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02 Feb BirdingNZ.net Alert: NZ trip - first 12 days highlights [] 02 Feb BirdingNZ.net Alert: Black-fronted tern Shelley Beach [] 3 Feb Falcon and Brown quail ["Bev Woolley" ] 01 Feb BirdingNZ.net Alert: Fernbird at Waikanae Estuary [] 1 Feb Nugget Point birds 29/1/12 ["Richard Schofield" ] 31 Jan BirdingNZ.net Alert: Wairau and Opawa log jam [] 31 Jan BirdingNZ.net Alert: Wairau and Opawa log jam [] 31 Jan Tristan Albatross recorded from NZ waters ? ["albertlaysan" ] 31 Jan BirdingNZ.net Alert: Prob. Snares Crested Penguin, Stewart Island [] 31 Jan Morepork road casualty [Rockjumper - Worldwide Birding Adventures - Erik Forsyth ] 30 Jan BirdingNZ.net Alert: Fiordland crested penguin, Milford Sound Wharf [] 29 Jan Re: BirdingNZ.net Alert: Arctic Tern, Southshore, ChCh. [Israel Didham ] 30 Jan RE: BirdingNZ.net Alert: Arctic Tern, Southshore, ChCh. ["Crossland, Andrew" ] 30 Jan BirdingNZ.net Alert: Arctic Tern, Southshore, ChCh. [] 29 Jan BirdingNZ.net Alert: Little Tern at Onoke Spit, Wairarapa [] 29 Jan Tupare, South Kaipara [Rockjumper - Worldwide Birding Adventures - Erik Forsyth ] 28 Jan Lake Ellesmere Jan 26 and 28 2012 ["Wratten, Stephen" ] 27 Jan BirdingNZ.net Alert: Seabird Mass 30meters off shore - Haumoana [] 26 Jan Waimakariri River mouth ["albertlaysan" ] 26 Jan CHCH bird news ["Crossland, Andrew" ] 24 Jan Ashley Estuary. ["Sheila Petch" ] 22 Jan BirdingNZ.net Alert: Arctic Skua in Evans Bay, Wellington [] 23 Jan Great Crested Tern adult feeding off Southshore Spit, CHCH this morning ["Crossland, Andrew" ] 23 Jan Tawharanui Regional Park [Rockjumper - Worldwide Birding Adventures - Erik Forsyth ] 21 Jan BirdingNZ.net Alert: Little whimbrel at Miranda [] 21 Jan BirdingNZ.net Alert: Wrybill - banbded [] 22 Jan Little Whimbrel Miranda [David MELVILLE ] 21 Jan BirdingNZ.net Alert: Barbary Doves at Waikawa Beach, Kapiti Coast [] 21 Jan BirdingNZ.net Alert: Barbary Doves at Waikawa Beach, Kapiti Coast [] 21 Jan BirdingNZ.net Alert: Ohau River estuary, Kapiti Coast [] 21 Jan RC Parakeet Mt Wainui [Duncan Watson ] 20 Jan BirdingNZ.net Alert: Little Waihi - common tern [] 20 Jan BirdingNZ.net Alert: Little tern [] 20 Jan Lake Grassmere today ["Alan Shaw" ] 19 Jan Little Waihi update - 19/01/12 [Tim Barnard ] 20 Jan Re: Waders at Yarrs Reserve, Lake Ellesmere 17th Jan 2012 [Jan Walker ] 19 Jan Waders at Yarrs Reserve, Lake Ellesmere 17th Jan 2012 [Jan Walker ] 19 Jan Rakaia River mouth ["albertlaysan" ] 18 Jan Re: help with bird ID [Israel Didham ] 18 Jan Re: help with bird ID [Robyn ] 18 Jan Laughing Kookaburra [Rockjumper - Worldwide Birding Adventures - Erik Forsyth ] 17 Jan Re: help with bird ID [Israel Didham ] 18 Jan help with bird ID ["Crossland, Andrew" ] 18 Jan Ashley Estuary, Canterbury 17 Jan ["Crossland, Andrew" ] 17 Jan Falcon Report - Te Puke [Tim Barnard ] 17 Jan Has anybody received Oct 2011 Stilt yet? ["Crossland, Andrew" ] 17 Jan FW: Kite-surfing and disturbance to waterbirds ["Crossland, Andrew" ] 16 Jan Waders at Waionui Inlet. [John Simmons ] 15 Jan BirdingNZ.net Alert: Pied shag population study [] 15 Jan BirdingNZ.net Alert: Avon Heathcote Estuary [] 14 Jan banded rail chick [grant quist ] 12 Jan Bittern [grant quist ] 11 Jan Hutton's shearwater ["Lindsay & Jan Rowe" ] 10 Jan Re: Whangaroa - a magic pelagic [Detlef Davies ] 10 Jan BirdingNZ.net Alert: Awarua Bay, Southland [] 10 Jan Whangaroa - a magic pelagic ["Detlef" ] 10 Jan Arthurs Pass National Park birding [Chris Gaskin ] 10 Jan BirdingNZ.net Alert: South coast pelagic [] 09 Jan Mangere Ambury ["Kevin" ] 09 Jan BirdingNZ.net Alert: Pectoral sandpiper [] 9 Jan FW: Lake Ellesmere Jan. 5 2012 ["Wratten, Stephen" ] 08 Jan BirdingNZ.net Alert: Arctic Skua. [] 9 Jan fab bird ["Stephen" ] 8 Jan Thames Coast ["David" ] 7 Jan Re: Comon Sandpiper [Gillian Vaughan ] 7 Jan Erect-crested penguin at Te Awanga - Hawkes Bay ["Sav Saville" ] 6 Jan Lake Ellesmere Jan. 5 2012 [Jan Walker ] 04 Jan BirdingNZ.net Alert: Waders at Lake Ellesmere [] 5 Jan Comon Sandpiper ["Steve Wood" ] 4 Jan Re: BirdingNZ.net Alert: Great Crested Grebe near Miranda [Adrian Riegen ] 4 Jan Beach Patrols ["Lloyd Esler" ] 4 Jan Hopkins and Huxley Valleys at Ohau ["bahughes" ] 03 Jan BirdingNZ.net Alert: Great Crested Grebe near Miranda [] 3 Jan Kaikoura today ["Alan Shaw" ] 02 Jan BirdingNZ.net Alert: Short-tailed Green Parrot Silverdale [] 02 Jan BirdingNZ.net Alert: Probable channel-billed cuckoo - Tauranga [] Subject: BirdingNZ.net Alert: NZ trip - first 12 days highlights From: <noreply AT birdingnz.net> Date: Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:36:20 -0500 Hello BIRDING-NZ, sav has posted an important message at BirdingNZ.net. -------------------------------------------- Here's the text of the post: I'm just over halfway through a 21-day trip around the country, starting on 23rd Jan. Highlights so far as follows: Day1. 16 endemics. 3 Fairy Tern at Waipu. Bittern over road near Dargaville.NI Brown Kiwi heard only in perfect conditions at Trounson. Day2.Fairy Tern at Mangawhai. Brown Teal, Brown Quail and Banded Rail at Tawharanui. Day3. Good Hauraki Gulf pelagic with more than 10 NZStorm-petrel, 60 Grey Ternlet, Little Shearwater, Grey-faced Petrel, etc Day4. Daytime Morepork, 5 Kokako, everything else on Tiri. Day5. 1500 Wrybill, Marsh Sand, brilliant views of 3 Bittern at Miranda. Day6. Pycrofts Petrel etc off Whitianga. Day7. Long-tailed and Shining Cuckoo, Yellow-crowned Parakeet, NI Tomtit etc at Pureora. Day8. 2 Kokako, perched female NZ Falcon at Boundary Stream, Fernbirds at Frethy Drive. Day9. Blue Duck - Ruatiti. 30 Wrybill, Curlew Sand at Foxton Beach. Day 10. Not much on Cook Strait. Day 11. 90 BFTern at Wairau River. Black Kite - Renwick. King Shag, SI Saddleback - Marlborough Sounds. Day12. Kaikoura: 3 WF Storm-pets, lots of White-chinned, couple of Westlands. Southern Royal Albert. Cirl Bunting. So far: 131 species, but clients all recently in Aus so not interested in looking for Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Aussie Little Grebe etc. -------------------------------------------- Use the following link to view and reply to the post: http://www.birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1618&p=6848#p6848 Don't reply to this message, it was sent from an unmonitored account. Use the link above instead. -- BirdingNZ.net ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: BirdingNZ.net Alert: Black-fronted tern Shelley Beach From: <noreply AT birdingnz.net> Date: Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:20:35 -0500 Hello BIRDING-NZ, phil hammond has posted an important message at BirdingNZ.net. -------------------------------------------- Here's the text of the post: Hi all For those that don't know the area, Shelley Beach is on the South Kaipara Peninsular. At 8 o'clock last evening there was a Black-fronted tern among about 30 - 40 White-fronted---common enough further south, but only occasionaly seen north of Auck. There was also a dark phase Arctic Skua sitting on the water and going up to chase the terns when they went out to fish. Cheers Phil -------------------------------------------- Use the following link to view and reply to the post: http://www.birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1616&p=6843#p6843 