Kawhia Waders

[RussCannings]

Hi all,

This year DoC and Birds NZ Waikato teamed up for a February harbour census of Raglan, Aotea, and Kawhia Harbours on the west coast. These were delayed contributions to the national godwit count and of course the ongoing atlas. I'm not sure how other parties made out but Bruce Postill and I had the pleasure of checking out the main Kawhia roost near Te Motu Island. Unfortunately we didn't see a single Pied Stilt today (nor Black Stilts for that matter!) but there were good numbers of the usual species including 2500ish of both Bar-tailed Godwit (many in full breeding dress) and SIPO. 15 NZ Dots was a good tally for one spot in Kawhia, as were 3 turnstone, and while we recorded no knots or uncommon sandpiper species 1 Blacktailed Godwit and 4 Whimbrel were a treat to see.

If anyone interested in helping with future surveys please let me know. We are usually short of observers and yet it's a gorgeous area with the opportunity to see some hard to access areas thanks to the DoC boats.

Earlier in the day I also had a single Little Tern on Aotea Harbour so a great day all in all.

Russ

[Richard Ryall]

Hi there Russ,
I am trying to find a spot with good chances of seeing Little Terns, I have some researchers following their migration and they are relying on me to get some up to date sightings. If you had any other hot spots that would great to know. Were you out on a boat in Aotea Harbour when you see this Little Tern?
Regards
Richard Ryall