Glossy Ibis pair, Rangitikei R estuary

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Peter Frost
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Joined: Sun Jul 05, 2009 9:59 am

Glossy Ibis pair, Rangitikei R estuary

Post by Peter Frost »

A visit to Moana Roa and the Rangitikei R estuary this morning brought to light a pair of Glossy Ibis. The birds were first seen perched on driftwood in the centre of the estuary, before flying over to the Tangimoana (East) side of the river to feed, just up from the public access area. These are possibly the same birds as have been seen on the Manawatu estuary in recent months (unless someone happened to see the Glossy Ibis pair at the Manawatu estuary today).

Other notable sightings were 40 Banded Dotterel scattered over the salt marsh and shell-and-gravel slacks at Moana Roa (at least two confirmed breeding --- c/3 and b/1); a gathering of 156 Masked Lapwing on the Moana Roa salt marsh; 6 Royal Spoonbill; 7 White-faced Heron; but only 4 Bar-tailed Godwit, the only palaearctic migrant.

Peter