Here's the Black-fronted Tern--a Bay of Plenty lifer for me.
The next two should be of the Lesser Sand Plover, though it was a battle to get a shot when this bird wasn't preening or facing directly away into the wind. I worry that what I do have is misleading given the poor resolution and harsh lighting. Still, the first shot shows the short but thick bill, broad white forehead, and grey-white appearance compared to the brown/buff/golden tones of the Bandies.
This second (and even worse resolution) pic shows the contrast in overall colour and breast pattern between the sand plover (right) and Bandie (left). Size/structure is misleading as we all noted the larger size and slightly taller stance in the field (Which is not at all evident in this photo--perhaps due to deep mud and angle?). I had expected to find a taller, more horizontal bird--however after studying the 2 Big Sand Island Greaters, which were barely larger than Bandies, this would seem to be within range of variation for Lessers. Also note the clean white underparts and chest, and grey shoulder tabs.
So take the above how you will. Field notes might be more valuable in cases like this as our scope views were far superior to these photos. Unfortunately a harrier flushed the dotterels and wrybills about 5min after we found it and we could not relocate the bird after the birds re-settled.
Thanks Tim for getting the word out on this awesome place.
Russ C
Cambridge, NZ
