Big Bird Day – Team Taranaki 9 Oct 2021

[Threeps]

Big Bird Day – Team Taranaki 9 Oct 2021

I thought some of you might be interested in a write-up of the recent efforts in Taranaki for the Big Bird Day.

Following on from previous Big Bird days Peter Fryer and I co-opted Steve McGill to form Team Taranaki to see if we could beat our earlier efforts. Our plan was for a dawn to dusk marathon with a pure focus on collecting bird species (while adhering to Level 2 restrictions). This is a sheer indulgence in comparison with the efforts that we make through the rest of the year on the NZ Bird Atlas, but it is great fun! From previous Big Bird Day’s Peter and I had worked out a plan and drew up a list of target species with the locations that we felt we could cover between dawn and dusk. We used this as the basis for our Big Bird Day Out.

Rapanui Petrel Colony
Our plan called for an early start, so we all met at 0500 to travel up to the Rapanui Petrel Colony before dawn with our target species being Grey-faced Petrel, Morepork and Fluttering Shearwater. We arrived at the Colony in the dark and as it had been raining heavily overnight drove carefully across the wet and muddy paddocks, sliding through the gates in time to start our first checklist just before 0600. The first birds identified were TUI calling from a stand of macrocarpa along with an occasional BLACKBIRD and in the distance the suggestion of a MAGPIE or two. We left the car to skid down a waterlogged track and clamber up the other side. Through the gate and behind the predator proof fence then after a few metres along the boardwalk we heard the faint call of GREY-FACED PETREL chicks. The first couple of burrows were empty but the third held a large, very healthy-looking ball of light grey feathers, our first big target species of the day. We took the opportunity to admire the dawn from the cliffs but there was no sign of birdlife on the beaches or out at sea so, knowing we had a long day ahead, we didn’t linger. On the way back to the car we were able to add FANTAIL, SPUR-WINGED PLOVER, SOUTH BLACKBACKED GULLS, GREY WARBLER, SILVEREYE, a range of introduced finches and just as we were leaving, four BLACK SHAGS flying overhead and heading northeast. The count for our first stop was a healthy 15 species.

Rapanui Wetland Scenic Reserve
Next stop was only a few hundred metres away but required a drive back through the paddocks and on to the state highway for a short run to the Rapanui Wetland Recreation Reserve (target species – Little Penguin, Bittern, and less likely, Spotless Crake). The swampy wetland borders the Rapanui stream immediately adjacent to SH3 and is mainly Raupo, Carex grass and Flax. The stream flows out on to the wide sandy beach and can offer stunning views up and down the north Taranaki coast. As soon as we arrived a couple of well coloured YELLOHAMMERS flew in front of us, heralded by a RING-NECKED PHEASANT crunking away on the skyline to the west. A short distance along the beach we picked up the fresh trail of the first of dozens of LITTLE PENGUIN tracks. Apart from some BBG at the water’s edge there was till nothing out at sea. We counted a total of five KAHU/SWAMP HARRIER’S working inland and along the coast. The first of the day’s WELCOME SWALLOWS were also spied flitting along the top of the sea cliffs. A further six species were added to take our running total to 21, but sadly no booming Bittern.

Tongaporutu Estuary
With the day well and truly started we backtracked to our next stop at the Tongaporutu Estuary where our targets were VOC and SIPO. The freedom camping area was packed with mobile homes and caravans still wrapped up tight at this early hour. The tide was well out with all the mudflats exposed. We counted nine VARIABLE OYSTERCATCHER’S but sadly no SIPO. All but one of the VOC were the solid black colour with one sporting a white breast and underbelly, but definitely not a candidate for a SIPO no matter how much we willed it. Realistically based on our plans for the day this was the only likely opportunity we had for a SIPO and we missed this from our list. However, we were delighted to spot a pair of NORTHERN NZ DOTTEREL scooting up and down on the distant sand bank – a big bonus as we were not optimistic that our other locations (the Waiongana and Waiwhakaiho river mouths) where we might add these wee birds would deliver. A lone MALLARD, a SACRED KINGFISHER calling for attention and a handful of HOUSE SPARROWS were the only additions to the total taking our count to 26.
Heading back towards Mount Messenger we were hoping to spy some Indian Peafowl or Wild Turkeys that are often seen in the paddocks to the east of SH3 but apart from some PARADISE SHELDUCKS and the first of the days’ PUKEKO we were out of luck. The running total was now at 28 species.

