White-throated Needletail + Tree Martin, Farewell Spit Lighthouse

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Michael Szabo
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White-throated Needletail + Tree Martin, Farewell Spit Lighthouse

Postby Michael Szabo » Sat Dec 14, 2019 12:25 pm

Steve Wood reports seeing a White-throated Needletail and a Tree Martin flying around near the Farewell Spit Tours hut by the Farewell Spit lighthouse this morning during the annual FS wader survey. He says he will post photos after he gets back tomorrow and pointed out that this location is not open to the public. Farewell Spit Tours has a DOC permit to take tours out there so that is the only way to get there.
Last edited by Michael Szabo on Sun Dec 15, 2019 11:28 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Davidthomas
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Re: Pacific Swift + Tree Martin, Farewell Spit Lighthouse

Postby Davidthomas » Sat Dec 14, 2019 5:22 pm

Swift was still present until atleast 15:00 this afternoon according to Steve
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Michael Szabo
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Re: White-rumped Needletail + Tree Martin, Farewell Spit Lighthouse

Postby Michael Szabo » Sun Dec 15, 2019 11:34 am

Please note that Steve Wood says the bird he saw at Farewell Spit is in fact a White-throated Needetail and not Pacific Swift as he initially thought. He will post photos of it later today.
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Steve Wood
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Re: White-throated Needletail + Tree Martin, Farewell Spit Lighthouse

Postby Steve Wood » Sun Dec 15, 2019 9:50 pm

Bird was seen early morning Saturday flying around the Farewell spit safari building,which is adjacent to the light house,and seemed to be present all day as it was still there in the afternoon when I checked the site.Approximately 30+ knot Westerlies were present all day.
The bird wasn't seen early Sunday morning, presumed the bird may have moved off. Much calmer conditions today.
White -Throated Needle tail - Farewell spit Dec 2109.jpg
White -Throated Needle tail - Farewell spit Dec 2109.jpg (105.44 KiB) Viewed 3636 times
Last edited by Steve Wood on Sun Dec 15, 2019 10:32 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Steve Wood
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Re: White-throated Needletail + Tree Martin, Farewell Spit Lighthouse

Postby Steve Wood » Sun Dec 15, 2019 10:31 pm

Tree Martin (juv) was found on Saturday mourning amongst the Welcome Swallows, at the same location as the Needletail. Farewell spit Safaris
office at the light house. The bird was still present this mourning (Sunday).
This sight IS accessible through Farewell spit Safaris if any one is keen to try for it.The last Tree Martin seen here, many years ago, stayed for several months I believe so possibly worth a try.
Tree Martin.Farewell Spit. Dec 2019.jpg
Tree Martin.Farewell Spit. Dec 2019.jpg (178.71 KiB) Viewed 3616 times
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Adam C
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Re: White-throated Needletail + Tree Martin, Farewell Spit Lighthouse

Postby Adam C » Mon Dec 16, 2019 9:16 pm

Dam...The 1 year we aren't in Riwaka for Xmas...
“Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.”

Samuel Ullman
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wazzagonewild
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Re: White-throated Needletail + Tree Martin, Farewell Spit Lighthouse

Postby wazzagonewild » Mon Dec 23, 2019 3:48 pm

Took the tour today to twitch these birds and unfortunately neither were present in the 90 minutes I spent searching.
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Roblyn
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Re: White-throated Needletail + Tree Martin, Farewell Spit Lighthouse

Postby Roblyn » Fri Jan 17, 2020 3:02 pm

A group of 5 or 6 white-throated needletail seen today hawking in the skies above the Kina Cliffs at the Tasman Golf Course.
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Steve Wood
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Re: White-throated Needletail + Tree Martin, Farewell Spit Lighthouse

Postby Steve Wood » Fri Jan 17, 2020 7:22 pm

popped In at 4pm till 5pm today - no sign.
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Michael Szabo
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Re: White-throated Needletail + Tree Martin, Farewell Spit Lighthouse

Postby Michael Szabo » Sat Jan 18, 2020 10:31 am

Did you get any photos Roblyn?
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