*MEGA* Pallid Cuckoo, Golden Bay

[Oscar Thomas]

Bradley Shields saw and photographed this juvenile Pallid Cuckoo just inland from Collingwood yesterday; the 8th NZ record and first in 13 years. Exact location appears to be around 40°43'45.7"S 172°37'05.8"E, or the corner of Pah Rd and Collingwood-Bainham Main Rd. It was first reported as an Oriental Cuckoo by a local the day prior. eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S62189098

[Michael Szabo]

More photos in this eBird checklist posted by Ken George: https://ebird.org/atlasnz/checklist/S62203598

[Jan]

Certainly have been many days of very strong northerlies in that area, and the ship Endeavour, the replica of Capt. Cook's ship, had a hard time getting out off Farewell Spit on its way back to Sydney last week. The other day it managed 125nm at 5.1knots, so might make it before Xmas just.

[Michael Szabo]

Steve Wood just reported seeing the bird there at 11.45am this morning perched on an A-frame swing in the paddock by the Bay Fitness Centre, flying down and taking insects from the ground.

[FraserGurney]

The cuckoo is still present as of now, feeding on worms behind the fitness centre. In between feeding forays it is roosting in trees lining the far side of the lawn when viewed from Pah Road.

[Michael Szabo]

Seen again this morning by Igor Debski, same location.

[Grahame]

I have just been sent this photo of the bird by Paul G. Cheers, Grahame

[wazzagonewild]

Bird was present as described between 1-3 pm today. Very confiding

[jameswickham]

Anyone planning to twitch this and the Oriental on Saturday?

[Michael Szabo]

Still there this morning reports Steve Wood.