Urenui River Estuary
Next stop was the Urenui River Estuary where we were hoping to add Pied Shag and Spoonbill and Californian Quail. This is a great spot for PIED SHAG, and we were not disappointed. As soon as we pulled up at the edge of the golf course, we spotted one sunning itself in the branches of a large dead tree in the middle of the estuary. At the side of the road on the drive in, several CALIFORNIAN QUAIL had presented themselves to us but sadly there were no Royal Spoonbill and we failed to add this species to our list all day. We had now reached 30 species.

Waiongana Estuary and Lagoons
Pressing on to the Waiongana Estuary and lagoons we parked outside the Taranaki naturist club front gate before making our way around the perimeter tack to the riverside. This always feels a bit weird, laden with bins, scopes and large telephotos, trying to keep eyes right to avoid any awkward visual encounters… For such a compact and heavily pressured small area of paddocks, river, beach and lagoons Waiongana consistently delivers some of the best birds in Taranaki and we were unsure what to expect species wise. On the way in Pete checked one of his traps to see that it had caught and killed a rat. One less predator to worry about…unfortunately a little further along, the whitebaiters were out on mass and there was nothing at all to see on the river. That was our final chance for a Spoonbill. Making our way high up around the steeply sloping boulder bank to the narrow strip between the sea and lagoon we were delighted to see a flash as a small bird shot past at shoulder height just a few metres away – a PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER. We tracked it to where it had landed and after several minutes of intense scrutiny from the two scopes and a pair of bins we got on to it to confirm its identity. What we thought was one bird multiplied into two and we spent a few minutes observing them from behind one of the many dead tree trunks at the high-water mark. They were quite unaware of us, feeding amongst the rocks at the waters edge. Peter walked along the beach for a few metres for a better view then hurriedly returned with the report of another bird close behind the PGP. Despite our efforts it took quite some time to locate this other bird but when we did, we were able to confirm that it was a RED KNOT, well worth that effort. A further few minutes of observing it appear and disappear between the rocks and we suddenly saw that this bird also had a companion. Tearing ourselves away from the PGP and RK we spotted two LITTLE PIED SHAGS and a CASPIAN TERN further along the beach. On the lagoon were a pair of BLACK SWANS with a cygnet in tow. With a pair of WHITE FACE HERON, we had spotted on the road in, our tally for the day was now 36 species.

Waiwhakaiho River Mouth
On now to one of the most popular eBird Hotspots in Taranaki, the Waiwhakaiho river mouth. Driving down past Lake Rotomanu there were only a few SCAUP, some Mallard and three CANADA GEESE on the water. A large powerboat had just finished its circuits of the lake so no surprise there was so few birds around. Down by the river the whitebaiters were again out in force and the only areas holding any birds were the shag roost rocks by the footbridge and the sandy shore on the true right bank of the river. The shag roosting rocks delivered the final member of the Taranaki Four Shags – a LITTLE BLACK SHAG. The far bank was a roost for 70-75 RED-BILLED GULLS and a handful of BBG’s. The one other addition of note was our first COMMON MYNA of the day giving us a new total of 41 species.

Back Beach Cliffs, Paritutu and Offshore Island
Next stop was through the city to the clifftops above Back Beach where we had high hopes of White-fronted Terns and Gannets and the possibility of some pelagics. With our scopes out and sheltering in the lee of the car from the chilly west-sou’wester we struggled to see very much of anything. We made the most of this to fuel up on packed-lunches and flasks of tea and coffee. With our bellies warmed and three pairs of glass-enhanced eyes and some persistence we were able to pick out 3-4 WHITE-FRONTED TERNS wheeling around one of the offshore islands, a lone KERERU and a couple of ROCK PIGEON. Other than some Starling, some BBG a couple of hundred Red-billed Gulls roosting on base of Paritutu and the surrounding waters there was a nothing else to report. We were now up to 44 species.