Don't reply to this message, it was sent from an unmonitored account. Use the link above instead. -- BirdingNZ.net ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: Falcon and Brown quail From: "Bev Woolley" <bawoolley AT xnet.co.nz> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 08:52:12 +1300 A falcon at the eastern end of Lake Rotoiti, Rotorua, on 28 January, called as it flew in towards the cliffs. It did this a couple of times while we were there, wondered if it was feeding young somewhere, but could not see anything with bino's. According to the camp manager, 3 pairs of Brown quail nested successfully in the dunes in front of the camp at Pikowai, BoP. Most disappeared with the influx of New Year visitors with dogs. We saw a single bird on , 31st Jan and 1st Feb 2012. Bev [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: BirdingNZ.net Alert: Fernbird at Waikanae Estuary From: <noreply AT birdingnz.net> Date: Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:06:42 -0500 Hello BIRDING-NZ, Colin Miskelly has posted an important message at BirdingNZ.net. -------------------------------------------- Here's the text of the post: Matt Ward (Environmental Restoration Officer, Kapiti Coast District Council) today saw and photographed fernbird on the true left of the Waikanae River, near the Otaihanga Oxbow. His photographs appear to be of a single bird, but his colleague Rob Cross reported that Matt saw a pair with a juvenile. For many decades, fernbird on the west coast of the North Island were not known south of the Manawatu River. There have been several reports of fernbird in wetlands just north of Waikanae in recent years, but this is the first time photographic evidence has been produced, and further south again. Congratulations to Matt on a great find! -------------------------------------------- Use the following link to view and reply to the post: http://www.birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1614&p=6839#p6839 Don't reply to this message, it was sent from an unmonitored account. Use the link above instead. -- BirdingNZ.net ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: Nugget Point birds 29/1/12 From: "Richard Schofield" <richard AT pcconnect.co.nz> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 20:23:55 +1300 A late trip report of a evening’s seawatch at Nugget Point (S Otago) on 29th January. After a weekend of strong winds, still a fresh WSW breeze, and lots of birds. Sooty Shearwater – estimate about 25000 over 2.5 hours between 1–1.5km offshore Cape Petrel – c.45 Shy Albatross – c.40 (no sign of Salvin’s) Buller’s Albatross – 5 Southern Royal Albatross – 1 Cook’s Petrel – 10 Mottled Petrel – 2 Northern Giant Petrel – 1 Also, several Sooty Shearwaters cruising the bluffs about 45 mins after sunset. No sign of any Fluttering Shearwaters. Richard [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: BirdingNZ.net Alert: Wairau and Opawa log jam From: <noreply AT birdingnz.net> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:06:19 -0500 Hello BIRDING-NZ, Will Parsons has posted an important message at BirdingNZ.net. -------------------------------------------- Here's the text of the post: Very windy kayaking experience yesterday but plenty of bird life. 51 SIPOC 8 VOC 15 Banded dotterel 4 kingfisher 8 Black fronted tern (includes 3 juvenile) 1 Little tern 4 Caspian tern large number of juvenile Black backed gull plus 60 Royal spoonbill, 25 Black shag, 6 Little Black shag, 6 Little shag plus numerous pied, 1 Yellowhammer. -------------------------------------------- Use the following link to view and reply to the post: http://www.birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1608&p=6828#p6828 Don't reply to this message, it was sent from an unmonitored account. Use the link above instead. -- BirdingNZ.net ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: BirdingNZ.net Alert: Wairau and Opawa log jam From: <noreply AT birdingnz.net> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:05:56 -0500 Hello BIRDING-NZ, Will Parsons has posted an important message at BirdingNZ.net. -------------------------------------------- Here's the text of the post: Very windy kayaking experience yesterday but plenty of bird life. 51 SIPOC 8 VOC 15 Banded dotterel 4 kingfisher 8 Black fronted tern (includes 3 juvenile) 1 Little tern 4 Caspian tern large number of juvenile Black backed gull plus 60 Royal spoonbill, 25 Black shag, 6 Little Black shag, 6 Little shag plus numerous pied, 1 Yellowhammer. -------------------------------------------- Use the following link to view and reply to the post: http://www.birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1607&p=6827#p6827 Don't reply to this message, it was sent from an unmonitored account. Use the link above instead. -- BirdingNZ.net ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: Tristan Albatross recorded from NZ waters ? From: "albertlaysan" <langlands AT xtra.co.nz> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:39:04 -0000 Hi all- are there any confirmed records of this species from NZ waters ? Have several photos of bird which looks like a Tristan taken from West Coast- South Island. Thanks Peter Langlands Independent ornithologist ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: BirdingNZ.net Alert: Prob. Snares Crested Penguin, Stewart Island From: <noreply AT birdingnz.net> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 04:25:43 -0500 Hello BIRDING-NZ, pjacques has posted an important message at BirdingNZ.net. -------------------------------------------- Here's the text of the post: Hi all This is my first post on this website - I just put this on the general birding discussion board but have since read further and realised that it should go on the Sightings and Alerts board. I have just retrieved either a Snares or erect-crested penguin from the main wharf at Halfmoon Bay, Stewart Island. It was getting a bit harassed by overly zealous members of the public so I shifted it to a quiet spot. Based on shape of bill and crest I believe it is a Snares but I would welcome comments from those in the know (picture attached). Thanks Paul Jacques DOC Stewart Island -------------------------------------------- Use the following link to view and reply to the post: http://www.birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1605&p=6821#p6821 Don't reply to this message, it was sent from an unmonitored account. Use the link above instead. -- BirdingNZ.net ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: Morepork road casualty From: Rockjumper - Worldwide Birding Adventures - Erik Forsyth <forsythkd AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:48:23 +1300 Hi all just investigated a bird road casualty on Upper Harbour Highway, Auckland, which was puzzling me for the last day or so. Found it was a Morepork. cheers -- *Erik Forsyth* *Tour Leader* ***Rockjumper Birding Tours CC* (Reg 2001/059480/23) PO Box 13972 , Cascades, 3202, South Africa *Tel:* +27 33 394 0225/ +27 33 394 0251 *Fax:* +27 88 033 394 0225 *Email: *erik AT rockjumperbirding.com *Alternative email: * rockjumperbirding AT yahoo.com *Website:* www.rockjumperbirding.com *Skype:* Erik.Forsyth1 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: