian Bird Guide. However, the bird certainly did not have the legs of a white-fronted, they were really short. Unfortunately, I did not get a picture in flight to see if the primaries were translucent.

20240405_182748 1.jpg

Attachments

20240405_182748 1.jpg (167.08 KiB)

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Northern Shoveler and New Zealand Dabchick, Pegasus Wetlands :: Reply by benackerley

no_email@example.com (benackerley) — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 03:43:23 +0000

Bird is back now and was seen at northern end today. Big white breast and green head

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Northern Shoveler and New Zealand Dabchick, Pegasus Wetlands :: Reply by Albirdwatcher

no_email@example.com (Albirdwatcher) — Sat, 06 Apr 2024 03:33:07 +0000

Shoveler was present at the Northern end today and black-fronted dotterels on small island in the wetland area.

Ash

Attachments

IMG_8961.jpeg (766.64 KiB)

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Kaka in Birkenhead, North Shore :: Author hayden

no_email@example.com (hayden) — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 21:50:35 +0000

Heard a kaka while getting the mail at about 9.35am this morning. Went inside to grab my binoculars and camera, and about 5 minutes later it started calling again and I spotted it moving about in a tree. It flew off as I got in a better position to try get a photo (unsuccessful), and a second bird started calling and flew by. Both flew into Fernglen Gardens in Birkenhead, and I have heard them again distantly a few times over the last hour or so

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Kaka in Birkenhead, North Shore :: Reply by hayden

no_email@example.com (hayden) — Sat, 06 Apr 2024 06:21:53 +0000

Terrible photo (no light and it's deep in the tree), but I have just seen one fly in at 7.10pm

Attachments

DSCN1180.JPG (333.93 KiB)

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Hudsonian Godwit - Little Waihi :: Author Tim Barnard

no_email@example.com (Tim Barnard) — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 03:47:40 +0000

Hi,
Hudsonian Godwit showing well this afternoon on the sandbank opposite the Camp Site at Little Waihi.
Cheers
Tim

Attachments

DSCN4491.jpg (379.13 KiB)

DSCN4590.jpg (332.67 KiB)

DSCN4579.jpg (381.04 KiB)

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Hudsonian Godwit - Little Waihi :: Reply by philbattley

no_email@example.com (philbattley) — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 00:16:05 +0000

Those are AMAZING shots, Tim! How close were you?

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Hudsonian Godwit - Little Waihi :: Reply by Tim Barnard

no_email@example.com (Tim Barnard) — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 21:01:21 +0000

Cheers Phil. About 10m or so. Took about 2 hours and a lot of wading. Fortunately it stood on the right side of the island for me.
Hudwits are one of my favourites. Lovely birds.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Hudsonian Godwit - Little Waihi :: Reply by Tim Barnard

no_email@example.com (Tim Barnard) — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 04:50:33 +0000

Still present.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Baillons Crake - Taruheru river - Gisborne :: Author @lobotaniser

no_email@example.com (@lobotaniser) — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 07:53:06 +0000

Heard repeated calls from Bailons crake - recorded on Taruheru River 200m upstream from Botanic Garden Bridge (my place)- just after dark.

https://inaturalist.nz/observations/205815857

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Weka? Heaphy Track, Gouland Downs :: Author ChrisBrobin

no_email@example.com (ChrisBrobin) — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 03:48:46 +0000

Is this a Weka? I recall I saw one and then recorded this. No recordings verify that it is a Weka.

Weka -Gouland Downs -5-20-2024-0.wav

Attachments

Weka -Gouland Downs -5-20-2024-0.wav (1445.71 KiB)

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Australian Tern - Motueka Spit :: Author Steve Wood

no_email@example.com (Steve Wood) — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 07:43:15 +0000

One bird seen on Sunday 7th (adult) at high tide roost.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Australian Tern - Motueka Spit :: Reply by ChrisBrobin

no_email@example.com (ChrisBrobin) — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 03:57:44 +0000

I saw one there today. Thanks for mentioning it. I may have missed it.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: White winged black Tern - Nelson Boulder bank :: Author Steve Wood

no_email@example.com (Steve Wood) — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 08:17:21 +0000

Two birds still present. Feeding over sewage ponds and dropping into WF Tern roost (50+ birds) near shore line.Sunday 7th.

DSC_6824.jpeg

Attachments

DSC_6824.jpeg (418.61 KiB)

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: White winged black Tern - Nelson Boulder bank :: Reply by Adam C

no_email@example.com (Adam C) — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 07:08:15 +0000

Nice photo Steve!

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: 3 Australian Gull-billed Terns, Manawatu Estuary :: Author Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 00:26:31 +0000

Neill Haggarty reported 2 Australian Gull-billed Terns reported via eBird at Manawatu Estuary on Saturday.
https://ebird.org/checklist/S167302076

Then on Sunday he reported three there.

Attachments

Photo of Australian Gull-billed Tern by Neill Haggarty.
436341405_10223808898830822_8495800169321641658_n.jpg (222.85 KiB)

Photo of Common Gull-billed Tern with Australian Gull-billed Tern by Neill Haggarty.
434553845_10223808446859523_3337766532977918814_n.jpg (39.51 KiB)

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: 2 Australian Gull-billed Terns, Manawatu Estuary :: Reply by Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 00:27:32 +0000

After a suggestion that one of them was a Common Gull-billed Tern, better photos show it to be an immature Australian GBT.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Common Gull-billed Tern + 2 Australian Gull-billed Terns, Manawatu Estuary :: Reply by Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 00:36:42 +0000

Update: More photos show it to be an immature Australian GBT.

Attachments

Immature Australian Gull-billed Tern. Photo by Neill Haggarty.
434957596_10223813129336582_6281790328473180073_n.jpg (341.25 KiB)

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Common Gull-billed Tern + 2 Australian Gull-billed Terns, Manawatu Estuary :: Reply by Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 22:23:16 +0000

Neill Haggarty just reported via Facebook that all three of these gull-billed terns are present at Foxton now, viewing from the Dawick Street platform.

His photos show all three are Australian Gull-billed Terns.

Attachments

Immature Australian Gull-billed Tern (left) and an adult. Photo by Neill Haggarty.
434928559_10223813129016574_3970743971070959818_n.jpg (688.87 KiB)

Immature Australian Gull-billed Tern in flight. Photo by Neill Haggarty.
434978516_10223813128696566_7536279347392077124_n.jpg (280.69 KiB)

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: 3 Australian Gull-billed Terns, Manawatu Estuary :: Reply by Hamish Johnston

no_email@example.com (Hamish Johnston) — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 06:16:10 +0000

Saw one bird this afternoon, same spot as reported earlier though likely further out on mudflats

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Kōtuku in Christchurch city :: Author georgie

no_email@example.com (georgie) — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 23:07:38 +0000

Two kōtuku (great egret) seen in Chch city this morning, magic. Two different birds - saw one in McCormacks Bay at 8.30am, then 5mins later saw the regular individual that winters in the Linwood/Charlesworth canal.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Kōtuku in Christchurch city :: Reply by andrewcrossland

no_email@example.com (andrewcrossland) — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 09:32:45 +0000

A couple of days ago 1 was at the Avon rivermouth and the other in Charlesworth Reserve, so they're doing a bit if exploring currently...

Charlesworth White Heron.jpg

Attachments

Charlesworth White Heron.jpg (192.63 KiB)

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Lesser Frigatebird, Whangapoua, Coromandel :: Reply by Davidthomas

no_email@example.com (Davidthomas) — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 20:19:12 +0000

The Frigatebird is still present according to a bloke on facebook who says its flying over his Yacht this morning

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Black-fronted Tern, Big Sand Island :: Author Oscar Thomas

no_email@example.com (Oscar Thomas) — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 19:13:40 +0000

Reported by Nikolas Haass this morning: 3 Fairies, 2 Littles, 1 Black-fronted tern, heaps of NI Dotterels, DB Dotterels, Wrybills, SIPOs… a few Red Knots left.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Whiskered Tern, Big Sand Island :: Reply by Oscar Thomas

no_email@example.com (Oscar Thomas) — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 10:44:08 +0000

Update, the whiskered tern is a black-fronted tern

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Whiskered Tern, Big Sand Island :: Reply by SomesBirder

no_email@example.com (SomesBirder) — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 17:26:44 +0000

Seeing a Little Spotted Kiwi during the day is enough luck for one trip!