Omata
From Paritutu a short drive along the cliffs gave stunning views of coast before turning inland to the small settlement of Omata where we were hoping to add a goose to our tally. There was nothing on the main highway leading out of Omata so we continued along and took a turn down Waireka Road. The paddocks to the right of the road have been successful sites in the past, but nothing today. A short drive further on to look for a turning point when whoosh – two CAPE BARREN GEESE flew across the road. Bingo! We had found our latest target species. 45 and counting!

Meeting of the Waters
Our journey was now taking us south as we sought out the inland birding spots of Taranaki and their special treasures. Back through town and onto SH3 to the Meeting of the Waters, returning to the upriver waters of the Waiwhakaiho, where we were hoping for Grey Duck. Straight across the river from the car park is a popular Mallard hybrid and Grey Duck roost. All the ducks there were either full-blooded Mallard or had strong Mallard genes. However, on a rock in the main flow above the wide pool were two very strong GREY DUCK candidates: striking head markings, leaden beaks and legs, and green speculum with NO white margins. Sweet as! A short walk over the tributary from the hydro-electric plant and into the TOPEC area was rewarded by an EASTERN ROSELLA (normally flocks of 10-25 in the mature gumtrees here), a calling SHINING CUCKOO and a DUNNOCK. Ticking along nicely at 49 species now.

Lake Mangamahoe
A couple of minutes further along SH3 and we were at Lake Mangamahoe. The lake and surrounds normally deliver more birds per minute than any other spot in Taranaki, but not today. At first glance it was plainly clear that there were not many birds at all on the water. We drove to the far end to greet the lonely Australasian Little Grebe, our main target at this location. This single bird has been here since Jan 2019, when it was first noticed by Tony Green. A creature of habit it usually hangs out in only a couple of places on the lake. It wasn’t in any of those places today. Shortly after arriving we were joined by that other creature of habit, the little Australian himself, Tony Green. Tony had been to the other Grebe hangouts and drawn a blank sparing us some extra effort. Via the scope a brief glimpse of an NZ DABCHICK was made by one of the party and we all saw a pair of AUSTRALIAN SHOVELLER males. Heading back to the Redwoods car park we added a pair of EURASIAN COOT. Walking through a stand of redwoods to the first swing bridge we were entertained by the singing of the lone NI ROBIN. This more recently arrived bachelor was playing shy and despite all our efforts we could not set eyes upon him. On our return to the car, we noted the calls of two Shining Cuckoo. A few more bites to eat and mugs of tea to refresh us and we were ready to climb the mountain. 53 species ticked off.

Taranaki Mounga – Mangaoraka Car Park and Waiwhakaiho Track
Heading clockwise around Taranaki Mounga we turned off the road at Egmont Village and drove up to Mangaoraka car park and the start of the Waiwhakaiho track. Possibilities here included Tomtit, Whitehead, Rifleman and Blue Duck. Any one of them would be a good result. The car park often has a male Tomtit hanging around, but the only thing hanging around today was an abandoned and collapsed pup tent complete with contents (no bodies, we checked…). From the car park, it is about a 2km round trip to the upper waters of the Waiwhakaiho river. The track was wet and muddy and there were numerous spots where we had to tiptoe around the edges of deep pools of standing water. The bigger streams were bridged but the numerous smaller streamlets required careful negotiation to prevent a soaking. For the first 10-15 mins and despite occasional whistling while we walked and rubbing corks on bottles, we were unable to lure in anything except Fantails. Striding out along the trail our focus was on avoiding the underfoot trip and slip hazards and avoiding the hanging nooses of supplejack, some of which were heavy with bright red berries. Not too far from our destination Peter stopped to rub a cork on his bottle and was very quickly mobbed by a rash of four WHITEHEADS. Flitting among the vines and branches just over our heads they kicked up quite a racket before disappearing off into the thick bush. A few metres further along the track and we were graced by a lone RIFLEMAN. Arriving at the end of the cliff cut by the Waiwhakaiho, the river was clearly in full flow. Taking care not to get too close to the edge of the 100-metre vertical dop we scoped the length of the river with no success. A pair of Parries sleeping on rocks in the middle of the river were the only obvious life. On the verge of giving up, a WHIO materialised out of nowhere. It had been standing in plain sight, its colouring allowing it to merge perfectly with the grey rocks and water. Watching it working the fast-flowing water with ease was a pleasure and after a few minutes we were delighted to see it suddenly joined by a second bird, where this bird came from was a mystery: one moment there was one bird, a second later there was two. Tearing ourselves away, we made our way back along the track and at one point when we stopped to listen and look, we spotted a male TOMTIT. A full house of these four target species took us to 57 varieties.