BirdingNZ.net Alert: Fiordland crested penguin, Milford Sound Wharf From: <noreply AT birdingnz.net> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 01:56:23 -0500 Hello BIRDING-NZ, Michael Szabo has posted an important message at BirdingNZ.net. -------------------------------------------- Here's the text of the post: www.stuff.co.nz/national/6334574/A-rare-sight-The-Fiordland-crested-penguin-moulting -------------------------------------------- Use the following link to view and reply to the post: http://www.birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1603&p=6816#p6816 Don't reply to this message, it was sent from an unmonitored account. Use the link above instead. -- BirdingNZ.net ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: Re: BirdingNZ.net Alert: Arctic Tern, Southshore, ChCh. From: Israel Didham <israeldidham AT yahoo.com.au> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:04:12 -0800 (PST) I think the title was meant to be Arctic SKUA, and "Arctic tern" was just a slip-up because he was mentioning several other terns in the post ________________________________ From: "Crossland, Andrew" To: BIRDING-NZ AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, 30 January 2012 7:00 PM Subject: RE: [BIRDING-NZ] BirdingNZ.net Alert: Arctic Tern, Southshore, ChCh.   Huttons shearwaters and large numbers of W/F terns have bene working the Canty coast, often right in the surf zone for the last 2-3 weeks. I've seen this part way along kaitorete Spit, at Southshore, the Waimakariri Rivermouth (11 Arctic and 1 Pomarine Skua there yesterday), Waikuku and off the Waipara Rivermouth. Its uncommon but not unknown for Huttons to be in the surf zone in this area, and ofcourse groups of 3-6 Arctic Skuas are fairly common, but 11 is a very good number for here. the preceding posting stated "Arctic Tern, Southshore, CHCH" but there was nothing further said? date, location, photos? cheers AC ________________________________ From: BIRDING-NZ AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:BIRDING-NZ AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of noreply AT birdingnz.net Sent: Monday, 30 January 2012 6:16 pm To: BIRDING-NZ Subject: [BIRDING-NZ] BirdingNZ.net Alert: Arctic Tern, Southshore, ChCh. Hello BIRDING-NZ, GrahameNZ has posted an important message at BirdingNZ.net. -------------------------------------------- Here's the text of the post: Hi Folks, Over the last 4 days I've spent many hrs out at the end of Southshore trying for a decent photo of Artic Skua. The numbers have been steadily increasing over the days. Today there was at least 8 harasssing the numerous White fronted Terns at times 4 playing tag with the one WFT. Theres been a consistant workup of small Herring offshore from the area of the last houses on Rockinghorse Rd. Among the many hundred WFT's theres also a few Black fronted Terns and today a couple of hundred odd Huttons Shearwater turned up to add to the chaos. Also the usual BBG, RBG and Caspian. The Terns are useing the high tide roost area as their stageing point with many hundred around there at times along with a few BFT juvenile heaps of SIPO and Bar tailed Godwit. Theres also workups between Cave Rock and Whitewash head so no doubt will be another spot for Skua. Unfortunately no sign of Andrew Crosslands Crested Tern, and believe me I've given every Caspian looking bird more than a once over just in case. [Smile] -------------------------------------------- Use the following link to view and reply to the post: http://www.birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1602&p=6815#p6815 Don't reply to this message, it was sent from an unmonitored account. Use the link above instead. -- BirdingNZ.net ********************************************************************** This electronic email and any files transmitted with it are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. The views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender and may not necessarily reflect the views of the Christchurch City Council. If you are not the correct recipient of this email please advise the sender and delete. Christchurch City Council http://www.ccc.govt.nz ********************************************************************** [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: RE: BirdingNZ.net Alert: Arctic Tern, Southshore, ChCh. From: "Crossland, Andrew" <andrew.crossland AT ccc.govt.nz> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:00:41 +1300 Huttons shearwaters and large numbers of W/F terns have bene working the Canty coast, often right in the surf zone for the last 2-3 weeks. I've seen this part way along kaitorete Spit, at Southshore, the Waimakariri Rivermouth (11 Arctic and 1 Pomarine Skua there yesterday), Waikuku and off the Waipara Rivermouth. Its uncommon but not unknown for Huttons to be in the surf zone in this area, and ofcourse groups of 3-6 Arctic Skuas are fairly common, but 11 is a very good number for here. the preceding posting stated "Arctic Tern, Southshore, CHCH" but there was nothing further said? date, location, photos? cheers AC ________________________________ From: BIRDING-NZ AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:BIRDING-NZ AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of noreply AT birdingnz.net Sent: Monday, 30 January 2012 6:16 pm To: BIRDING-NZ Subject: [BIRDING-NZ] BirdingNZ.net Alert: Arctic Tern, Southshore, ChCh. Hello BIRDING-NZ, GrahameNZ has posted an important message at BirdingNZ.net. -------------------------------------------- Here's the text of the post: Hi Folks, Over the last 4 days I've spent many hrs out at the end of Southshore trying for a decent photo of Artic Skua. The numbers have been steadily increasing over the days. Today there was at least 8 harasssing the numerous White fronted Terns at times 4 playing tag with the one WFT. Theres been a consistant workup of small Herring offshore from the area of the last houses on Rockinghorse Rd. Among the many hundred WFT's theres also a few Black fronted Terns and today a couple of hundred odd Huttons Shearwater turned up to add to the chaos. Also the usual BBG, RBG and Caspian. The Terns are useing the high tide roost area as their stageing point with many hundred around there at times along with a few BFT juvenile heaps of SIPO and Bar tailed Godwit. Theres also workups between Cave Rock and Whitewash head so no doubt will be another spot for Skua. Unfortunately no sign of Andrew Crosslands Crested Tern, and believe me I've given every Caspian looking bird more than a once over just in case. [Smile] -------------------------------------------- Use the following link to view and reply to the post: http://www.birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1602&p=6815#p6815 Don't reply to this message, it was sent from an unmonitored account. Use the link above instead. -- BirdingNZ.net ********************************************************************** This electronic email and any files transmitted with it are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. The views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender and may not necessarily reflect the views of the Christchurch City Council. If you are not the correct recipient of this email