Hud Godwit and WWBk Tern at Avon-Heathcote Estuary

[andrewcrossland]

Hi folks,

During the wader count today I found a Hudsonian Godwit feeding on the Linwood Paddocks (amongst a loose feeding flock of other waders). Nice views of white wing bar and black underwing as it flew in. Pic below.

Also, the breeding plumaged White-winged Black Tern was feeding above pond 2b.

cheers

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[phil hammond]

Good to hear that you are out finding rarities again

[Davidthomas]

Hopefully it sticks around all winter, (Or atleast until the end of July when i get back down there...) And glad to hear you're out birding again Andrew.

[andrewcrossland]

Well when you're fighting the Big C you can either mop around and sit behind closed curtains, or try to keep throwing 100% at enjoying a productive life. enough said. Hopefully more rarieties to come (once I can do more than hobble around my car).
AC

[andrewcrossland]

No sign of Hudsonian today on the paddocks st high tide, nor at Sandy point. I suspect it'll be at southshore spit tip with half the godwit flock.

[andrewcrossland]

I found this useful pic on line - a useful view of the underwing differences between Hudsonian Godwit (left) and Black-tailed Godwit (right). Should be helpful to folks out looking for the Avon-Heathcote estuary Hudsonian....

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[andrewcrossland]

Phil Crutchley and I had a look for Hudsonian and other notable species at the Avon-Heathcote yesterday,

No arctic waders at the Southshore Spit roost, nor at Bexley Wetland, The Whimbrel was roosting with 182 Bar-tailed Godwits on the Linwood Paddocks. The Hudsonian Godwit was not to be seen and it may be with 12 Bar-tails unaccounted for today (as 194 were present on 27/6).

The White-winged Black Tern was still in pond 2b (the last pond at the north end of the ponds, west of Dyers Rd).

Brooklands Lagoon held 68 Bar-tailed Godwit back 22 June and 40-50+ were present today, but too distant to see if the Hudsonian was there.

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