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Black-fronted Tern, Big Sand Island :: Reply by naturespotter

no_email@example.com (naturespotter) — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 20:50:25 +0000

May I ask where is Big Sand Island?

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Black-fronted Tern, Big Sand Island :: Reply by Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 21:17:05 +0000

It's in Kaipara Harbour. Excellent site for migratory and resident waders and terns.
The BFT record is notable as very few of them are reported that far north.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Black-fronted Tern, Big Sand Island :: Reply by naturespotter

no_email@example.com (naturespotter) — Sat, 06 Apr 2024 09:02:59 +0000

Thank you for the information!

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Black-fronted Tern, Big Sand Island :: Reply by Page1234

no_email@example.com (Page1234) — Sat, 13 Apr 2024 06:30:19 +0000

Pretty sure I spotted a Noddy there today in the wind.

Attachments

_4130087.jpeg (326.54 KiB)

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Black-fronted Tern, Big Sand Island :: Reply by Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Sat, 13 Apr 2024 06:41:00 +0000

Grey Ternlet aka Grey Noddy.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Robin or wagtail chch? :: Author Hypno

no_email@example.com (Hypno) — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 02:56:09 +0000

Interesting report on Inaturalist https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/205442879

Reporters history show nearly 300 reports in CHCH so could be worth watching, image is very suspect however due to being of a laptop

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Robin or wagtail chch? :: Reply by Byrd

no_email@example.com (Byrd) — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 02:55:59 +0000

It's a Willy Wagtail - but it is also clearly a photo taken of a photo on a laptop screen so I'd think it wasn't taken by him in Christchurch.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Robin or wagtail chch? :: Reply by Neil Fitzgerald

no_email@example.com (Neil Fitzgerald) — Sat, 06 Apr 2024 05:14:10 +0000

The observation is flagged "casual". The location is clearly suspect.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Robin or wagtail chch? :: Reply by bombaydave2

no_email@example.com (bombaydave2) — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 06:08:47 +0000

Looks like a tomtit.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Robin or wagtail chch? :: Reply by Oscar Thomas

no_email@example.com (Oscar Thomas) — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 10:34:08 +0000

It’s definitely a Willie wagtail but probably not photographed in NZ

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: NZ Tomtit, Island Bay :: Reply by Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 22:17:06 +0000

I heard a New Zealand Tomtit repeatedly singing the burbling refrain “ti-oly-oly-oly-ho” at 9.45am today in scrub up the slope near Linwood Way in Island Bay. Despite waiting for 15 minutes, I didn't see the bird but I could hear it singing as it moved further up the scrub on the slope until it either stopped singing or moved out of earshot.

This is my first record of this species in this part of Wellington in the past 20 years.

https://ebird.org/atlasnz/checklist/S168665219

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Wellington City biodiversity :: Reply by Shane Cotter

no_email@example.com (Shane Cotter) — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 05:20:34 +0000

This morning just before 10am there was a kōtuku (white heron / great egret) at the Hutt River estuary. The estuary was at half tide with the tide coming in. First one I have seen there in about 5 years.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Wandering Tattlers at Ocean Beach, Whangarei Heads :: Author BerndHuss

no_email@example.com (BerndHuss) — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 07:34:39 +0000

I was booked on Scott's pelagic out of Tutukaka last weekend, but unfortunately the sea conditions didn't allow us to go out. To make the best of the situation I went to Whangarei Heads in the hope to catch a glimpse of the Wandering Tattlers known to have been present there for some time. And I got lucky with both birds showing wonderfully, allowing me to get within a few meters of them. Lifers for me, I couldn't have been happier. Thanks to Scott to recommend this little trip to compensate for missing out on a day out at sea!

Attachments

IMG_6048.JPG (329.7 KiB)

IMG_6240.JPG (138.98 KiB)

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Wandering Tattlers at Ocean Beach, Whangarei Heads :: Reply by paradoxdinokipi

no_email@example.com (paradoxdinokipi) — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 09:00:28 +0000

Has there been any discussion over whether the one in breeding pIumage couId be a Grey-TaiIed TattIer? (As Iack of barring on the vent is typicaI for Grey-taiIed compared to Wandering which wouId normaIIy have barring cover the entirety of the underparts)
UnIess of course both of these: https://ebird.org/atlasnz/checklist/S160839231, birds had nasaI grooves up to ~3/4 of their biII, as they're aImost definiteIy the same pair.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Wandering Tattlers at Ocean Beach, Whangarei Heads :: Reply by bradley_birdsnz

no_email@example.com (bradley_birdsnz) — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 08:57:04 +0000

Here's close ups of both birds back in Feb.

Both birds appear to have long nasal grooves

Attachments

20240207151245_IMG_8568.JPG (191.74 KiB)

20240207151540_IMG_8601.JPG (213.18 KiB)

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Wandering Tattlers at Ocean Beach, Whangarei Heads :: Reply by BerndHuss

no_email@example.com (BerndHuss) — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 09:08:44 +0000

Close-ups of the birds from last Saturday, which shows the grooves nicely. Opinions?

Attachments

IMG_6059-1.JPG (210.53 KiB)

IMG_6061-1.JPG (743.05 KiB)

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Wandering Tattlers at Ocean Beach, Whangarei Heads :: Reply by BerndHuss

no_email@example.com (BerndHuss) — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 09:18:41 +0000

According to the Australian Bird Guide, the groove of the Grey-tailed is 1/2 of the bill length, which matches the bird with non-breeding plumage, whereas the groove on the Wandering is 3/4 of the bill length, which is a match with the other bird. Going by just that Id marker, these should be two different species.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Wandering Tattlers at Ocean Beach, Whangarei Heads :: Reply by BerndHuss

no_email@example.com (BerndHuss) — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 09:32:47 +0000

One more with both birds in the same shot with identical side view.

Attachments

IMG_6045-1.JPG (352.6 KiB)

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Wandering Tattlers at Ocean Beach, Whangarei Heads :: Reply by Oscar Thomas

no_email@example.com (Oscar Thomas) — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 02:52:18 +0000

Per BOTW: Gray-tailed Tattler has nasal groove (linear depression on upper mandible containing nostril) ending at least 17 mm from bill tip (Wandering has wing usually >170 mm and nasal groove extending to within 15 mm of bill-tip; Prater et al. 1977). In the field, difference in nasal groove length rarely discernible, with Wandering appearing to have groove running from base of bill to two-thirds its length and with Gray-tailed having groove extending only to about half the length of the bill.

What makes these birds both Wandering tattlers to me is the shade and extent of grey while in basic plumage, and the fact they have been living on the rocky shore as opposed to in an estuary/harbour. I also believe the extent of barring on the breeding bird is more than can be seen on GT tattler. The supercilium on the basic bird is not very pronounced which also suits Wandering, and the angle of the head in Bernd's close up could distort the length of the nasal groove (but I still think it looks longer than 1/2 the bill length).

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Wandering Tattlers at Ocean Beach, Whangarei Heads :: Reply by pauljacques

no_email@example.com (pauljacques) — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 21:01:53 +0000

Hi all
I agree with others, these are certainly both Wandering Tattlers, but this species pair are tricky and an ID discussion is always worthy. I have been lucky to travel a lot for work in Polynesia, Melanesia and Micronesia the past few years where I have seen many Wandering Tattlers and a few Grey-tailed, and I have just once seen one of each standing side-by-side. Here are some of my observations with some photos for illustration.

Habitat
A Tattler on the rocks is very, very likely to be a Wandering, but a tattler on the sand or estuarine mud is not necessarily a Grey-tailed! Wanderings are usually found on wave platforms and coastal rocks, but I have also seen them on freshwater rivers (Tahiti), muddy pond edges, tidal flats (Wallis and Futuna) and sewage ponds (Hawaii). I have generally seen Grey-tailed on sandy beaches, estuaries and tidal flats. I have also seen them roosting on shingle at Awarua Bay in Southland and perched on tree trunks above sandy beaches in the Marshall Islands (see photo

WTattlerFP.jpg

GTTattlerRMI2.jpg

).