please advise the sender and delete. Christchurch City Council http://www.ccc.govt.nz ********************************************************************** [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: BirdingNZ.net Alert: Arctic Tern, Southshore, ChCh. From: <noreply AT birdingnz.net> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:16:26 -0500 Hello BIRDING-NZ, GrahameNZ has posted an important message at BirdingNZ.net. -------------------------------------------- Here's the text of the post: Hi Folks, Over the last 4 days I've spent many hrs out at the end of Southshore trying for a decent photo of Artic Skua. The numbers have been steadily increasing over the days. Today there was at least 8 harasssing the numerous White fronted Terns at times 4 playing tag with the one WFT. Theres been a consistant workup of small Herring offshore from the area of the last houses on Rockinghorse Rd. Among the many hundred WFT's theres also a few Black fronted Terns and today a couple of hundred odd Huttons Shearwater turned up to add to the chaos. Also the usual BBG, RBG and Caspian. The Terns are useing the high tide roost area as their stageing point with many hundred around there at times along with a few BFT juvenile heaps of SIPO and Bar tailed Godwit. Theres also workups between Cave Rock and Whitewash head so no doubt will be another spot for Skua. Unfortunately no sign of Andrew Crosslands Crested Tern, and believe me I've given every Caspian looking bird more than a once over just in case. [Smile] -------------------------------------------- Use the following link to view and reply to the post: http://www.birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1602&p=6815#p6815 Don't reply to this message, it was sent from an unmonitored account. Use the link above instead. -- BirdingNZ.net ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: BirdingNZ.net Alert: Little Tern at Onoke Spit, Wairarapa From: <noreply AT birdingnz.net> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 03:21:39 -0500 Hello BIRDING-NZ, Nikki McArthur has posted an important message at BirdingNZ.net. -------------------------------------------- Here's the text of the post: There was a Little Tern present at the far end of Onoke Spit (south Wairarapa) this afternoon. The bird was initially found roosting with a flock of 36 white-fronted terns, but flew off after about 30 mins heading north over Lake Onoke. Other birds seen on the spit included: 2 black-fronted dotterels 3 banded dotterels 3 variable oystercatchers 69 spur-winged plovers 20 little black shags 3 black shags 8 Caspian terns 15 red-billed gulls 71 black-backed gulls Cheers, Nikki -------------------------------------------- Use the following link to view and reply to the post: http://www.birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1600&p=6813#p6813 Don't reply to this message, it was sent from an unmonitored account. Use the link above instead. -- BirdingNZ.net ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: Tupare, South Kaipara From: Rockjumper - Worldwide Birding Adventures - Erik Forsyth <forsythkd AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 17:56:26 +1300 Hi all just back after spending a couple of hours birding here. Had an excellent flight view of an Australasian Bittern flying across the reeds for about 150m. Also: NZ Scaup 15 Canada Geese 25 Paradise Shelduck A. Shoveler NZ Dabchick x2 Swamp Harrier Great Cormorant Pied Shag Little Black Shag Little Pied Shag at Shelly beach had 30 White-fronted Tern, Red-billed and Black-backed Gulls cheers -- *Erik Forsyth* *Tour Leader* ***Rockjumper Birding Tours CC* (Reg 2001/059480/23) PO Box 13972 , Cascades, 3202, South Africa *Tel:* +27 33 394 0225/ +27 33 394 0251 *Fax:* +27 88 033 394 0225 *Email: *erik AT rockjumperbirding.com *Alternative email: * rockjumperbirding AT yahoo.com *Website:* www.rockjumperbirding.com *Skype:* Erik.Forsyth1 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: Lake Ellesmere Jan 26 and 28 2012 From: "Wratten, Stephen" <Steve.Wratten AT lincoln.ac.nz> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 22:46:56 +0000 Yarr's Reserve area seems best at the moment tho recent rain and southerlies have delivered nice pools at Embankment Road too (tho nothing much there ) Jan 26 4 curlew sandpipers at Yarrs-found by Colin Hill Jan 28 Colin and I went from Yarr's to Embankment-most stuff at Yarr's 5 wrybill 92 banded dotterel (one with orange flag above the knee on right leg) 2 red-necked stints 2 red knots 768 pied stilts 45 bar-tailed godwits 15 royal spoonbills 3 cape barren geese 3 pied oystercatchers Cheers Steve ext 8221 ________________________________ P Please consider the environment before you print this email. "The contents of this e-mail (including any attachments) may be confidential and/or subject to copyright. Any unauthorised use, distribution, or copying of the contents is expressly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please advise the sender by return e-mail or telephone and then delete this e-mail together with all attachments from your system." [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: BirdingNZ.net Alert: Seabird Mass 30meters off shore - Haumoana From: <noreply AT birdingnz.net> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 23:31:56 -0500 Hello BIRDING-NZ, tim has posted an important message at BirdingNZ.net. -------------------------------------------- Here's the text of the post: Big flock of seabirds diving and sitting on the water along Haumoana beach. Approx a few hundred gannets, over a 100 black backed gulls and red billed, 40 white fronted terns and 7 arctic skua "The most I have seen together and they were resting on the water" The birds were coming in very close to shore giving great views but I didnt have my camera!! -------------------------------------------- Use the following link to view and reply to the post: http://www.birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1599&p=6798#p6798 Don't reply to this message, it was sent from an unmonitored account. Use the link above instead. -- BirdingNZ.net ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: Waimakariri River mouth From: "albertlaysan" <langlands AT xtra.co.nz> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 02:27:19 -0000 Spectacular sight as 5 Arctic skuas chased one White-fronted tern. About 10 Arctic skuas in total and about 500 White-fronted terns. Also a flock of about 200 Hurtton's Shearwaters in the breakers just north of the river mouth - the first time I have seen shearwaters at the Waimak Mouth. Would pick it as being a good spot for rarities with many coastal and wading birds moving through. Cheers Peter Langlands ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: CHCH bird news From: "Crossland, Andrew" <andrew.crossland AT ccc.govt.nz> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:15:24 +1300 Hi folks, here's some CHCH bird updates 1. Crested Tern feeding off Southshore Spit on 23/1 hasn't been seen since. I had a TV crew there next day (shooting a channel 7 documentary on godwits), all set to film the tern, but it has disappeared. 2. Crested grebes - successful nesting this year at both Clearwater Golf resort and Lake Roto Kahatu (both near CHCH airpor) and there's at least 1 adult living at the North End Shingle ponds north of Kaiapoi. 