BirdingNZ.net

Hi all,

Noel Ward called me this evening (Sunday) to say he was looking at a phalarope at the Nelson Sewage Lagoons (north of town at the head of the harbour). The photograph below (taken around dusk) that he kindly texted me looks good for Red-necked Phalarope. The bird was apparently visible from the public road however it may be possible to get permission to access the ponds---Nelson birders?



Appears to be an immature (i.e. First boreal spring), which I would guess spent the summer undetected somewhere in NZ.

Happy phalaroping for anyone that gives it a go.

Russ C
Morrinsville, NZ

Can’t follow this one up I’m in Europe

I'll go over this arvo (from Golden Bay) for a look. Ironic that Steve is on the other side of the world when something like this comes up in his own backyard, that's just so birding!!

I spotted it around 8:50 this morning, here
https://goo.gl/maps/vPsMNnYYtZU2 . Hanging out with the Pied Stilts, acting like a drowning lark. It was great to see, very pleased!
Check the areas with stilts, it flew in after a few minutes for me.
I'll add a proper photo once I arrive home.

Nice work Amber! Aren't they (all phalaropes) just terrific little things?

cheers

Hehe, they are arn't they?
Here I am with my shots!




I was pleased to get a nice shot of a dispute between the species. I believe the Pied Stilts were not pleased by its energetic behaviour.

A shot of its location:

Thanks for this posting Russ, and Amber for your positioning, it was exactly where you said it would be when I saw it 4.00pm Monday. Very busy little bird with the head bobbing and circling around. I'd forgotten what a lovely location the Nelson Water Treatment ponds are, must spend more time there. Access permission doesn't seem to be an issue judging by the number of dog-walkers, joggers, and local people who seem to be generally wandering around the place.

Yes it is a great spot - several Marsh Crake & Dabchick have also been spotted.
My understanding when living there (from the local OSNZ branch) is that access (from the gate about half way up Bolder Bank drive) is ok - apart from where there are signs indicating no entry.

cheers
Jim

I'd be very grateful for any updates on this bird as thinking I must go see but no chance before Friday!
Thanks everyone!
Richard

Will be there tomorrow and provide updates.