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Godwits were reported back at the Manawatu Estuary last Sunday, and I confirmed today that numbers were to up to 25 from the ~11 overwintering birds, and there were three returned individually marked adults. Also present were a single Red Knot and a single Curlew Sandpiper.
Cheers, Phil

Kieran Rowe noted an increase in Godwits at Lake Ellesmere last week as well as the first returning peeps. I went down this morning with Mike Ashbee and found 47 Godwits and a single Curlew Sand. (Missing were the four stints from the previous week) as well as a fair few wrybill not yet on their breeding grounds.

The exciting time of year is beginning!

Nice we have a Curlew Sandpiper back at Ellesmere! Each year I worry it will be their last. Now just for that Greenshank... Better blow the dust off my binoculars.

So 50 Godwits disappeared from the Avon-Heathcote several weeks ago (which is not unusual prior to the migrants returning) and I suggest this accounts for the observed influx at Lake Ellesmere.

Curlew Sands and RN Stints always start arriving at Ellesmere in the last week of August, followed by Godwits in mid Sept.

No arrivals at the Avon-Heathcote Estuary as of yesterday's high tide.

At Manawatu Estuary this morning, 25 godwits present, including two flagged- ZZT and BEC. We were also there last Saturday and found 20 godwits, including ZZT. Could not see the Curlew Sand. that you saw yesterday Phil. I am looking for the arrival of Godwit AJD, who should be here in the next seven days, although I cannot be 100% sure he was not there this morning as several birds were resting on the ground.

Paul AJD was present today.

Thanks Mavis, great to hear this. We plan to visit tomorrow at around 11 am on our return from the South Island. Paul