3. Corvids - no recent reports - but a bird was photographed (Paul Sagar is following it up) and frommy study of the pics it ain't no Rook! 4. Avon-Heathcote Waders - 23/1 = 61 VOC, 4216 SIPO, 1768 Godwit, 168 Pied Stilt, 51 B-Dott. 5. Waipara RM, 24/1 = 7 B/F dotts in groups of 3,2 & 2. 6. yellow-eyed penguins - at least 7 pairs nesting at various bays on Banks Peninsula, monitored closely by CCC, DoCand BP Conservation Trust. Most with large chicks, close to fledging - so the extensive predator control programme in place seems to be working well for them. 7. lots of Huttons Shearwaters close inshore at present - I've seen them just beyond the surf at Waipara RM, South Brighton and Kaitorete Spit lately. 8. Black Stilt - 1 sub-adult, 1 "H" node hybrid at kaituna Lagoon (embayment) yesterday on the Motukarara-Akaroa Highway. Amongst several hundred P Stilt all feeding in a dense group on shallow water. 9. 1 dark phase Arctic Skua hanging around Sumner bay and the A-H estuary. Upwards of 11 Arctic Skuas along Kaitorete spit lately. Cheers AC ********************************************************************** This electronic email and any files transmitted with it are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. The views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender and may not necessarily reflect the views of the Christchurch City Council. If you are not the correct recipient of this email please advise the sender and delete. Christchurch City Council http://www.ccc.govt.nz ********************************************************************** ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: Ashley Estuary. From: "Sheila Petch" <birdo AT snap.net.nz> Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:31:02 +1300 Bev and I were at the Ashley Estuary this morning and along with a Black stilt 4 Knots, 3 Turnstones 1 Wandering tattler,1200 W.F.terns 13 BF terns, over 1000 Spotted shags plus all the other usual species, we saw ,among the Bartailed godwit a sub species "Menzberii", have never seen one before, as the bird was colour banded, we will find out where it was banded in due course. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: BirdingNZ.net Alert: Arctic Skua in Evans Bay, Wellington From: <noreply AT birdingnz.net> Date: Sun, 22 Jan 2012 22:50:00 -0500 Hello BIRDING-NZ, Nikki McArthur has posted an important message at BirdingNZ.net. -------------------------------------------- Here's the text of the post: Hi all, There was a single dark-phase Arctic skua harrassing a large flock of white-fronted terns in Evans Bay, Wellington this afternoon. There were at least 300 terns feeding out in the bay, along with around 100 fluttering shearwaters, half a dozen spotted shags, plus black-backed and red-billed gulls; and we found another 400 terns parked up on the jetty at Greta Point a short while later. Cheers, Nikki -------------------------------------------- Use the following link to view and reply to the post: http://www.birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1591&p=6761#p6761 Don't reply to this message, it was sent from an unmonitored account. Use the link above instead. -- BirdingNZ.net ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: Great Crested Tern adult feeding off Southshore Spit, CHCH this morning From: "Crossland, Andrew" <andrew.crossland AT ccc.govt.nz> Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:12:36 +1300 Just letting people know - this bird was about 400m offshore amongst a feeding group of terns, 1 Arctic Skua, Huttons Shearwaters, Spotted Shags and gulls. Adult-plumaged - dark grey wings and back, receding cap, yellow bill. Awesome! AC ********************************************************************** This electronic email and any files transmitted with it are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. The views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender and may not necessarily reflect the views of the Christchurch City Council. If you are not the correct recipient of this email please advise the sender and delete. Christchurch City Council http://www.ccc.govt.nz ********************************************************************** ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: Tawharanui Regional Park From: Rockjumper - Worldwide Birding Adventures - Erik Forsyth <forsythkd AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:42:44 +1300 Hi all was there on Saturday 21st with the family (sunny and warm) and managed an hours walk mainly about 400m along the stream before it enters the forest proper. Fantastic to see all the fledglings from several species, appears to have been a good breeding season. Birds recorded: Buff-banded Rail- a single bird bathing in the left lagoon 300m from the entrance Brown Teal- 10 or so in the same lagoon and 3 along the stream NZ Kaka- 3x flyovers by single birds NZ Bellbird- many fledglings calling for food. Tui- several recently fledged birds seen NI Robin - an adult feeding a fledgling 100 along the stream Grey Warbler - only 2 heard singing Whitehead- a birding calling from the pines at the beach carpark and 2 family groups with adults feeding young 150m along trail. 2 birds seen without bands including a singing male Grey Fantail- several groups feeding young Laughing Kookaburra- a single bird on the wires between the park and Sandpiper Lodge Best wishes Erik P.S Phil Hammond and I were at Miranda yesterday 22nd evening on the high tide, no sign of the Little Whimbrel but we did see a nice Marsh Sandpiper. A video of the Little Whimbrel was taken on the 21st and posted on Wader World. -- *Erik Forsyth* *Tour Leader* ***Rockjumper Birding Tours CC* (Reg 2001/059480/23) PO Box 13972 , Cascades, 3202, South Africa *Tel:* +27 33 394 0225/ +27 33 394 0251 *Fax:* +27 88 033 394 0225 *Email: *erik AT rockjumperbirding.com *Alternative email: * rockjumperbirding AT yahoo.com *Website:* www.rockjumperbirding.com *Skype:* Erik.Forsyth1 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: BirdingNZ.net Alert: Little whimbrel at Miranda From: <noreply AT birdingnz.net> Date: Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:37:07 -0500 Hello BIRDING-NZ, Neil Fitzgerald has posted an important message at BirdingNZ.net. -------------------------------------------- Here's the text of the post: Just got a txt from Sav of a little whimbrel at Miranda Saturday (yesterday) evening. -------------------------------------------- Use the following link to view and reply to the post: http://www.birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1588&p=6748#p6748 Don't reply to this message, it was sent from an unmonitored account. Use the link above instead. -- BirdingNZ.net ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: BirdingNZ.net Alert: Wrybill - banbded From: <noreply AT birdingnz.net> Date: Sat, 21 Jan 2012 16:29:51 -0500 Hello BIRDING-NZ, ronchew has posted an important message at BirdingNZ.net. -------------------------------------------- Here's the text of the post: I was at Ambury Park yesterday and saw a banded Wrybill. Thought this pic will be of interest to someone. -------------------------------------------- Use the following link to view and reply to the post: http://www.birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1586&p=6746#p6746 Don't reply to this message, it was sent from an unmonitored account. Use the link above instead. -- BirdingNZ.net ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: Little Whimbrel Miranda From: David MELVILLE <david.melville AT xtra.co.nz> Date: Sun, 22 Jan 2012 09:39:42 +1300 (NZDT) Participants in the Miranda Field Course 2012 were welcomed yesterday evening by a Little Whimbrel in front of the new hide. It was just starting primary moult so appears to be a first year bird.   