Spine-tailed Swifts 1968-69 invasion

[Bobolink]

Just wondering if it would be worthwhile birders contributing any records (even second-hand) they have of the 1968-69 Swift invasion to this forum. It seems to be the forgotten invasion, and there are hardly any published records to suggest why it was considered an invasion. It would be a shame if we couldnt collate the records before it gets too far away.

[andrewcrossland]

Something to ask the over 70s I think, as anyone younger than that was either not yet born or maybe attending Woodstock!!

[BerndHuss]

Something to ask the over 70s I think, as anyone younger than that was either not yet born or maybe attending Woodstock!!

Or both

[Jim Kirker]

I didn't find this invasion in Papers Past but it may not cover the years. There are articles on a previous in 1942-3 including this from the ODT.

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newsp ... &title=ODT

[Oscar Thomas]

A quick search through the Notornis archives reveals no records from 68-69, some interesting stuff there from other years though. I can't find any online references to this invasion at all unfortunately.

[Bobolink]

I've found these records, but then the trail runs cold. Old notebooks may be the best source. Strange there weren't more in the Classified Summarised Notes.

Kaipara Flats, Warkworth, Northland – 21st November 1967 – 6 (F.P. Hudson, 1968, Notornis 15:42)
Awanui road, Kaitaia, Far North – 28th November 1967 - 2 (M. Mathews. R. Michie; 1968, Notornis 15:35)
Bluff Hill, Southland – 18th February 1968 – 6 (R.R. Sutton, 1972, Notornis Suppl. 69)
Waitarere Beach, Wellington West – 23rd November 1968 – 1 beachwrecked (Imber & Crockett, 1970, Notornis 17:225)
Timaru Road Beach, Taranaki – 1st December 1968 - 1 beachwrecked (Imber & Crockett, 1970, Notornis 17:225)
Bluff Hill, Southland – 16th August 1969 – 1 (R.R. Sutton, 1972, Notornis Suppl. 69)
Ahipara, Far North - 1969 (R. Michie; 1971, Notornis 18:129)
Awanui, Far North - 1969 (H.A.F.; 1971, Notornis 18:129)