Birds flying over Hanmer Springs

General birdwatching discussion, help with bird identification, and all other things relating to wild birds and birding in NZ that don't fit in one of the other forums.
Andersphil
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Birds flying over Hanmer Springs

Postby Andersphil » Thu Feb 01, 2024 9:19 pm

Hello

I have been visiting Hanmer Springs during January for a number of years. I have noticed that every night between around 8.30pm and 9.15pm a certain group of birds are circling around the center of the town. I am wondering what type of birds they are and what they are doing?

Philip Anderson
Ian McLean
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Re: Birds flying over Hanmer Springs

Postby Ian McLean » Tue Feb 06, 2024 1:52 pm

Philip, can you provide details on the size, shape & colour of the birds ? Also, how do they compare to other known birds such as starlings, feral pigeons or welcome swallows ?
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AngryBird45
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Re: Birds flying over Hanmer Springs

Postby AngryBird45 » Tue Feb 06, 2024 3:34 pm

Judging by the description, it seems like it would be Starlings or Swallows going to roost.
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jvaughan
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Re: Birds flying over Hanmer Springs

Postby jvaughan » Fri Feb 09, 2024 10:43 am

We were at Hanmer Springs mid January and enjoyed watching terns flying in the evening. We assumed they black-fronted and were feeding. They did not appear the following night.
janie
andrewcrossland
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Re: Birds flying over Hanmer Springs

Postby andrewcrossland » Sat Feb 10, 2024 9:01 am

I’ve also seen black-fronteds at dusk flying and circling the hot pools complex - maybe taking insects at dusk, This could be a regular thing?
Davidthomas
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Re: Birds flying over Hanmer Springs

Postby Davidthomas » Sat Feb 10, 2024 12:50 pm

Yep its definitely a regular thing in mid-late summer as i've spent a fair bit of time in Hanmer for work and seen the same thing happening

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