Cheers   David   [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: BirdingNZ.net Alert: Barbary Doves at Waikawa Beach, Kapiti Coast From: <noreply AT birdingnz.net> Date: Sat, 21 Jan 2012 03:16:46 -0500 Hello BIRDING-NZ, Nikki McArthur has posted an important message at BirdingNZ.net. -------------------------------------------- Here's the text of the post: Hi all, Susanne Govella and I visited Waikawa Beach (just north of Otaki) today and counted at least six Barbary Doves roosting on power lines or flying over Waikawa Beach Road, as well as another single bird foraging among driftwood near the Beach. The birds seemed pretty spread out, but does anybody else know whether this is a feral population or whether they're somebody's pets? Cheers, Nikki -------------------------------------------- Use the following link to view and reply to the post: http://www.birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1585&p=6740#p6740 Don't reply to this message, it was sent from an unmonitored account. Use the link above instead. -- BirdingNZ.net ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: BirdingNZ.net Alert: Barbary Doves at Waikawa Beach, Kapiti Coast From: <noreply AT birdingnz.net> Date: Sat, 21 Jan 2012 03:16:26 -0500 Hello BIRDING-NZ, Nikki McArthur has posted an important message at BirdingNZ.net. -------------------------------------------- Here's the text of the post: Hi all, Susanne Govella and I visited Waikawa Beach (just north of Otaki) today and counted at least six Barbary Doves roosting on power lines or flying over Waikawa Beach Road, as well as another single bird foraging among driftwood near the Beach. The birds seemed pretty spread out, but does anybody else know whether this is a feral population or whether they're somebody's pets? Cheers, Nikki -------------------------------------------- Use the following link to view and reply to the post: http://www.birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1584&p=6739#p6739 Don't reply to this message, it was sent from an unmonitored account. Use the link above instead. -- BirdingNZ.net ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: BirdingNZ.net Alert: Ohau River estuary, Kapiti Coast From: <noreply AT birdingnz.net> Date: Sat, 21 Jan 2012 03:05:09 -0500 Hello BIRDING-NZ, Nikki McArthur has posted an important message at BirdingNZ.net. -------------------------------------------- Here's the text of the post: This afternoon myself and Susanne Govella visited the Ohau River estuary just north of Otaki. Highlights of our visit were a single gull-billed tern foraging over the backwater just opposite the carpark/roadend and a NZ dotterel roosting at the southern end of the backwater. Other shorebirds seen were: 7 Variable Oystercatchers 13 SI Pied Oystercatchers 7 Banded dotterels 1 Wrybill 7 White-faced Herons 2 Black Shags 45 Spur-winged Plovers 1 Royal Spoonbill 62 Pied Stilts 63 Bar-tailed Godwits 1 Little Shag 100+ Black-backed Gulls (many with chicks) 1 White-fronted Tern Regards, Nikki -------------------------------------------- Use the following link to view and reply to the post: http://www.birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1583&p=6738#p6738 Don't reply to this message, it was sent from an unmonitored account. Use the link above instead. -- BirdingNZ.net ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: RC Parakeet Mt Wainui From: Duncan Watson <watson_duncan AT xtra.co.nz> Date: Sat, 21 Jan 2012 19:29:40 +1300 I went for a stroll today up Mt Wainui, which is south of Whareroa Farm/QE II Park area Paekakariki. Near the top (about 650 m asl) I heard some Whitehead, and then the calls of a Long-Tailed Cuckoo which is unusual, don't hear too many in the Wellington area. Then as I sat down at the trig in the open area at the top, I heard a familiar chattering call and a Red-Crowned Parakeet flew over the top of the trig and down in to the flax/scrub south of the trig. Good views out to Kapiti Island; clearly the birds are spreading back to the mainland. A Bellbird also popped out of the bush near me at the trig, and there are also Tomtit in the bush. Duncan. (PS "stroll" = 6 hour hike, it's quite rugged up there, lots of cutty grass and the track isn't well marked) ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: BirdingNZ.net Alert: Little Waihi - common tern From: <noreply AT birdingnz.net> Date: Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:18:53 -0500 Hello BIRDING-NZ, Tim Barnard has posted an important message at BirdingNZ.net. -------------------------------------------- Here's the text of the post: Hi Shocking photo but it was distant ... seen on 19th roosting on the sandbank by the Bledisloe camp site, as previously reported. Tim -------------------------------------------- Use the following link to view and reply to the post: http://www.birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1582&p=6733#p6733 Don't reply to this message, it was sent from an unmonitored account. Use the link above instead. -- BirdingNZ.net ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: BirdingNZ.net Alert: Little tern From: <noreply AT birdingnz.net> Date: Fri, 20 Jan 2012 04:29:25 -0500 Hello BIRDING-NZ, Will Parsons has posted an important message at BirdingNZ.net. -------------------------------------------- Here's the text of the post: Possible sighting of a Little tern on log jam between Wairau and Opawa rivers, Blenheim. It was with a group of Black fronted and significantly smaller. There were also good numbers of SIPOC and VOC and 8 Pacific golden plover. Good flocks of Little Black shag and approx. 30 Black shag. -------------------------------------------- Use the following link to view and reply to the post: http://www.birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1581&p=6730#p6730 Don't reply to this message, it was sent from an unmonitored account. Use the link above instead. -- BirdingNZ.net ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: Lake Grassmere today From: "Alan Shaw" <alanshawvideo AT yahoo.co.uk> Date: Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:50:19 +1300 Hi All, Called in at Lake Grassmere this morning (20th Jan) and the Pectoral Sandpiper was still present, together with 1 Wrybill (moulting adult), 1 Red Knot, 13 Barwits and lots of Banded Dotts with fledged young. Cheers, Alan Shaw at Kaikoura. