BirdingNZ.net

Hi all,

A Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike has been seen and photographed on Nolan Rd, Wairamarama, Waikato. It was first seen at least 8 weeks ago (!!), and was present "yesterday or the day before" according to the land-owner who had previously reported the bird to the South Auckland Birds NZ branch about a month ago, and submitted a UBR to the Records Assessment Comittee (though as a Masked Woodswallow).

The bird has NOT been seen today, so far.

A plea to all birders : When you hear about a rarity near you, please get the news out. Even if it turns out to be erroneous, at least people can go and have a look.

cheers

what!!!!!! that's a mega! Please let me know if anyone wants to go for this on Sunday from Auckland?

I have just spoken to Paul G who has been looking most of today without success. He says that several local farmers are quite aware of the bird's presence, but it might range over a pretty wide area.

With decent birder coverage (perhaps this weekend?) it might well be re-found.

Many thanks to the original finder for noticing something out of the ordinary, and for alerting the local Birds NZ branch.

cheers

Would like to see this photo! Feed me!

Cheers

I wonder if this bird could be responsible for some of the many s.i. kokako sightings of recent times all over the south island. Highly likely to me.

I spent another day today looking for this and so far that's 16 hours for me, more for Paul G and shorter visits for others. To my knowledge no visiting birder has seen it but there is no doubt that it is real and it is a Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike.
Nolan Rd is a no exit road 2.4 km long. To my knowledge no sightings have been in the first 800m, a few have been in the middle, but most have been in the last 800 m
All but 1 of the sightings by an experienced birder who lives in the road, have been high in bare deciduous trees that are visible from the road. The last sighting was 4 days ago.
Where is it when not being seen???
Phil Hammond
Wrybill Birding Tours NZ
Great Birds Real Birders

Thanks to everyone for trying. Gotta be in it to win it!

Hi all,
Just heard from Tim that the Cuckoo has been re found at the site.
That’s all I know, a few people are heading up now.

Present just after 11am. Flew from the shrubs/trees by a gate with an orange triangle up into a large old pine then into the next piece of bush by the road. Stayed in there for a minute or so ... always moving. Then flew off out of sight.

Not seen again. I left at 2.30pm. It is very active. I don't think it will move on for a bit but from the behaviour I saw - catching the moment is going to be tough.

Hi Tim

well done with this mega, perseverance has paid off!

Erik Forsyth
Rockjumper Birding Tours
www.rockjumperbirding.com