Reported on the end of the sandspit opposite Fortrose this morning by a member of the public to DOC then to eBird: https://ebird.org/checklist/S122440613
We happened to be in Gore so shot down for a look no luck. Then went around via Waituna Wetlands to the spit itself and found it on the beach, but it has decided to swim west down the coast. No wind so easy to see in water, might turn up in Tiwai Point or Bluff next.
King Penguin, Southland
- Oscar Thomas
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King Penguin, Southland
Last edited by Oscar Thomas on Thu Nov 17, 2022 3:11 pm, edited 2 times in total.
- Michael Szabo
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Re: King Penguin, Southland
It was this time last year that 2 different Adelie Penguins were seen ashore on NZ beaches (at Birdlings Flat and Scotts Landing) so now might be a good time to check these and other beaches for southern penguins!
'New Zealand Birders' Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/857726274293085
- Michael Szabo
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Re: King Penguin, Southland
Video footage of the King Penguin when it was ashore near Fortrose has been posted online - filmed by Givernay Forbes:
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/rare-roya ... 1668629174
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/rare-roya ... 1668629174
'New Zealand Birders' Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/857726274293085
- Oscar Thomas
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- Location: Dunedin
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- Oscar Thomas
- Posts: 939
- Joined: Sat Aug 27, 2011 7:15 pm
- Location: Dunedin
- Contact:
Re: King Penguin, Southland
Joe Bliss reported the bird again this morning. Sorry for delay I only just saw it. https://ebird.org/atlasnz/checklist/S122539751
- Michael Szabo
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Re: King Penguin, Southland
Sean Jacques has reported via eBird seeing it again at 7.30pm this evening at much the same place:
https://ebird.org/checklist/S122544921
https://ebird.org/checklist/S122544921
'New Zealand Birders' Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/857726274293085
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Re: King Penguin, Southland
You'd have to be pretty hard-hearted not to be at least a little moved by the sight of a solitary penguin roosting on a lonely beach.
A reminder to anyone going to see this bird that it is quite wary and easily disturbed. With a little fieldcraft can be safely viewed from just below the crest of the dunes.
Cheers,
Sean
A reminder to anyone going to see this bird that it is quite wary and easily disturbed. With a little fieldcraft can be safely viewed from just below the crest of the dunes.
Cheers,
Sean
- sav
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Re: King Penguin, Southland
Hi all,
Still present this morning - Friday 18 Nov. Brent and his tour group saw it.
It is a new species for the Wrybill BIrding Tours "On tour" list, which now stands at 246
cheers
Still present this morning - Friday 18 Nov. Brent and his tour group saw it.
It is a new species for the Wrybill BIrding Tours "On tour" list, which now stands at 246
cheers
- Michael Szabo
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Re: King Penguin, Southland
Bradley Shields reports seeing the King Penguin at Toetoes Bay beach today at 11.30am - check out his cool photos here on his eBird checklist:
https://ebird.org/atlasnz/checklist/S122587529
https://ebird.org/atlasnz/checklist/S122587529
'New Zealand Birders' Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/857726274293085
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Re: King Penguin, Southland
Still in the same location just now. As Sean said, it's quite wary but seemed comfortable with us watching from a distance in the grasses of the dune. Beautiful bird!