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: Little Waihi update - 19/01/12 From: Tim Barnard <tim.barnard AT rocketmail.com> Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:12:02 -0800 (PST) Hi Sanderling at Little Waihi with 52 knot and c.550 bar-tailed godwit. A common tern also present with 36 white-fronted terns on the sandbank by the campsite. Also one red-necked stint, 47 banded dotterel, 7 NZ dotts and 13 Pacific golden plovers. Cheers Tim [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: Re: Waders at Yarrs Reserve, Lake Ellesmere 17th Jan 2012 From: Jan Walker <shesagreen AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:22:17 +1300 Hi again, I forgot to mention there were 43 Bar-tailed Godwits, none with bands, at Yarrs. Following the major goose cull on 4th Jan by Federated Farmers, there are still dead geese around the lake margins. There were something like 10 bodies at Yarrs and 2 at least, visible from Selwyn Huts road end. We did witness truck-loads being loaded by frontend loader and tractor on the 4th however. Not a pretty sight but effective. Jan On Thu, Jan 19, 2012 at 3:54 PM, Jan Walker wrote: > Sheila Petch, Bev Alexander and I [Jan] went from embankment rd west > to Yarrs Bay > on Tues. There were lots of Banded Dotts, about 170 Wrybill, one with > bands, and 29 > Red-necked Stints. None looked especially different. > > Nothing else of note, not even a hybrid stilt. > > Went round to Selwyn Huts at the Selwyn Mouth. No Gull-billed or > Little Terns, but a number of Caspians. > > Tried to distinguish Pied Cormorant nests from Little Corm. nests > along the riverbank, > but the birds have fledged, so it's a little like a stab in the guano. > > All for now, > Jan ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: Waders at Yarrs Reserve, Lake Ellesmere 17th Jan 2012 From: Jan Walker <shesagreen AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:54:11 +1300 Sheila Petch, Bev Alexander and I [Jan] went from embankment rd west to Yarrs Bay on Tues. There were lots of Banded Dotts, about 170 Wrybill, one with bands, and 29 Red-necked Stints. None looked especially different. Nothing else of note, not even a hybrid stilt. Went round to Selwyn Huts at the Selwyn Mouth. No Gull-billed or Little Terns, but a number of Caspians. Tried to distinguish Pied Cormorant nests from Little Corm. nests along the riverbank, but the birds have fledged, so it's a little like a stab in the guano. All for now, Jan ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: Rakaia River mouth From: "albertlaysan" <langlands AT xtra.co.nz> Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2012 02:19:11 -0000 Accessed from the south side there were large numbers of terns and gulls there today but surprising no skuas. Also some waders with about 10 turnstones ( and no shortage of stones for them to turn !) and interestingly a curlew sandpiper briefly landed on a sand bank. Has all the potential for a rarity of two to pass through - a location worth keeping an eye on over the next few months as birds transit along the coast. Cheers Peter Langlands ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: Re: help with bird ID From: Israel Didham <israeldidham AT yahoo.com.au> Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:12:37 -0800 (PST) I guess if you're familiar with what greenfinches look like it wouldn't be one of those (you'd notice the yellow/green on the wings when it flew too), but they call with a persistant long one-note call when perched high up on things like aerials or power-lines [I'm not sure that others would decribe the call the way I did but they'll know what I mean]. Dunnock would probably be a better option as Sheila suggested (I associate them with calling from low down in the undergrowth though). ________________________________ From: Robyn To: Israel Didham Cc: BIRDING-NZ AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Wednesday, 18 January 2012 9:00 PM Subject: Re: [BIRDING-NZ] help with bird ID   Thanks Israel, Sheila and Andrew. A small flock of greenfinches turned up five years ago and delighted me with melodius sounds at the same time for a few weeks of morning when I was struggling to write a research paper about society and attitude changes to endemic birds. I'd taken an interest in the programme involving black stilts down by Twizel but it was only when I did the research for the paper that I became a more serious bird enthusiast. The sound and presence of the greenfinches on the tree near the window had an uplifting effect on my strains at the time. Do greenfinches also have a one-note call in their repertoire? I don't hear or see greenfinches as much now but it wasn't at this time of year when they sang for me. Tonight the new one-noter also came and gave another concert of this extended one-note tune. Just about to photograph it when the border collie followed me and so the bird flew out of range. That surprised me because in the morning, the bird had stayed perched quite low seemingly unperterbed by human, dog and cat! The other birds that frequent my garden are silvereyes (in substantial numbers) and some blackbirds. The latter are fewer now because the breadwinner/weekend gardener, much to my annoyance has taken out much of the undergrowth which they frequented. I enjoyed watching their antics. Sheila Petch suggested Dunnock and from what I saw of the bird, that is a strong possibility. Sheila writes that the dunnock's one-note call is heard at this time of year. I've tried to find out why this time of year it is more so. It's the first time in 10 years living here that I've noted this different sound. Sorry for boring those of the more active adventurous birding community. I have reduced mobility so don't get to do much of the exiting stuff. I sometimes do a bit of observation down at the estuary and environs which is near where I live and when visiting daughter in NSW, I get to see a few different birds as she lives in front of a wild life reserve. ----- Original Message ----- From: Israel Didham To: NZ BIRDING Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2012 6:41 PM Subject: Re: [BIRDING-NZ] help with bird ID maybe a greenfinch? ________________________________ From: "Crossland, Andrew" To: BIRDING-NZ AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Wednesday, 18 January 2012 12:59 PM Subject: [BIRDING-NZ] help with bird ID I think this email was intended for Birding-NZ not just me. AC ________________________________ From: Robyn [mailto:arkadia AT paradise.net.nz] Sent: Wednesday, 18 January 2012 12:55 pm To: Crossland, Andrew Subject: Re: Ashley Estuary, Canterbury 17 Jan Hello On Monday I noted a new bird noise above my house and section. The bird was on a one note repeated high pitch and kept it up for what seemed to be quite long a time. Then again at the same time this morning I heard it. Got a reasonable look at it when it landed on the TV aerial attached to the man-cave front so wasn't too far above me. Smallish, compact, not colourful and stll keeping up the noise and wasn't disturbed by my presence. I take a lot of interest in birds around me but this is a newcomer. What do you think it would be? I think I will have my camera ready at that time of morning in future. It was heard at the same time of morning after 9 am. Thank you for your wonderful birding posts. I enjoy reading these in my email everyday from those of the birding community that have more opportunity and observation knowledge than I could ever have. I think it is great that everyone shares it so