Banded Rails near Nelson

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FranB
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Banded Rails near Nelson

Postby FranB » Thu Apr 08, 2021 7:24 am

Hi all. I will be going to Nelson next week to look for Banded Rail. I was wondering if anyone had seen any there recently and if so exactly where to find them. Thanks in advance. Fran
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FraserGurney
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Re: Banded Rails near Nelson

Postby FraserGurney » Thu Apr 08, 2021 7:59 am

Hi FranB, I recently saw a family of banded rails right at the start of the Abel Tasman track in Marahau. They were on the left just after the first bridge, only a couple of hundred metres along the track after the start by the cafe. Locals might be able to give you a spot in Nelson itself. All the best for your search.
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sm1979
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Re: Banded Rails near Nelson

Postby sm1979 » Thu Apr 08, 2021 12:35 pm

Saw a couple of BR near Rabbit Island Bridge about 12mths ago. One was up off estuary standing in short grass on edge of road.
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Steve Wood
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Re: Banded Rails near Nelson

Postby Steve Wood » Fri Apr 09, 2021 11:45 am

Hi FranB
Frasers suggestion is definitely great spot to try
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Adam C
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Re: Banded Rails near Nelson

Postby Adam C » Fri Apr 09, 2021 2:46 pm

Theres another great spot where a pair have been all summer. Between the Riwaka mouth and tapu bay. Will post a map.
“Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.”

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Adam C
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Re: Banded Rails near Nelson

Postby Adam C » Fri Apr 09, 2021 2:59 pm

Basically just after you pass the Riwaka river mouth follow the road around coast for a minute or so then it inclines and goes over a small hilly bit. As you descend at the bottom of the straight there is a parking area on your right by the bike track. Park there and follow the track down to the beach. It goes through a small wetland area and a pair has been there this spring with young. better early morning but my aunt has seen them there in the middle of the day too getting pics on her cellphone so pretty tame! Unfortunately it's a popular dog spot so hope they are still there!
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“Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.”

Samuel Ullman
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Adam C
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Re: Banded Rails near Nelson

Postby Adam C » Fri Apr 09, 2021 3:03 pm

The rails used to be in the bigger wetland a few hundred meters North of this spot but when the house was plonked above it I think they moved here. Assuming its the same birds :)
“Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.”

Samuel Ullman
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Roblyn
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Re: Banded Rails near Nelson

Postby Roblyn » Fri Apr 09, 2021 3:15 pm

Also often seen in Kaiteriteri Inlet from Martins Farm Rd (both sides nearer Bethany Park)
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BerndHuss
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Re: Banded Rails near Nelson

Postby BerndHuss » Fri Apr 09, 2021 4:41 pm

I would say Marahau may be the most reliable spot. I have also seen them near the Rabbit Island bridge once. Considering I have been going there very frequently to walk our dog, and I keep an eye out for them every time I have not seen them again.
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FranB
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Re: Banded Rails near Nelson

Postby FranB » Tue Apr 13, 2021 7:46 am

Thanks all for the information and maps. We will try those areas
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