Plumage tone
As Oscar states, this is a crucial ID feature, & though it sounds subjective it is reliable once you have seen a couple of each. Wanderings are dark - depending on the light they can look slate-grey, sooty or deep maroon-brown in morning or evening light (see photo). The breast and flanks are similar tone to the upper parts and this make the white throat really stand out. Grey-tailed are paler, (some are much paler), varying with light and wear from mid-grey/brown to pearl grey. When I saw both together (on a tidal flat in the Marshall Islands) the difference in plumage tone was really striking, so much so that at distance I thought the GTT was a Terek.

Call
The call can be relied on to clinch the ID of a tricky tattler. Their calls are completely different and fortunately they call a lot, particularly in flight or when disturbed. You can usually make them call by approaching them a little way. The wanderings staccato, shrill whistle is a characteristic sound of Pacific Islands. The Grey-tailed makes a two-note "too-whee" call that sounds to my ears similar to a Pacific golden plover.

Nasal groove
This is no doubt handy if you have a bird in the hand but I don't think it is useful in the field unless you can get ridiculously close. I have found both species to be wary and inclined to fly away to a safe distance when you get too close, calling loudly as they depart!

Cheers
Paul

Attachments

GTT, back-lit so darker than field impression.
GTTattlerRMI2.jpg (99.61 KiB)

WT at sunset.
WTattlerFP.jpg (120.19 KiB)

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Dunnock with a white eye ring :: Author andrewcrossland

no_email@example.com (andrewcrossland) — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 11:09:04 +0000

Hi team, I can't say I remember seeing a Dunnock with a white eye ring like this before. Photographed today at the CHCH Botanical Gardens. Have others come across Dunnocks elsewhere like this?

IMG_2754.JPG

IMG_2753.JPG

IMG_2751.JPG

Attachments

IMG_2751.JPG (269.77 KiB)

IMG_2753.JPG (297.99 KiB)

IMG_2754.JPG (275.51 KiB)

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Dunnock with a white eye ring :: Reply by Jan

no_email@example.com (Jan) — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:12:35 +0000

That is interesting. At first glance you would think mite damage, but it does look like white feathers, as with silvereye. Might be a mild sort of leucism, whatever that is. Hardly think they hybridise with zosterops?

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Possible hybrid shelduck on Mana Island :: Reply by Jake

no_email@example.com (Jake) — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 07:21:40 +0000

Just found this image in the ebird quizzes. Surely a young female, but additionally seems perfectly intermediate between the species. It doesn't look like the normal moult into adult plumage, which typically starts with a whitening of head and then replacement of body feathers from charcoal to reddish. Again, this seems intermediate. The black around vent is more typical of Australian Species too imo. Love to hear thoughts

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Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Possible hybrid shelduck on Mana Island :: Reply by Jake

no_email@example.com (Jake) — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 07:32:23 +0000

Don't worry, the provenance is good for Paradise: it's a Zealandia bird that has been photographed continuously, as has its parents. I've never seen a phase quite like it is all

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Erect-Crested Penguin and Brown Skua in the Bay of Plenty :: Author erikforsyth

no_email@example.com (erikforsyth) — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 20:16:45 +0000

Here is a picture from a recent sighting of an Erect-crested Penguin by Lizzie Thompson et all working on a Dolphin Seafaris trip out of Tauranga. This is an absolute Mega this far North and possibly the most Northerly record in NZ?

Yesterday, 18th April, Ken George and I went out and recorded,
18x Common Diving petrels
1x Black Petrel
20 Flesh-footed Shearwaters
30 Fluttering Shearwaters
1x Little Shearwater
1x Brown Skua a rare bird in the Bay of Plenty
I was out in early January 2024 and saw many Bullers Shearwaters, White-faced Storm petrels and a few Fairy Prions.

Dolphin Seafaris specializes in Dolphin watching and swimming excursions but will also stop to observe other wildlife activities such as pelagic seabirds and sharks! For Bay of Plenty birders this is a cost-effective way of possibly seeing and recording a few seabirds for their Bop lists. Here is the penguin photo. They are going to offering photographic tours this winter and there should be the odd albatross around.

Cheers
Erik

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Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Erect-Crested Penguin and Brown Skua in the Bay of Plenty :: Reply by Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 04:43:14 +0000

According to this Facebook post it was seen on 14 January.

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Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Erect-Crested Penguin and Brown Skua in the Bay of Plenty :: Reply by paradoxdinokipi

no_email@example.com (paradoxdinokipi) — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 10:01:20 +0000

erikforsyth wrote:Here is a picture from a recent sighting of an Erect-crested Penguin by Lizzie Thompson et all working on a Dolphin Seafaris trip out of Tuaranga. This is an absolute Mega this far North and possibly the most Northerly record in NZ?
You can see in the pic that the bird is moulting heavily.

Yesterday, 18th April, Ken George and I went out and recorded,
18x Common Diving petrels
1x Black Petrel
20 Flesh-footed Shearwaters
30 Fluttering Shearwaters
1x Little Shearwater
1x Brown Skua a rare bird in the Bay of Plentty
I was out in early January 2024 and saw many Bullers Shearwaters, White-faced Storm petrels and a few Fairy Prions.

Dolphin Seafaris specializes in Dolphin watching and swimming excursions but will also stop to observe other wildlife activities such as pelagic seabirds and sharks! For Bay of Plenty birders this is a cost-effective way of possibly seeing and recording a few seabirds for their Bop lists. Here is the penguin photo. They are going to offering photographic tour this winter and there should be the odd albatross around.

Cheers
Erik

ApparentIy there's been records in the North Cape & Whangarei asweII

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Possible Nankeen night heron, Franz Josef :: Author bradley_birdsnz

no_email@example.com (bradley_birdsnz) — Sun, 21 Apr 2024 04:26:24 +0000

Earlier today I was sent a bit of audio that a workmate of mine recorded on 17/04/24. I've since shared this with a few birders and current thinking is that it is possibly a nankeen night heron. It sounds similar to a few calls that have been recorded that I'll also link below.

The bird wasn't seen but sounded as though it was circling at canopy height over a clearing / group of houses in the Bush just behind Franz Josef. I'll head there tonight and give it a good look.

Keen to hear people's thoughts on the ID of this

Franz Josef bird
https://ebird.org/atlasnz/checklist/S169565975

Similar calls from Nankeen night herons
https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/301418641
https://xeno-canto.org/439604

Cheers, Bradley

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Miranda Coast today :: Author David Lawrie

no_email@example.com (David Lawrie) — Sun, 21 Apr 2024 09:17:49 +0000

Today Tony Habraken and I visited the west coast of the Firth of Thames.
At Whakatiwai sandspit there was the usual gathering of White Fronted Terns which Tony examined closely for any banded birds (only one today, about 22 years old) but of note was that there were at least 6 Arctic Skua working along the coast, these birds varied from light phase to dark phase birds but all were in good breeding plumage with pointed tail feathers.
We then visited the bird hides at Miranda looking for the transmitter carrying Godwit that returned from its migration from near New Caledonia and then the transmitter failed, so we wonder if the bird is still alive or if it is a transmitter fault. We did not find it but we did find a whole flock of Glossy Ibis in front of the Godwit hide!!! A flock of two!!!
Also a virtually black stilt.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Dabchick Tongariro River :: Author Iain _Thorpe

no_email@example.com (Iain _Thorpe) — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 21:25:44 +0000

I can't find any references in the usual texts about a dabchick on a river, so I thought someone might be interested that there is what I think is an immature or non-breeding dabchick I have seen on two different occasions in the past three weeks on the Major Jones pool in the Tongariro River at Turangi. It was solitary on both occasions, but looked to be the same bird. Overall dark, a bit of lighter grey on head, paler neck and rufous colour on breast. I haven't been close enough to confirm eye colour. It was on different sides of the river on each occasion, keeping close to the edge where the current is weaker and there is cover from overhanging vegetation. It was diving frequently while moving upstream on both occasions, but on different sides. The last flood was 5 March and I did not see it before that.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Dabchick Tongariro River :: Reply by Neil Fitzgerald

no_email@example.com (Neil Fitzgerald) — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 01:40:38 +0000

I've never seen our heard of them in that sort of environment. I wonder if it is the sort of thing that was formerly much more common.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Dabchick Tongariro River :: Reply by Jake

no_email@example.com (Jake) — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 09:33:12 +0000

There's a couple of ebird pictures of Dabchicks in rivers from Manawatu Region: one on the Manawatu River, near Palmerston Nth, and another near Pahiatua. I've never been on the look out for them on flowing water. Probably something I'd dismiss as a duck, if I'm being honest: great spotting, Iain

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: NZ Dabchick, Tongariro River :: Reply by Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Sun, 21 Apr 2024 19:23:55 +0000

Reported via Facebook, Samuel Jade filmed a New Zealand Dabchick yesterday on the Tongariro River with a Blue Duck. He also reports that he saw 10 Whio there in an hour:
https://www.facebook.com/gillsamu/video ... 6274293085

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Author Davidthomas

no_email@example.com (Davidthomas) — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 04:31:28 +0000

Just got sent this by Adam C from the Ashley Rakahuri estuary this evening. A nice Arctic tern going into Breeding plumage. Straight out from Kings Ave amongst the WFT and BFT flock.