Eltham Oxi Ponds
It was now 1.30 pm and we had a quick war council: our plans now had us taking a long trip to the Whanganui estuary and possibly Upokongaro via the Patea Mole and Oxi ponds before returning to finish off the day at Rotokare Scenic Reserve. This would easily add six hours of driving and birding time to our day and could result in missing out on Rotokare. After further discussion we decided to leave that leg until next year and proceed direct to Rotokare via Eltham Oxi Ponds. Not too much to see there except for a Grey Duck, GREY TEAL, a lone NZ Dabchick and an Indian Peafowl.
On the drive to Rotokare we had the time and enough mobile signal to check in on the rest of the world on Big Bird Day. It was pleasing to see that we were trending high on the species count for NZ. Not that birding is a competition…

Rotokare Scenic Reserve
On arrival at Rotokare, a 230-hectare reserve surrounded by a predator proof fence and containing an 18-hectare lake, we were immediately greeted by the strident call of a TIEKE/NORTH ISLAND SADDLEBACK. We parked up at the picnic tables outside the visitor area and set up the scopes and bins to have a look over the lake while finishing off the last of our food, snacks and warm drinks. The sou’wester was still blowing and swept across us, chilling the mood and our tiring bodies. We could hear the occasional chirp of a FERNBIRD from the vegetation along the waters edge and we were also able to pick out the clear tones of a BELLBIRD. Disappointingly, there was no sign of the Pateke/Brown Teal, 18 of which were translocated and released on the lake during August while the whole country was in lockdown. There were a few Scaup, Mallard and a pair of Black Swans on the water and a Kereru displaying off in the distance. Constantly, the repeated call of the Tieke could be heard in quadrophonic stereo, magical. Suitably refreshed, we took off on the 4km circuit around the lake. Immediately we entered the walkway a Tieke called loudly from the side of the track. It was only a few metres away rifling through the leaf litter and leaping up into the lower branches, swooping through the dense lattice of branches with consummate ease. For the entire length of the walk the calls of Tieke and their antics entertained us, there would easily be 1-2 Tieke every 100-200 metres. As we made our way, a couple of NI Robin accosted us and forced us to scrape the leaf litter to help them turn up up some bugs. A short walk to a floating pontoon and a scan of the reed beds failed to show any Pateke but we did see and hear more Fernbird, Bellbirds, Tui, Grey Warblers and a Chaffinch. We were also fortunate to hear a single call of a SPOTLESS CRAKE. Back on the track and we came to the first feeding station where we were delighted to watch several HIHI/STITCHBIRDS arriving from deep in the bush, having a few sips of nectar water and then disappearing again with just no time to pose for a selfie. While the rest of the walk did not add any additional species it was, as it always is, a fantastic experience of bush and birds. We were weary by the time we arrived back at the start. Wandering around the information area we were treated to the call of the final bird to add to our list, a RURU/MOREPORK. Not long after a collective decision was made to bring this fantastic day to an end. Tempting as it was to stay to see if we could hear the calls of a North Island Kiwi we were just too buggered. Next year…
In the end our final tally was 65 species all observed within Taranaki. Whilst we were delighted with the results of our efforts, this total could have been much higher. Some of the birds that we missed were Banded Dotterel, Pied Stilts, Greylag Geese, Wild Turkey, Gannets, Reef Heron, Bittern, NZ Pipit, Redpoll, Cattle Egret, Fluttering Shearwater, Royal Spoonbill, SIPO and Bar-tailed Godwit. Most definitely room for improvement…

