Northern NZ sightings - 30 Nov-2 Dec

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Brent Stephenson
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Joined: Sun May 31, 2009 1:51 am
Location: Havelock North, New Zealand
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Northern NZ sightings - 30 Nov-2 Dec

Postby Brent Stephenson » Thu Dec 03, 2009 11:14 pm

Hi all,

(As reported on BIRDING-NZ) I'm just heading around the northern North Island with a group at present. 30 Nov we had a fairy tern distantly at Mangawhai, but the surprise there was an Australasian bittern standing several metres out from the mangroves in the open. Excellent views at relatively close proximity. The Australasian little grebes were also still on the pond on Ormiston Road near Waipu Caves. They were building a nest and the male presenting weed to the female. Very cool. There was at least 3 dabchick also on the pond, with some territorial behaviour between two birds.

1 Dec an excellent Hauraki Gulf Pelagic with Brett on Assassin. No sign of the grey ternlets yet, which is a little later than usual, but the water has been cooler so far this season. Had some of the best views of little shearwater I've had, probably two short-tailed shearwater, a single white-capped albatross, plus good close NZSP at two locations, a single Pycroft's and all the other usual suspects. Kookaburra near Ascension Winery capped the day off!

Cheers,
Brent Stephenson
Wrybill Birding Tours, NZ - Great birds, real birders

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