Also present was the red-billed common tern that’s been present in recent times.

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Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by Adam C

no_email@example.com (Adam C) — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 05:49:14 +0000

Here are the pics and the Red- Billed Common that was present too.

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Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by tim

no_email@example.com (tim) — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 06:10:52 +0000

top bird looks more like the Antarctic tern that has been hanging around as a arctic would still have a lot more black on its bill until it has moulted into breeding. The bottom bird looks more arctic to me than common tern and it also fit breeding cycle as a arctic would be moulting into breeding plumage around now.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by Adam C

no_email@example.com (Adam C) — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 07:51:09 +0000

Hi Tim. Canterbury birders have been following the 2 common terns most of the summer at the Ashley and they have been identified as such by other birders. It's the first time I've caught up with the red billed one ( much more advanced towards breeding now) but I've been getting to know the darker billed one and you can pick them by stance and attitude alone in the field. This one you could pick from quite a way back. Question is is it Longipennis or classic hirundo? Re Arctic I think Antarctic would have a dark red bill now and those short little legs seem classic Arctic but I couldn't say 100% but other birders have called Arctic on this one but certainly open for discussion! Agree it's an odd mix of bright red bill and cap yet to catch up?

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by tim

no_email@example.com (tim) — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 08:06:50 +0000

heres some links from most likely the same Antarctic tern.
viewtopic.php?t=12490
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=12638&hilit=antarctic

still leaning towards arctic for the bottom bird as I have seen long legged arctics before and it jusr depends on there pose.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by Adam C

no_email@example.com (Adam C) — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 08:18:17 +0000

Here's the bird on 4th of March.

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Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by benackerley

no_email@example.com (benackerley) — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 08:20:19 +0000

Here’s the bird on the 16th of March and 1st of April. Coming into breeding plumage nicely.

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Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by tim

no_email@example.com (tim) — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 19:33:09 +0000

Hopefully the below clears all this up with photos and comparisions.
For the first bird checking this on a desktop it is very clear that it is not an Artic tern but the exact same Antarctic Tern that was photographed at the Mole and the one around lake Ellesmere.
You can see if you look closely at the bill all the photos show the same black dirty mark at the top of the bill near the face but there is some variation in the head moulting as photos were taken at different times, it even has the same white feather mark on the middle shoulder as the Ellesmere bird indicating that it is the same bird.
See photos below

bird.jpg

For the other bird its I am pretty sure it is an Artic tern that is entering breeding plumage, both photos where shot in different lighting conditions so there are factors that one looks a lot more grey than the other, I expect the Ahsley bird to get a lot more of the blood red colour on the legs and bill as it moves closer to breeding plumage.

Untitled2.jpg

For the non breeding photos you can see that it compares quite well to the Artic tern that I found back in Hawkes Bay, that bird had the same leg structure as the Ashley bird, the difference in the photos was lighting where the bird I photographed looked more silver but when the light got brighter it was same grey as Ashley bird, it also had bits of red showing at the base of the bill.

Untitled3.jpg

If you think that the bill is too large and doesn't suite an Artic tern remember the South American Tern that was then changed to an Artic tern with large bill by the records committee as they said there could be some variation in bill length and that bill is large for an Artic tern.

Untitled4.jpg

I remember there was more Artic terns being reported 5-10 years ago and now they have dropped off and more common's being reported, it could be possible that many of the common's being reported are Artic terns in 1st year plumage.

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Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by David Melville

no_email@example.com (David Melville) — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 20:19:23 +0000

The bird with red bill and red legs looks as if it is still growing the outer (P10) primary - feather score 4.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by Adam C

no_email@example.com (Adam C) — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 20:36:21 +0000

Great discussion.
If this is the case then we have all 3 birds here.
Common, Arctic and Antarctic but I still think the legs on the middle bird are way too long for Arctic but it's difficult to be sure!

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Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by benackerley

no_email@example.com (benackerley) — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 20:36:00 +0000

This looks like its the same bird as the one coming into breeding plumage. This was on the 9th of FEB

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Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by Oscar Thomas

no_email@example.com (Oscar Thomas) — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 20:42:12 +0000

When we keep comparing individuals to other individuals it gets messy and calls into question the original identifications. Little plumage details also do not confirm whether individuals are the same especially with weeks/months between sightings. It would be better to go back to the descriptions and diagnostic features. Per Australian Bird Guide one of my favourites, my notes are as follows:

Adam’s new Ashley Arctic:
This is a round, muscly bird that looks built to fly around the planet. Head small and rounded, legs very short, belly almost touching ground. I haven’t heard of Arctics getting a red bill before their black cap but structurally it is one.

Long-staying red-billed common:
This bird is much flatter in head and body structure, as such it looks almost stretched thin compared to an Arctic apart from proportionally shorter wings. In non-breeding plumage the white cap never extended as far back as expected in Arctic. Lastly it would be unusual for an Arctic tern to stick with a WFT flock for certainly two if not four months, if this is the same bird Peter observed originally in Dec.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by Adam C

no_email@example.com (Adam C) — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 21:44:21 +0000

Cheers Oscar.
Peters Antarctic Tern was seen after a decent Southerly blow and then disappeared next day. Still a mile from home but makes sense. I think it's highly unlikely an Antarctic Tern would stay this far North for any length of time. I'm sure every grain in its compass would pull it South very quickly. April is a key time for Arctic Terns to be heading back up along our coast on migration so in terms of share probability I'd swing Arctic too.

Must admit when I first saw the bird I was blown away by the RED and thought Antarctic but will we ever really know lol.

Also by now an Antarctic Tern should be in full non breeding mode and that bill (if I'm correct) should be dark red to pinkish/patchy to almost black not bright red. See pics below

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Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by tim

no_email@example.com (tim) — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 22:04:38 +0000

Hi Oscar,
I don't agree with your comments we base all our id features on little plumage details to confirm the identity of the subject and as you said this would mean that previous id's are incorrect as the bird matches the id features.

If you look at this link and Ian Southey has some pictures of this time of year showing birds in the exact same plumage details confirming this is an Antarctic tern viewtopic.php?t=5790

Stewart Island 2 19-4-070075b.jpg

Normally for an Arctic tern they are normally just stop over bird on migration both ways but they have been known to spend a bit of time in one area, I remember the Hawkes Bay bird stayed around for 3-4months and you could consistently re-find it its locations it was hanging around so it's not out of the normal for this species.
We also all know of birds being lost and been hanging around an area for some time.

I still think that this bird 1 is Antarctic Tern,
It matches all the photos that I have seen and from many of them they seem to retain most of the blood red bill in non breeding plumage compared to an arctic that would have black bill with tiny amount of red at the base of the bill in non breeding, this Antarctic is in non breeding at the moment.
There is many reasons why its belly might be closer to the ground as wind may push it down or it might be well fed.

FB_IMG_1712209643430.jpg

Bird 2 is Arctic tern
This bird matches Arctic's that I have seen and looks good for going into breeding plumage now as it is around 1-2 months away from full breeding plumage.

FB_IMG_1712209648797.jpg

Bird 3 is Common tern

FB_IMG_1711085458799.jpg

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Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by FraserGurney

no_email@example.com (FraserGurney) — Sat, 06 Apr 2024 07:36:32 +0000

Hi Tim,

While I agree the first bird could be an Antarctic, I'm still leaning towards Arctic as it ticks all the boxes structurally.

The second bird is the common tern that has been hanging around the Ashley for a while now. The head is too flat for Arctic, the legs and bill too long, and the plumage matches common. Local birders have been watching it progress for a while now.