Final Checklist Big Bird Day, 9 October 2021 – Team Taranaki
Species Location
1 Morepork - Ninox novaeseelandiae Rotokare Scenic Reserve
2 Spotless Crake - Zapornia tabuensis Rotokare Scenic Reserve
3 Stitchbird - Notiomystis cincta Rotokare Scenic Reserve
4 Bellbird - Anthornis melanura Rotokare Scenic Reserve
5 North Island Saddleback - Philesturnus rufusater Rotokare Scenic Reserve
6 New Zealand Fernbird - Poodytes punctatus Rotokare Scenic Reserve
7 Grey Teal - Anas gracilis Oxi Ponds, Ladys Mile, Eltham
8 Indian Peafowl - Pavo cristatus Oxi Ponds, Ladys Mile, Eltham
9 Blue Duck - Hymenolaimus malacorhynchos Waiwhakaiho Track, Egmont National Park, Taranaki
10 Rifleman - Acanthisitta chloris Waiwhakaiho Track, Egmont National Park, Taranaki
11 Whitehead - Mohoua albicilla Waiwhakaiho Track, Egmont National Park, Taranaki
12 Tomtit/Snares Tomtit - Petroica macrocephala Waiwhakaiho Track, Egmont National Park, Taranaki
13 Australian Shoveler - Spatula rhynchotis Lake Mangamahoe, Taranaki
14 New Zealand Dabchick - Poliocephalus rufopectus Lake Mangamahoe, Taranaki
15 Eurasian Coot - Fulica atra Lake Mangamahoe, Taranaki
16 North Island Robin - Petroica longipes Lake Mangamahoe, Taranaki
17 Grey Duck - Anas superciliosa Meeting of the Waters, Burgess Park, Taranaki
18 Shining Cuckoo - Chrysococcyx lucidus Meeting of the Waters, Burgess Park, Taranaki
19 Eastern Rosella - Platycercus eximius Meeting of the Waters, Burgess Park, Taranaki
20 Dunnock - Prunella modularis Meeting of the Waters, Burgess Park, Taranaki
21 Cape Barren Goose - Cereopsis novaehollandiae Omata, Taranaki
22 Rock Pigeon - Columba livia Back Beach New Plymouth, Taranaki
23 New Zealand Pigeon - Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae Back Beach New Plymouth, Taranaki
24 White-fronted Tern - Sterna striata Back Beach New Plymouth, Taranaki
25 Canada Goose - Branta canadensis Waiwhakaiho River Mouth, New Plymouth, Taranaki
26 New Zealand Scaup - Aythya novaeseelandiae Waiwhakaiho River Mouth, New Plymouth, Taranaki
27 Silver Gull - Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae Waiwhakaiho River Mouth, New Plymouth, Taranaki
28 Little Black Shag - Phalacrocorax sulcirostris Waiwhakaiho River Mouth, New Plymouth, Taranaki
29 Common Myna - Acridotheres tristis Waiwhakaiho River Mouth, New Plymouth, Taranaki
30 Black Swan - Cygnus atratus Waiongana, Brixton, Taranaki
31 Pacific Golden-Plover - Pluvialis fulva Waiongana, Brixton, Taranaki
32 Red Knot - Calidris canutus Waiongana, Brixton, Taranaki
33 Caspian Tern - Hydroprogne caspia Waiongana, Brixton, Taranaki
34 Little Pied Shag - Microcarbo melanoleucos Waiongana, Brixton, Taranaki
35 White-faced Heron - Egretta novaehollandiae Waiongana, Brixton, Taranaki
36 California Quail - Callipepla californica Urenui Estuary, Urenui, Taranaki
37 Pied Shag - Phalacrocorax varius Urenui Estuary, Urenui, Taranaki
38 Paradise Shelduck - Tadorna variegata Mokau Road, Ahititi, Taranaki
39 Pukeko - Porphyrio melanotus Mokau Road, Ahititi, Taranaki
40 Mallard - Anas platyrhynchos Tongaporutu--Three Sisters
41 Variable Oystercatcher - Haematopus unicolor Tongaporutu--Three Sisters
42 New Zealand Dotterel - Charadrius obscurus Tongaporutu--Three Sisters
43 Sacred Kingfisher - Todiramphus sanctus Tongaporutu--Three Sisters
44 House Sparrow - Passer domesticus Tongaporutu--Three Sisters
45 Ring-necked Pheasant - Phasianus colchicus Rapanui Wetland Recreation Reserve
46 Little Penguin - Eudyptula minor Rapanui Wetland Recreation Reserve
47 Australasian Harrier - Circus approximans Rapanui Wetland Recreation Reserve
48 Welcome Swallow - Hirundo neoxena Rapanui Wetland Recreation Reserve
49 European Starling - Sturnus vulgaris Rapanui Wetland Recreation Reserve
50 Yellowhammer - Emberiza citrinella Rapanui Wetland Recreation Reserve
51 Spur-winged Plover - Vanellus miles Rapanui Petrel Colony, Taranaki
52 South Black Backed Gull - Larus dominicanus Rapanui Petrel Colony, Taranaki
53 Grey-faced Petrel - Pterodroma gouldi Rapanui Petrel Colony, Taranaki
54 Black Shag - Phalacrocorax carbo Rapanui Petrel Colony, Taranaki
55 Tui - Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae Rapanui Petrel Colony, Taranaki
56 Grey Warbler - Gerygone igata Rapanui Petrel Colony, Taranaki
57 Australian Magpie - Gymnorhina tibicen Rapanui Petrel Colony, Taranaki
58 New Zealand Fantail - Rhipidura fuliginosa Rapanui Petrel Colony, Taranaki
59 Skylark - Alauda arvensis Rapanui Petrel Colony, Taranaki
60 Silvereye - Zosterops lateralis Rapanui Petrel Colony, Taranaki
61 Song Thrush - Turdus philomelos Rapanui Petrel Colony, Taranaki
62 Eurasian Blackbird - Turdus merula Rapanui Petrel Colony, Taranaki
63 Chaffinch - Fringilla coelebs Rapanui Petrel Colony, Taranaki
64 European Greenfinch - Chloris chloris Rapanui Petrel Colony, Taranaki
65 European Goldfinch - Carduelis carduelis Rapanui Petrel Colony, Taranaki

