Miranda 2021

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RussCannings
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Miranda 2021

Postby RussCannings » Fri Jan 01, 2021 5:32 pm

Didnt have a lot of time but enjoyed a quick visit to Miranda around high tide this morning.

Nothing unexpected but nice to see the Wrybills up to around 199 birds (by my count, surely one more pout there??). Both curlews were also about.

Russ
phil hammond
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Re: Miranda 2021

Postby phil hammond » Sat Jan 16, 2021 8:22 am

Lesser Sand Plover was at the northern end of the stilt pond last night with 780 Wrybill, 7 Turnstones, 34 bandies etc
Also in among1580 SIPO were a couple of partially leucistic ones, almost all white but with a few black spots and blotches
Phil Hammond
Wrybill Birding Tours NZ
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Oscar Thomas
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Re: Miranda 2021

Postby Oscar Thomas » Thu Jan 21, 2021 9:02 pm

One Red-necked Stint, 10 Pacific Golden Plovers and the Lesser Sand Plover feeding with the loose Wrybill flock out from the Godwit hide this afternoon on the falling tide, with two Eastern Curlews amongst the huge Bar-tailed Godwit flock. Surprised at the lack of Red Knots with only a dozen seen.
harryhatman
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Re: Miranda 2021

Postby harryhatman » Wed Jan 27, 2021 2:51 pm

Was there on monday. Had the lesser sand plover and golden plovers but no sign of the curlew or turnstones. We actually didn't see too many knots at Miranda itself either but plenty more a bit further north where they out numbered the godwits.
Paul Gibson
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Re: Miranda 2021

Postby Paul Gibson » Tue Feb 23, 2021 6:54 pm

Found the lesser sand plover this afternoon with 25 golden plover, but later lost it among 100s of wrybill. Also 2 eastern curlew beside large godwit flock. Miranda is frustrating for photography as the hides restrict how close you can approach the birds. Maybe we are spoiled at Foxton and Whanganui!!
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Cardinal15
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Re: Miranda 2021

Postby Cardinal15 » Wed Feb 24, 2021 2:41 pm

Just wondering, Paul, where you saw the lesser sand plover and at what time.

Thanks,
Cardinal15
Paul Gibson
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Re: Miranda 2021

Postby Paul Gibson » Wed Feb 24, 2021 3:49 pm

Hi Cardinal15, The lesser sand plover was restless, first we found him alone, apart from the 25 golden plover he was with, in front of the middle hide (wrybill hide?). He then flew to in front of the first hide, from carpark, and was mixed in with 100s of wrybill. Look for characteristic black eye patch. Tides are low at present, best to wait for higher tides that will bring the birds in closer. Difficult to find if resting among the wrybill and dotterel. Sorry can't be more
helpful. We were there about 3 to 4 pm. Cheers Paul
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Cardinal15
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Re: Miranda 2021

Postby Cardinal15 » Thu Feb 25, 2021 12:52 pm

Thanks Paul for the information.
Cardinal15
Paul Shortis
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Re: Miranda 2021

Postby Paul Shortis » Sun Feb 28, 2021 2:43 pm

Just got back to the Wairarapa from the annual Miranda trek. All the usual suspects, Godwits really colouring up as are the Red Knots (is it my imagination but are they even thinner on the ground this year)? Friday evening the Eastern Curlews were the feature even when a couple of Turnstones wandered by! Keith put us onto Piako - if you haven't been find the time. Not a lot there when we dropped in yesterday morning but it has that smell of strange and exotic encounter possibilities! Thanks to everyone in the Trust who put in the time, a really great asset!
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philbattley
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Re: Miranda 2021

Postby philbattley » Mon Mar 01, 2021 10:15 pm

The lesser sand plover was by the shellbank opposite the main hide this evening. Incredible spectacle of about 10,000 waders congregating in the bay, with skein after skein coming in from the southeast. Also one pale curlew sandpiper feeding amongst the knots and 11 turnstone on the stilt ponds. 25 golden plovers were also looking good!

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