This all demonstrates how tricky terns can be and it's a great conversation to have.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by Steve Wood

no_email@example.com (Steve Wood) — Sat, 06 Apr 2024 19:49:37 +0000

Some great looking Terns on view at the mo backed up with some stunning pics, however still some confusion for most and rightly so.

Bird 1) Is clearly an Arctic or Antarctic for me - I think the key thing that is missing which would have been helpful is some indication of size.Considering there is a multiple selection of Tern species nearby this should have been fairly easy to get an indication.
Doesn’t seem to have been mentioned ?
According to Aussie field guide when comparing wt. Antarctic tern is generally heavier than Arctic , Antarctic = 115-190g, Arctic 80 -120g and even heavier than White- fronted 105-160g Always exceptions with some overlap but potentially a good steer.
No expert on moult but, is the bird coming in to breeding plumage (Arctic) or going out Antarctic ?

Bird 2) Is ssp. Sterna hirundo (see below) not an option, as opposed to ssp. Longipenus ?
I can’t see bird (2) being an Arctic,head shape and general shape just doesn’t look right and appears too big in every dimension for me. Again no indication of size which would have been helpful and leg length is hard to judge accurately due to posture/ mood of the bird appears to be different.

IMG_1327.jpeg

‪‬

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Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by Adam C

no_email@example.com (Adam C) — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 00:13:25 +0000

Steve my thoughts exactly re S. hirundo which makes it a special bird. The moult question would solve once and for all the first bird. Re size I have to admit that I was so dam excited with both of these birds turning up simultaneously after waiting 3 hours I didn't really pay too close attention BUT I didn't notice it being any smaller than surrounding birds but thats not to say that it wasn't as I was very zoned in' shall we say Personally I'm now leaning towards Antarctic re the full red bill and completely 'non breeding' cap however we could argue the red bill on an Antarctic should be darker by now too so again..... If anybody can answer the moult question this gives us hopefully enough evidence to submit a UBR for the bird rather than a question mark!

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by benackerley

no_email@example.com (benackerley) — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 01:21:41 +0000

I took some photos of bird 2 a few days before Adam saw it. Only phone photos on me atm but it does look smaller than the common terns

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Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by Adam C

no_email@example.com (Adam C) — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 06:16:09 +0000

Probably no help but 2 more shots here. At a glance scapulars appear worn but most other feathers appear fresh if any help? Would just love to ad this to ebird and submit a UBR for this special visitor.

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Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by tim

no_email@example.com (tim) — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 08:00:45 +0000

Hi Adam,
Yea I would submit a URB for bird one to be Antarctic.
If bird two is S hirundo this would be a first for NZ wouldn't it? its leg colour and primary's match hirundo plus I have seen full breeding plumage longipennis and its quite different.
It will be interesting if it stays a bit longer and completes its moult into full breeding plumage and confirms the id.

Also regarding the flat head I have photos of commons with round head and its all to do with if they raise there neck etc, if the tern is sitting in a relaxed pose then the head might be flat.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by David Melville

no_email@example.com (David Melville) — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 21:19:10 +0000

As noted in my earlier post, this bird is in the final stages of primary moult with the outermost feather still growing.

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Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by Oscar Thomas

no_email@example.com (Oscar Thomas) — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 23:37:45 +0000

Here is moult info for both species per HANZAB, key parts in bold. Perhaps someone more familiar with it than me can say if it helps the ID one way or another.

Antarctic:
Adult post-breeding (Third and subsequent pre-basic) Complete; mostly symmetrical. Begins after breeding finished; moult of individuals spans an average 6 months between Feb. and Aug. Most begin Mar. or Apr. (failed breeders sometimes start Jan. or Dec.); timing varies by up to 2.5 months between individuals. Primaries sequentially outwards; usually two, sometimes one or, rarely, three active at a time; outer primaries apparently moult at much slower rate than inner primaries.

Arctic:
Adult post-breeding (Third and subsequent pre-basic) Complete; primaries outwards. Usually delayed until in or near wintering areas, but a few (maybe failed or non-breeders) moult scattered feathers of body in late boreal summer. Of adults in s. temperate and subantarctic regions, Oct.–Dec.: two still in full breeding plumage, 11 had small amount of non-breeding plumage, four had much non-breeding plumage and five had non-breeding appearance except for traces of breeding plumage on forehead and flanks (also see Ageing). Moult of feathers of head often begins on crown, sometimes on foerhead (cf. on forehead in all other Sterna), so moulting birds often characterized by white skull-cap with black borders. Proportion of Aust. birds with much non-breeding plumages on s. migration possibly higher than in birds migrating more directly to Antarctic. Olsen & Larsson (1995) suggest that body-moult partial, with some worn breeding plumage replaced directly by subsequent breeding plumage, but confirmation lacking and several Aust. and subantarctic adults examined had complete non-breeding body-plumage. All moult of remiges occurs at edge of pack-ice of Antarctic; the two known exceptions (undated Macquarie I. specimen with primary-moult N6413121O1; and NSW beachcast on 14 Dec. with primary-moult N141V8 on left wing, V10 in the right), apparently aberrant. Earliest record of primary-moult, 15 Jan., but most must begin earlier, as PMS 38–49 by last half Jan. As there are so few data on early stages of moult of wing, published estimates of duration of primary-moult (60 days [Salomonsen 1967]; 3–3.5 months [Stresemann & Stresemann 1966]) are highly speculative. Nevertheless, there are indications that moult of wing much faster than in other terns: (1) adult with primary-moult N641311101 was also moulting s1–s9 and several tertials (Bierman & Voous 1950), thus having more remiges growing concurrently than in other moulting Sterna; (2) said to fly reluctantly and poorly when moulting remiges (e.g. Falla 1937; Bierman & Voous 1950). Pre-basic moult ends with growth of p10, before end of Mar.; many have finished by early Feb., most by late Feb. (>1000 observations in Antarctic pack-ice; D.J. James); latest record of active moult of primaries, 23 Mar. Final stages of pre-basic moult of primaries overlap much with pre-alternate moult of body and tail.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by Adam C

no_email@example.com (Adam C) — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 07:25:48 +0000

Ok trying to work this one out. Here are images (all different birds) of White Fronted Terns taken at Sumner about 2 weeks ago. All birds appear to have new secondaries and (for lack of a technical term) fresh mid primaries growing, but all 3-4 outer primaries are very old and worn. Obviously the last to be replaced. Both being southern hemisphere birds shouldn't the Antarctic be at a similar stage as Oscars sequence for Antarctic above suggests? Our arctic/antarctic bird above appears to have all fresh flight feathers and outer primaries. Does this swing it back in favour of an Arctic Tern? Or is this bird just a few more weeks ahead with fresh primaries? Kind of look like that too! Or do we just lodge this one as an Artic-Tarctic Tern

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Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by andrewcrossland

no_email@example.com (andrewcrossland) — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 07:53:44 +0000

Hi guys, hey where exactly is this bird roosting on high tides? Is on the north side of the rivermouth delta and do you accces that via the dodgy released feral pig spot at the end of the north Ashley R stopbank? Or are you forwarding the river from the south side or the estuary from the sand spit across? I sense it might be time to go an have a look at this bird?! Thanks

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by benackerley

no_email@example.com (benackerley) — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 08:23:58 +0000

terns are usually out from kings ave on the island in the afternoon like 4-5. And can sometimes be on the sand bar across from the island. At low tide they could be at saltwater but most likely island roost area

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by Adam C

no_email@example.com (Adam C) — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 08:51:52 +0000

Hi Andrew. At a hunch I'd say the Arctic/Antarctic bird has dropped in and long gone. I really hope not as another sighting and an in-flight shot might be all we need for an id. The Red-Billed Common however is likely still around. The tern colony at the Ashley is very hit and miss right now. Doesn't seem to be high tide related either but as Ben says at its peak of around 70 birds late afternoon. By evening, even right into dusk it's often down to less than 10 birds so they must be roosting elsewhere at this time of year. Same goes with early am although that makes more sense as birds will be out feeding. I also suspect the roost/rest site is getting a fair bit of attention right now and has done through late summer also, so think we need to be mindful of this too. May be a factor as to why they aren't roosting there in the evenings right now?

