Birds flying over Hanmer Springs

[Andersphil]

Hello

I have been visiting Hanmer Springs during January for a number of years. I have noticed that every night between around 8.30pm and 9.15pm a certain group of birds are circling around the center of the town. I am wondering what type of birds they are and what they are doing?

Philip Anderson

[Ian McLean]

Philip, can you provide details on the size, shape & colour of the birds ? Also, how do they compare to other known birds such as starlings, feral pigeons or welcome swallows ?
Cheers
Ian McLean

[AngryBird45]

Judging by the description, it seems like it would be Starlings or Swallows going to roost.

[jvaughan]

We were at Hanmer Springs mid January and enjoyed watching terns flying in the evening. We assumed they black-fronted and were feeding. They did not appear the following night.

[andrewcrossland]

I’ve also seen black-fronteds at dusk flying and circling the hot pools complex - maybe taking insects at dusk, This could be a regular thing?

[Davidthomas]

Yep its definitely a regular thing in mid-late summer as i've spent a fair bit of time in Hanmer for work and seen the same thing happening

[andrewcrossland]

I was Hanmer yesterday - beautiful summery weather and lots of bellbirds, but no B/F Terns flying about and no NZ Falcon patrolling over the hot pools.