Broad Billed Sandpiper report, Manukau

[David Lawrie]

For those interested the trip did not proceed today. I met Grahame at Karaka, but after a chat in the rain we decided not to proceed even though the weather improved later I do not think that it would have been very pleasant.
Meanwhile Colin was at Hinau Road at Mangere, wondering why no one turned up. He went down to the Puketutu causeway, and saw some good birds. There was a white Welcome Swallow about half way down the Channel near the orange box, and not far away 2 Brown Teal.
These would be well worth a visit if you are in the area. He also reported possible Great Knots on the mudflats, but in my opinion, these are a bit doubtful as we seldom get any number of these birds, and this is a hard time of the year to pick out a GK.
But you never know, as I thought it doubtful that 14 Pelicans would be seen in NZ, so I can be wrong!
We will try to organise another trip for the BBS when the tides, weather and work all permit.

[Ian Southey]

Popped down to see the Broad-billed Sandpiper on Thursday and now I know why it has that name. Quite a remarkable bill when you see it well. Anyone know if they eat anything special?

Ian

[Neil Fitzgerald]

Great photos Ian. I'm a bit interested in trying for this bird if there are future visits. Unfortunately I have half a hay shed that isn't building itself.

[Neil Fitzgerald]

..and I'm sure I don't need to mention it, but has someone filed a UBR??

[George Hobson]

Stunning shots, Ian!!

[David Lawrie]

yes UBR already in system.

[Paul G]

Quite a remarkable bill when you see it well

What a bendy little banana. Your top photo shows it doing some great rhynchokinesis !
If you check on NZ Birds Online, one of George Hobson's photos of the same individual
also demonstrates the bird doing this intriguing manoeuvre.
It's a rare thing to get of good photo of any species doing this, so I'm wondering if it's
something that Broadbilled Sandpipers are known-for, or if it's just this individual
who so frequently chokes food down towards the throat in this manner?
Great photos.
see ya
Paul
PS. Here's a few photos of various other species doing the bendy stuff!!
https://www.google.co.nz/search?q=rhync ... DOQQsAQILA

[Neil Fitzgerald]

I'm a little embarrassed to admit it, but that's a new word for me. Thanks Paul. I have a few photos I'll need to caption and keyword with that now.

[Paul Gibson]

I snapped a picture of the Terek Sandpiper doing the rhynchokinesis thing at Foxton the other day. It happens so quickly it is difficult to observe with the naked eye but over the years I have afterwards found many photos of shorebirds doing it.

[AlanShaw]

Yes, I have seen this many times over the years, as well. Because I take video, which I can play back in slow motion, its always captured when I'm recording. Good to find out the correct name for it, though. Thanks, Paul G.
Great picture of the Terek, showing a really extreme example. Thanks for that, Paul Gibson.
P.S. I've only ever seen it in shorebirds.