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by David Melville

no_email@example.com (David Melville) — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 20:52:12 +0000

Hi Adam,

A great shot of a White-fronted Tern halfway through primary moult. The inner 5 primaries are fully grown, new feathers; the next feather is a bit more than half-grown. There is then a 'gap' or a small just starting feather which is not visible; the outer three feathers are all old and visibly worn. This is a typical moult sequence (primary moult progressing from the inside to the outside of the wing).

If you (or others) are able to get more photos like this it would a great way to help describe moult in more detail In all species).

One thing to watch out for is the inner primaries being moulted more than once - the innermost primaries can be replaced three times in some species - see image from Bridge & Nisbet 2004. Condor 106: 336-343. It is thought that repeat replacement of the inner feathers may be an honest signal of bird quality which is beneficial come the nest breeding season (see e.g.: Bridge & Eaton 2004. Does ultraviolet reflectance accentuate a sexually selected signal in terns? Journal of Avian Biology 36: 18-21).

David

Attachments

Common Tern moult.png (906.12 KiB)

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by Adam C

no_email@example.com (Adam C) — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 22:37:50 +0000

Thanks David. All 3 photos are of different birds and have photos of 7 or 8 others all in exactly the same stage of moult. My argument was that an Antarctic Tern is more likely to be in a similar phase than an Arctic tern with completely opposite breeding time frame) but then we know feathers grow rapidly (up to 8mm per day I understand) so potentially if this was an Antarctic Tern it could just be a few weeks ahead in the cycle re the fresh looking outer primaries in the photos and not a clincher for the I'd. Still going in circles lol

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by David Melville

no_email@example.com (David Melville) — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 00:03:53 +0000

Yes, we should expect that White-fronted and Antarctic would be broadly similar in terms of primary moult - as detailed in HANZAB.

For further muddying of the waters for Common Terns, see White & Kehoe 2001. Difficulties of determining the age of Common Terns in the field. British Birds 94: 268-277 - available at
http://www.putni.lv/pdf/White_Kehoe_2001.pdf

It would be really good to encourage photographers to get more pictures of all our 'Sterna' Terns to help unravel moults.

The value of photos for studying moult will be highlighted by Mike Bell in a presentation at the New Zealand Bird conference in Nelson 1-2 June.

David

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by sav

no_email@example.com (sav) — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 02:27:02 +0000

Hi all,

I can't help thinking that everyone's attention is focused on the wrong bird here!
The little, round-headed, short legged bird is surely an Arctic Tern. The "standard" Common Tern is just that - but the red-billed Common Tern (since that is what I think it is) is really unusual.

Do we have any previous records of (presumably) ssp hirundo in NZ? It is about as monstrously unlikely as a European Black Tern being here.........!!

cheers

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by David Melville

no_email@example.com (David Melville) — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 03:07:46 +0000

HANZAB record two records of European-banded hirundo in Australia.

Attachments

Common Tern recoveries.png (208.18 KiB)

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by Adam C

no_email@example.com (Adam C) — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 03:22:47 +0000

Sav agree. Waiting for someone to chime in with the significance of it, or if western pops of Longipennis have red bills? Thought maybe I'd missed something...

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by sav

no_email@example.com (sav) — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 03:39:37 +0000

As it happens, I saw a Common Tern with a red bill in Hawaii last September. It seemed to me that an Eastern origin ought to be more likely than a Western one given the distances and prevailing winds. But apparently not.

It's a flippin' long way from Hawaii to here though!

cheers

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by Adam C

no_email@example.com (Adam C) — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 06:43:49 +0000

Ok attached below is the only image I have of the Arctic/Antarctic tern with a WFT in the frame. It looks biggish here but these are shot at 3000mm equiv and background birds at extreme zoom do appear larger.

Also re the Red-Billed Common it may just be Longipennis having re-read my copy of Terns of Europe and North America.

Regarding race 'longipennis' "a broad intergrade zone occurs in Siberia/central Asia, where birds with red basal 50% of bill predominate (red generally darker than on european birds). The percentage of Black-billed birds increases progressively eastwards. In Kamchatka and in east Siberia the bill is black, but a few percent have red bill base.

Reading this it seems the line between Hirundo and Longipennis is pretty blurred!

Attachments

Arctic size f.jpg (254.79 KiB)

20240409_190216.jpg (388.76 KiB)

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by Steve Wood

no_email@example.com (Steve Wood) — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 06:48:09 +0000

Antarctic tern photographed on Kangroo Island (OZ) Sept.
Bill colour as stated in the aussie field guide -

Antarctic - Vivid red with variable black tip to base and tip (non breeding Ad.)
Arctic - Dark red (breeding Ad, April to Aug)
Looking at this pic I would have said that it is the other way around when defining the colour red.

IMG_1336.jpeg

Attachments

IMG_1336.jpeg (337.37 KiB)

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by Adam C

no_email@example.com (Adam C) — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 08:08:45 +0000

Ok I know this has dragged on for a bit but for me personally this key piece of information combined with the structure and all other factors combined makes this an Arctic Tern as most of you are backing.

There is a great link here: https://faansiepeacock.com/identifying-antarctic-terns/

This is well worth reading right through but key is the moult cycle graphs which I have included screenshots of below. Yes this is a different subspecies of Antarctic tern but moult cycle should be identical. The only one that really matters here is the blue line for Primary moult which clearly shows Arctic terns having just finished their primary moult so they will be sporting fresh new primaries which this bird has and is still growing the last outer primary as picked up by David Melville.

Antarctic terns by now are close to starting primary moult meaning they would be carrying old, dark and worn looking primaries similar to our White-Fronted Terns right now (white-fronted terns obviously not as dark) This whole bird looks way too clean and fresh for a tired, post breeding bird. Also if we look at the breeding Arctic tern on NZ birds online photographed in Plimmerton in May only 4 weeks on it has a complete red bill. Only this birds cap needs to catch up and this can happen pretty rapidly. Also second year birds never have a full breeding cap so again could be a possibility here?

Anyway Arctic for me. Thanks for all the help and discussion on here!

Attachments

Screen Shot 2024-04-11 at 6.31.32 PM.png (782.5 KiB)

Screen Shot 2024-04-11 at 6.32.06 PM.png (429.77 KiB)

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by Oscar Thomas

no_email@example.com (Oscar Thomas) — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 07:34:58 +0000

Nicely done Adam, that looks pretty conclusive!

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by Steve Wood

no_email@example.com (Steve Wood) — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 07:45:02 +0000

Yes indeed well summarised. Arctic it is then.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by Adam C

no_email@example.com (Adam C) — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 05:39:47 +0000

Red-Billed Common present today again at 4pm Almost full breeding cap. Very happy Jack was with me to see it too!

Attachments

Red Billed Common 2f.jpg (445.04 KiB)

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by tim

no_email@example.com (tim) — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 05:59:58 +0000

any other photos? that tail is long and now that common I was saying is looking very arctic like.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by benackerley

no_email@example.com (benackerley) — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 07:57:09 +0000

DSCF0349-Enhanced-NR.jpg

Heres a flight shot I got on the first of April.

Attachments

DSCF0349-Enhanced-NR.jpg (175.37 KiB)

4B00D30E-9BCA-4B7F-9D49-69CDDAC6736E.jpeg (246.09 KiB)

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by Adam C

no_email@example.com (Adam C) — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 07:26:06 +0000

Hi Tim. Ben A. Has a photo of the underwing of this bird from a few weeks back showing translucent hand only and diffuse dark back edge.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by Adam C

no_email@example.com (Adam C) — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 08:17:35 +0000

Heres another shot and one of Jack after we'd belly crawled for about 100m. Bird lifted and came and settled about 10m in front of him at one point! Super chilly on the wet sand but worth it...even if we come down with colds this weekend! We belly crawled back and birds were very relaxed today. Unfortunately this idiot had driven across the estuary and was stuck the entire time we were there. Not much we could do to help. Tide was not around his wheels at the start but well up when we left. Rescue vehicle seemed to be coming in as we pulled back up kings ave but didn't see the outcome.

