BirdingNZ.net

I was surprised to see a New Zealand dotterel on the tidal rocky reef at Point Kean today.
Cheers,
Igor

Interesting, what breeding stage was it Igor? Potentially just a young southern bird doing a trip of the South Island as they do I guess?

I think there might be a really interesting debate about where this bird came from, and no way of proving the answer. The Northern birds are apparently making moves South on both coasts, so maybe not all South Island records neccessarily need to be ascribed to Southern NZ Dotts in the future?

In general terms young males of many (bird!?) species go off for a wander before settling down. I dont see why Northern NZ Dotts should be less likely than Southern in Kaikoura - after all, the population sizes are massively different.

What do you all think?

cheers

We have NZ dots at Waikanae this year.
One pair have been there for 4 weeks.
Not particular colourful but hopeful

The bird had some colour, but over a very restricted part of breast/belly - see record shot attached. I took it to be a northern bird, consistent with their current spread south.