So this is old and a bit vague ---my info is a week old and third hand, but there was a report of a Yellow-billed Spoonbill near the tip of the south Manukau peninsular near Big Bay about a week ago. It has not been seen there since
From what I've read about this species they are rarely seen in salt water
just a heads up
cheers
Phil
possible Yellow-billed Spoonbill
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- TheBirderman
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Re: possible Yellow-billed Spoonbill
Hi Phil
I believe we need more info on this - did anyone take a photograph of it?
I believe we need more info on this - did anyone take a photograph of it?
- RussCannings
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Re: possible Yellow-billed Spoonbill
Probably not forthcoming based on Phil's description Tommy but let's home someone's intrepid and lucky enough to track it down and confirm!
There are several raupo-fringed freshwater wetlands on the Awhitu Peninsula that are scopable from public roads. That would be the best place to start.
Russ
There are several raupo-fringed freshwater wetlands on the Awhitu Peninsula that are scopable from public roads. That would be the best place to start.
Russ
- RussCannings
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Re: possible Yellow-billed Spoonbill
I spoke to soon--apparently there are photos. Hopefully this should shed more (yellow) light on the situation!
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Re: possible Yellow-billed Spoonbill
I also have not seen the photo nor has the person that phoned me.
I and friends had doubts about the Tokaanu report 18 months ago, but still went on what turned out to be a fizzer - just in case
I know of several birders, including Noel Ward and I a few days ago, that have been out looking and think it's worth a go. I spent another 6 hours today checking out ponds, ditches, wet paddocks, a lake and anything else I could think of.
Of course each place I went to was probably a 1000 to 1 or less chance ---but that's my idea of fun
I checked Mangere storage basin and rainwater ponds, Puhinui Reserve, a lot of wet areas around Otaua and then up the Awhitu Peninsular .
The day wasn't wasted though. at Puhinui there were Brown Teal chicks, at Hoods Landing I had a good long close view of a Bittern preening, I found the Otaua Cattle Egret flock [22 in one flight but there may have been others elsewhere] and checked to see if there was anything bigger hanging out with them, and before light ran out I had made it to the lovely wetland at Awhitu Regional Park which is dripping with Fernbirds. Lots of side roads and scoping from high points along the way.
No Y B Spoonbill----but it's a big bird and they fly long distances-----could still be on the peninsular somewhere out of sight or 100s of km away by now---worth people keeping an eye out in their areas
Phil Hammond
Wrybill Birding Tours NZ
"great Birds, Real Birders"
I and friends had doubts about the Tokaanu report 18 months ago, but still went on what turned out to be a fizzer - just in case
I know of several birders, including Noel Ward and I a few days ago, that have been out looking and think it's worth a go. I spent another 6 hours today checking out ponds, ditches, wet paddocks, a lake and anything else I could think of.
Of course each place I went to was probably a 1000 to 1 or less chance ---but that's my idea of fun
I checked Mangere storage basin and rainwater ponds, Puhinui Reserve, a lot of wet areas around Otaua and then up the Awhitu Peninsular .
The day wasn't wasted though. at Puhinui there were Brown Teal chicks, at Hoods Landing I had a good long close view of a Bittern preening, I found the Otaua Cattle Egret flock [22 in one flight but there may have been others elsewhere] and checked to see if there was anything bigger hanging out with them, and before light ran out I had made it to the lovely wetland at Awhitu Regional Park which is dripping with Fernbirds. Lots of side roads and scoping from high points along the way.
No Y B Spoonbill----but it's a big bird and they fly long distances-----could still be on the peninsular somewhere out of sight or 100s of km away by now---worth people keeping an eye out in their areas
Phil Hammond
Wrybill Birding Tours NZ
"great Birds, Real Birders"
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Re: possible Yellow-billed Spoonbill
I still haven't seen the photo but I understand it's not conclusive and may be of a Royal with tricky light reflecting on to it
I for one was glad of the original alert---I will ALWAYS welcome "possible" sightings made in good faith
cheers
Phil
I for one was glad of the original alert---I will ALWAYS welcome "possible" sightings made in good faith
cheers
Phil
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Re: possible Yellow-billed Spoonbill
Through the grapevine I have heard that the photo is of a Royal Spoonbill with light reflecting off the bill so that it appears pale. Have not seen it myself but am satisfied with the answer.
Ian
Ian