[Paul Gibson]

Thanks for such an interesting report. Being originally from Taranaki I know all those places you write about well.

[Threeps]

Thanks, Paul.
We have an interesting range of birding spots in Taranaki - if only we had a decent estuarine option like Whanganui!

[RussCannings]

Well done Steve and team!

Big Days are a fun challenge, not only of bird identification but more so one's experience with regional and local bird distributions and habitats. Few (if any) would know more that you guys so not surprising on the very impressive total for the Taranaki. A 'hardcore' effort to be sure! One day I'd love to drop in on the Waiongana estuary (Nothing to do with the naturists!)

Russ

[Threeps]

Thanks, Russ.
Local knowledge certainly helps. The knowledge I've gleaned about birding spots in Taranaki from the enormously experienced BirdsNZ group has been a major contribution to my enjoyment of events like the Big Bird days. Although I'm now feeling a strong sense of guilt at the carbon emissions resulting from our endeavour (just been reading the post from Jan on Carbon Emissions of Twitching...).
Next time you are in Taranaki let me know and we can bird together down at Waiongana.

[simonnicholas]

HI Steve
Thanks for posting this! I am wondering about the Rapanui Petrel Colony, I visited this a couple of years ago and the gate was locked. Do you know when the gates are open and the best times to visit to see the petrels? Thanks, Simon

[Threeps]

Hi Simon, one of our team is, I believe, a trustee and volunteer and had his own key. I have only ever visited with him. Let me check and get back to you with more information.