Attachments

Jack Belly Crawl.jpg (284 KiB)

Red Bill 2f.jpg (389.8 KiB)

Stuck.jpg (353.45 KiB)

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by Ian Southey

no_email@example.com (Ian Southey) — Sat, 13 Apr 2024 02:30:25 +0000

I've been away and missed all the fun but that bird looks very much like a strong candidate for the western subspecies of Common Tern to me. It looks so fat that it may not stay long but could you locals please try to go through the whole list of differences, not just the bill colour, and try to see and describe or photograph them. This may prove to difficult to assess because these terns are both similar and variable and as a first record the required standard will be quite high.

Some of the differences may be average differences and not necessarily obvious on all individuals so look for them all. The more characters there are that align this bird with one or the other subspecies the more confident we can be of the identification. One of Adam's excerpts has a list of things to look for (although I am not sure what they mean by a cheek stripe on Common Terns). Some may be easier to see than others but even subtle differences in bill length can sometimes be obvious and may change the head shape. For the photographers be careful with the lighting - in nice sun it is quite easty to burn out subtle differences in greys and whites so pictures on overcast days might show more and also try underexposures, maybe by 2-3 stops. Photoshop can't find things that aren't there and photos aren't always better than careful observations. Keep an eye out for the black billed bird, even if it doesn't go into breeding plumage it may still allow a useful comparison of jizz especially wing and bill length.

Good luck

Ian

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by Adam C

no_email@example.com (Adam C) — Sat, 13 Apr 2024 03:24:49 +0000

Hi Ian.

Not sure if this helps but a great full frame shot by Jack yesterday when the bird actually lifted and landed in front of him. I have a great wee video of the bird too which I'll try and create a link to. It was also bloody cold yesterday so the bird is pretty puffed up

By cheek stripe they mean the area between the grey flush and the black cap Im assuming. Not quite created on this bird yet?

Attachments

Jack Common RB2 f.jpg (243.48 KiB)

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by Adam C

no_email@example.com (Adam C) — Sat, 13 Apr 2024 03:00:04 +0000

Have added the video to New Zealand Birders facebook page Ian if any help.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by sjacques

no_email@example.com (sjacques) — Sat, 13 Apr 2024 05:05:10 +0000

Some great discussion here. Doing a bit of reading around I find a reference on the Wikipedia page for common tern to a ringing recovery on Rakiura/Stewart Island of a juvenile banded at a Swedish nest. Presumably this individual would have been S.h.hirundo. Reference cited is Newton (2010), anyone else aware of this record?

Cheers,
Sean

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by David Melville

no_email@example.com (David Melville) — Sat, 13 Apr 2024 05:58:31 +0000

NZBirdsOnilne gives this as a record for ARCTIC Tern, not Common Tern.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by Byrd

no_email@example.com (Byrd) — Sat, 13 Apr 2024 09:23:44 +0000

sjacques wrote:Some great discussion here. Doing a bit of reading around I find a reference on the Wikipedia page for common tern to a ringing recovery on Rakiura/Stewart Island of a juvenile banded at a Swedish nest. Presumably this individual would have been S.h.hirundo. Reference cited is Newton (2010), anyone else aware of this record?

Cheers,
Sean

Newton seems to have been the one to be confused (having it as a Common Tern) which has then been repeated by other sources.

The bird was recovered in 2003 and was an Arctic Tern, and the specimen was deposited at Te Papa. Report is in Southern Bird 2004 (pdf at this link):
https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/wp-content/u ... un2004.pdf

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 02:23:02 +0000

Here's a photo I took of a Common Tern in breeding plumage at Plimmerton on 21 March 2022 for comparison. The bill was dark with a dull red lower mandible. At the time Alan Tennyson noted that according to HANZAB, birds with this feature originate from central Siberia and represent the western population of the longipennis subspecies (or even a separate subspecies).

Attachments

Common Tern, Plimmerton, 21 March 2022: Michael Szabo.
276266509_4843297809058969_1245894970714525273_n.jpg (275.88 KiB)

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by Ian Southey

no_email@example.com (Ian Southey) — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 04:41:16 +0000

So, gone then? I presume someone would have posted if the breeding plumage was becoming more intense and clearer.

Ian

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by Adam C

no_email@example.com (Adam C) — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 05:03:42 +0000

Hi Ian.
Think the Arctic was a one day drop in and yes seems as though the Common has moved on. No reports since the last one I posted.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 06:32:48 +0000

The one I found at Waikanae Sandspit on this day in 2022 was seen again the next day so if anyone is there over the next few days, it might be worth checking for an Arctic Tern among any WFTs there.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by Adam C

no_email@example.com (Adam C) — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 09:34:19 +0000

Hi Michael.

Arctic Tern was observed as a one off, over 2 and a half weeks ago so pretty sure thats moved on But you Never know.

Both Common Terns observed steadily through late summer with the Red billed version last seen 9 days ago so looking like this bird has also moved on but still a small chance it may still be around given its long stay.

Standard Black-Billed Common was last observed on the 22 March I believe.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Arctic Tern, Ashley Rakahuri Estuary :: Reply by Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 20:35:33 +0000

Yes, I agree, they're always on the move. The two most recent records from the Kapiti Coast were both briefly seen among a local WFT flock. The one I found at Waikanae Sandspit in April 2022 was only ashore for about ten minutes and the one that Imogen Warren found at the Plimmerton marina wharf in May 2016 was also quite a brief sighting, so my sense is that they are mostly moving around at sea but come ashore for brief periods when they find a WFT or BFT flock on the coast so you just have to keep checking tern flocks for them. This is certainly the time of year for them here on the Wellington/Kapiti Coast...

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Yellow-eyed Penguin, Wairau Diversion :: Author Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 19:51:37 +0000

Patrick Crowe reports via eBird that a Yellow-eyed Penguin was reported to 0800DOCHOT and taken in by a DOC Ranger for assessment at the Wairau Diversion yesterday:
https://ebird.org/atlasnz/checklist/S169901910

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Dargaville & Poutu Pt birding report :: Author RussCannings

no_email@example.com (RussCannings) — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 02:51:53 +0000

Hi all,

Returned recently from 3 nights at Glink's Gully (West coast near Dargaville, Northland). This was a family holiday so birding was mostly incidental as we explored the playgrounds and beaches of the region. Since this isn't the most heavily covered region of the country, I thought I'd share some observations:

Aussie Little Grebes+--saw 1 at Kai Iwi Lake (along with 12 dabchick), 1 at Lake Rototuna (main roadside lake along the road to Kaipara North Head/Poutu Pt), and 2 in a small pond behind the Glink's Gully village. Scaup (scarce in Northland) were also present at Kai Iwi Lake and Rototuna.

Seawatching--Not surprisingly, seawatching was generally pretty slow off the shallow west coast, though gannets were regularly at sea and on one evening, good numbers (in the hundreds) of Fluttering Shearwaters were close to shore. A Sooty Shearwater & Fairy Prion were found dead on the beach near Glink's Gully.

Waders--I didn't do any 'proper' wader-watching on the Kaipara (and the Poutu Pt side seems to be mostly the domain of oystercatchers rather than Arctic waders), so mostly patrolled the ocean beaches. Both species of oystercatchers were present here, and most of the Variables were the 'pied' form. A few stilts and spur-winged plovers were also around but no dotterels were seen (including the entire stretch of beach between Bayley's Beach & Glink's Gully).

Black-billed Gulls--A few young birds were mixed in with Red-bill flocks on both the ocean side and Kaipara Harbour side of the peninsula.

Anecdotal thoughts---Harriers and kingfishers were conspicuously abundant (compared to densities in the Waikato), however Spotted Doves seemed far less common than in the Auckland/Waikato/East coast of Northland--perhaps drier in the Dargaville area? I didn't see a single rosella either which may relate to a drier climate with less native bush cover.

*Would definitely recommend visiting the Poutu Point lighthouse. One of the more remote areas of the North Island with some spectacular scenery and neat geology.

Steady bins,

Russ Cannings

p.s. Unrelated but of note--spoonbills successfully bred in two locations in the Waikato this summer. It's happening!

