Two Black kites - Northland

[Oscar Thomas]

Just got a message from a friend up north:

Saw 2 black kites yesterday on Hway 12 between Kaikohe and Rawene turnoff. They were near turn off to Otua ora place similar. I have a witness to the 2nd bird too.

[sav]

Hi Oscar,

Before you race up there, show him a photo of a juv Swamp Harrier.

cheers

[Oscar Thomas]

I’ve no need to race anywhere thanks to the one seen at Meremere in 2016. He also sent these texts:

Hi Oscar. I see zillions of trillions juv harriers. Plenty around ATM but no way juv harriers. I think a few or a flock must have come over and maybe fragmented on the way as a guess of course. I will be up there again and will keep my eye out. I have also seen harriers recently with split tails eg a feather or 2 missing in the middle. I also saw the kite at Meremere 15 plus years ago and the one near Blenhiem several years ago too plus hoards overseas.

[andrewcrossland]

Its dark juvenile harrier time of year again ofcourse, but your contact seems to know what he's talking about so let's hope for some photos? Cheers