BirdingNZ.net

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

Good to hear that you are out finding rarities again

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.

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

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.

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....

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.