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: 3 Little Egret, 4 white heron Lake Forsyth :: Reply by Birdman

no_email@example.com (Birdman) — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 04:50:04 +0000

3 Little Egrets have been in Omokoroa continuously from August 2023 and are still here as at 23rd April 2024. Has anyone seen Little Egrets continuously in New Zealand for this length of time. I have many photos of these multiple sightings of the same birds at this location.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: 3 Little Egret, 4 white heron Lake Forsyth :: Reply by Adam C

no_email@example.com (Adam C) — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 08:39:47 +0000

Pretty sure the ashley birds have been there exactly 1 year. First seen approx Early April last year and still there as we speak. May have been some gaps. Might need to check ebird reports to confirm. Also originally a single bird. Not sure when it became a duo. Also interesting to note breeding plumes kicking in noow which seems oodd timing for Auzzie birds which I presume them to be?

Edit: A quick scan through reports from March-April 2023 to present confirms thay have been present pretty much right through.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: 3 Little Egret, 4 white heron Lake Forsyth :: Reply by Adam C

no_email@example.com (Adam C) — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 08:49:27 +0000

Photo below taken over the last few days showing plumes developing.

Attachments

plumes 1f.jpg (224.35 KiB)

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: 3 Little Egret, 4 white heron Lake Forsyth :: Reply by haggarty

no_email@example.com (haggarty) — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 23:21:18 +0000

The little Egret has been present at the Manawatu Estuary for 6 years now

Attachments

092-SharpenAI-Standard.JPG (671.75 KiB)

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: 3 Little Egret, 4 white heron Lake Forsyth :: Reply by Adam C

no_email@example.com (Adam C) — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 03:51:00 +0000

What date was this shot taken Haggarty? Full plumes.

Just curious

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: 3 Little Egret, 4 white heron Lake Forsyth :: Reply by haggarty

no_email@example.com (haggarty) — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 06:20:07 +0000

Photo taken 5th Feb 2021

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: 12 Plumed Whistling Ducks near Reefton :: Reply by Clinton9

no_email@example.com (Clinton9) — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 03:51:20 +0000

Any Plumed Whistling ducklings ?

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Hawkes Bay - 3 Great Egret :: Author sav

no_email@example.com (sav) — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 04:05:45 +0000

Hi all,

Hey AC - I see your 2 Great Egrets and raise you one!

We almost always have a single Great Egret over Winter somewhere in the Napier/Hastings area, but this year a bird first seen at Haumoana (the estuary of the Tukituki River) in mid-March, was joined by another after a couple of weeks and then by a third last week.

All three birds were feeding together within about 20m of each other this afternoon.

cheers

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Hawkes Bay - 3 Great Egret :: Reply by les

no_email@example.com (les) — Sat, 13 Apr 2024 22:42:02 +0000

yes, I saw an article in the local paper about this. It was said by the person that submitted the photo that they believed that the white heron had not been seen there for the last ten years?.No so,I have seen them regularly for every year around haumoana,east clive,waitangi estuary.not to mention various places around napier as well.

Bird Sightings and Alerts :: Re: Hawkes Bay - 3 Great Egret :: Reply by sav

no_email@example.com (sav) — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 03:54:59 +0000

Hi all,

The 3 HB Great Egrets were all still in place at Haumoana this afternoon.

cheers

Bird ID Quiz :: Re: Bird ID Quiz - MARCH 2024 :: Reply by Samsperdy

no_email@example.com (Samsperdy) — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 05:07:20 +0000

Congratulations! You both got it correct. This fantastic little seabird was a New Zealand Storm Petrel.

Keep an eye on this forum for next month's quiz!

Bird ID Quiz :: Bird ID Quiz - APRIL 2024 :: Author Samsperdy

no_email@example.com (Samsperdy) — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 06:19:10 +0000

This mysterious passerine was found along the entrance road to Awarua Bay.

Replies will be hidden until the answer comes out at the end of April. As always, anyone can join in!
Photo Credit © Caiden Binzegger

Attachments

_94A1878-Enhanced-NR.jpg (196.36 KiB)

South Pacific Birds :: Aleutian Tern off Southport, Australia :: Author Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Sat, 20 Apr 2024 08:24:36 +0000

An Aleutian Tern was seen today on a pelagic trip out of Southport near Brisbane. Photos posted to Facebook by Jacob Crisp.

Attachments

437361165_10232058083175881_13018870366214604_n.jpg (63.11 KiB)

437402352_10232058082855873_3763141200497660994_n.jpg (166.77 KiB)

437601704_10232058082215857_5061122045725626449_n.jpg (41.7 KiB)

South Pacific Birds :: American Golden Plover, Melbourne, Australia :: Author Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Sat, 20 Apr 2024 20:53:06 +0000

This American Golden Plover in breeding plumage is currently in Australia at the Western Treatment Plant near Melbourne. This is a species that has been seen in NZ previously where it is a very rare species, so it's worth double checking any Pacific Golden Plover flocks still around, especially if they are coming into breeding plumage (when they are easier to identify).
The photo was taken by Bernie O'Keefe.

Attachments

437954622_3796124980714070_2067240515646228566_n.jpg (438.84 KiB)

Bird Taxonomy and Nomenclature :: New avian 'tree of life' study published :: Author Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 00:48:29 +0000

"The largest-ever study of bird genomes has produced a remarkably clear picture of the bird family tree. Published in the journal Nature today, the study shows that most of the modern groups of birds first appeared within 5 million years after the extinction of the dinosaurs."

Summary article: https://theconversation.com/after-10-ye ... jqgKPqkRNg

Link to paper: https://theconversation.com/after-10-ye ... jqgKPqkRNg

Bird Taxonomy and Nomenclature :: Re: New avian 'tree of life' study published :: Reply by paradoxdinokipi

no_email@example.com (paradoxdinokipi) — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 01:57:30 +0000

There was another interesting paper from around a month ago which also proposed a different phylogeny, though the biggest difference it had was proposing that birds diversified during the Cretaceous (with Angiosperms, similar to mammals), rather than all the other ones (including this one), they did have reasons but I don't believe I'm well versed enough to actually comment on them, but it didn't *seem* to touch on the implications of that high of a neornithean diversity surviving whilst the all the other non-neornithean birds went extinct, and it suggested that core Aequornithes only diverged after the PETM yet we have penguin fossils which date earlier than that.
Here's what I believe is the full paper : https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2319696121

Bird Taxonomy and Nomenclature :: Re: Lesser Sand Plover - proposed split :: Reply by Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 00:26:41 +0000

The Lesser Sand Plover split: a review of the supporting literature and identification of the resulting species.

The IOC has recently accepted the proposed split of Lesser Sand Plover (Charadrius mongolus) into Siberian Sand Plover (C. mongolus) and Tibetan Sand Plover (C. atrifrons). Sand Plovers have always been notoriously hard to identify, and another species added to the mix is bound to cause some headaches. This proposed split, however, is not without reason: Wei and colleagues (2022) have found that the Siberian population of Lesser Sand Plover is actually closer related to Greater Sand Plover (C. leschenaultii) than it is to the Tibetan population. This finding came as a surprise, considering the morphological similarities between the two populations, which both seemed to have more in common with one another than with Greater Sand Plover.

Link to full article: https://nicksbird.blog/2023/04/10/the-l ... rgGPkOurHW

Bird Taxonomy and Nomenclature :: Re: Lesser Sand Plover - proposed split :: Reply by Steve Wood

no_email@example.com (Steve Wood) — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 05:15:17 +0000

HI Ben,

For me the difference on face value must surely be the leg length (appears pretty much the same as Greater sp in length).
Otherwise it looks frustrating close to a Siberian, but with longer legs?
Breeding plumage bird would be more helpful.

Other Natural History :: Re: Pav Johnsson, birder and biologist, finds Titanomis sisyrota, the "Frosted Phoenix" (moth), the first record since 1 :: Reply by sav

no_email@example.com (sav) — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 22:17:21 +0000

Hi all,
Another "feather" in the Wrybill Birding Tours cap! He was on our tour when he found the moth.
cheers

Other Natural History :: Southern Elephant Seal, Oamaru :: Author Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 08:09:48 +0000

One is currently hanging out at the Oamaru little penguin colony.

Attachments

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Other Natural History :: Re: Southern Elephant Seal, Oamaru :: Reply by Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Sat, 20 Apr 2024 00:13:18 +0000

Back again this morning.

Attachments

438906221_729090102722274_3783167044584551684_n.jpg (125.22 KiB)

Other Natural History :: Re: Southern Elephant Seal, Oamaru :: Reply by Michael Szabo

no_email@example.com (Michael Szabo) — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 19:12:35 +0000

ODT reports it was still present on Thursday.