Whimbrel on the Whanganui River Estuary

[Paul Gibson]

This morning we have a whimbrel on the Whanganui River Estuary, not uncommon in some locations, but rare for the Whanganui. It was associating with 27 godwits and was conspicuous because of its darker plumage.

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[Paul Gibson]

The whimbrel was on the Whanganui again this morning, now for the fifth consecutive day. This morning's rain made for some neat pictures. If anyone local is wanting some good whimbrel pictures, there has never been a better opportunity.

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[David Melville]

Great pictures Paul - the part-open wing photo clearly showing that the bird is a 2022-season juvenile with buff spotting on scapulars and pale areas on tertials heavily abraded.

[Paul Gibson]

Thanks David, Phil Battley also thinks it's a juvenile. It is small for a whimbrel, and maybe its bill is shorter than an adult? Bird still around today.

[jimmifinn]

The Whimbrel is on the estuary at Beach Road on a very high wind-driven tide at 2.00pm today. It is with a flock of 27 Bar-tailed Godwits. (five adults and 22 juveniles). Six local photographers enjoying the opportunity to get up close with this rare visitor to the Whanganui River estuary.

Jim Norris

[Paul Gibson]

The whimbrel continues to stay on the Whanganui, now for over a month - likely because of an abundance of crabs, their main food. What a great bird, and so confiding for the usual nervous whimbrel. He remains constantly with the godwit flock.

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[Jan]

Such superb pics, Paul.

[Paul Gibson]

Thanks Jan. On the Whanganui, we have few waders, but unrivaled access for photography, at the right tides. The wader roost is just metres away from a grassy bank where we can hide behind tall grasses, and the birds are completely unaware we are there. Anyway, the best estuary is the one close to home that we can visit often.

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[Paul Gibson]

The long-staying whinbrel has moved on, after two and half months, so may appear at some other local estuary. He was last seen on 18 January, and my last photo of him, below, was taken on 16 January. During his time here we noticed quite an increase in his body mass. A lovely bird to have around for so long.

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