happily. Robyn Lewis ********************************************************************** This electronic email and any files transmitted with it are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. The views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender and may not necessarily reflect the views of the Christchurch City Council. If you are not the correct recipient of this email please advise the sender and delete. Christchurch City Council http://www.ccc.govt.nz ********************************************************************** [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ---------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.454 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/4147 - Release Date: 01/16/12 19:34:00 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: Re: help with bird ID From: Robyn <arkadia AT paradise.net.nz> Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:00:24 +1300 Thanks Israel, Sheila and Andrew. A small flock of greenfinches turned up five years ago and delighted me with melodius sounds at the same time for a few weeks of morning when I was struggling to write a research paper about society and attitude changes to endemic birds. I'd taken an interest in the programme involving black stilts down by Twizel but it was only when I did the research for the paper that I became a more serious bird enthusiast. The sound and presence of the greenfinches on the tree near the window had an uplifting effect on my strains at the time. Do greenfinches also have a one-note call in their repertoire? I don't hear or see greenfinches as much now but it wasn't at this time of year when they sang for me. Tonight the new one-noter also came and gave another concert of this extended one-note tune. Just about to photograph it when the border collie followed me and so the bird flew out of range. That surprised me because in the morning, the bird had stayed perched quite low seemingly unperterbed by human, dog and cat! The other birds that frequent my garden are silvereyes (in substantial numbers) and some blackbirds. The latter are fewer now because the breadwinner/weekend gardener, much to my annoyance has taken out much of the undergrowth which they frequented. I enjoyed watching their antics. Sheila Petch suggested Dunnock and from what I saw of the bird, that is a strong possibility. Sheila writes that the dunnock's one-note call is heard at this time of year. I've tried to find out why this time of year it is more so. It's the first time in 10 years living here that I've noted this different sound. Sorry for boring those of the more active adventurous birding community. I have reduced mobility so don't get to do much of the exiting stuff. I sometimes do a bit of observation down at the estuary and environs which is near where I live and when visiting daughter in NSW, I get to see a few different birds as she lives in front of a wild life reserve. ----- Original Message ----- From: Israel Didham To: NZ BIRDING Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2012 6:41 PM Subject: Re: [BIRDING-NZ] help with bird ID maybe a greenfinch? ________________________________ From: "Crossland, Andrew" To: BIRDING-NZ AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Wednesday, 18 January 2012 12:59 PM Subject: [BIRDING-NZ] help with bird ID I think this email was intended for Birding-NZ not just me. AC ________________________________ From: Robyn [mailto:arkadia AT paradise.net.nz] Sent: Wednesday, 18 January 2012 12:55 pm To: Crossland, Andrew Subject: Re: Ashley Estuary, Canterbury 17 Jan Hello On Monday I noted a new bird noise above my house and section. The bird was on a one note repeated high pitch and kept it up for what seemed to be quite long a time. Then again at the same time this morning I heard it. Got a reasonable look at it when it landed on the TV aerial attached to the man-cave front so wasn't too far above me. Smallish, compact, not colourful and stll keeping up the noise and wasn't disturbed by my presence. I take a lot of interest in birds around me but this is a newcomer. What do you think it would be? I think I will have my camera ready at that time of morning in future. It was heard at the same time of morning after 9 am. Thank you for your wonderful birding posts. I enjoy reading these in my email everyday from those of the birding community that have more opportunity and observation knowledge than I could ever have. I think it is great that everyone shares it so happily. Robyn Lewis ********************************************************************** This electronic email and any files transmitted with it are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. The views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender and may not necessarily reflect the views of the Christchurch City Council. If you are not the correct recipient of this email please advise the sender and delete. Christchurch City Council http://www.ccc.govt.nz ********************************************************************** [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.454 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/4147 - Release Date: 01/16/12 19:34:00 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: Laughing Kookaburra From: Rockjumper - Worldwide Birding Adventures - Erik Forsyth <forsythkd AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:03:17 +1300 Hi all a late report, Phil Hammond and I saw a Laughing Kookaburra on the 14th along the Kaukapakapa/Hellensville Road. best wishes -- *Erik Forsyth* *Tour Leader* ***Rockjumper Birding Tours CC* (Reg 2001/059480/23) PO Box 13972 , Cascades, 3202, South Africa *Tel:* +27 33 394 0225/ +27 33 394 0251 *Fax:* +27 88 033 394 0225 *Email: *erik AT rockjumperbirding.com *Alternative email: * rockjumperbirding AT yahoo.com *Website:* www.rockjumperbirding.com *Skype:* Erik.Forsyth1 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: Re: help with bird ID From: Israel Didham <israeldidham AT yahoo.com.au> Date: Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:41:07 -0800 (PST) maybe a greenfinch? ________________________________ From: "Crossland, Andrew" To: BIRDING-NZ AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Wednesday, 18 January 2012 12:59 PM Subject: [BIRDING-NZ] help with bird ID   I think this email was intended for Birding-NZ not just me. AC ________________________________ From: Robyn [mailto:arkadia AT paradise.net.nz] Sent: Wednesday, 18 January 2012 12:55 pm To: Crossland, Andrew Subject: Re: Ashley Estuary, Canterbury 17 Jan Hello On Monday I noted a new bird noise above my house and section. The bird was on a one note repeated high pitch and kept it up for what seemed to be quite long a time. Then again at the same time this morning I heard it. Got a reasonable look at it when it landed on the TV aerial attached to the man-cave front so wasn't too far above me. Smallish, compact, not colourful and stll keeping up the noise and wasn't disturbed by my presence. I take a lot of interest in birds around me but this is a newcomer. What do you think it would be? I think I will have my camera ready at that time of morning in future. It was heard at the same time of morning after 9 am. Thank you for your wonderful birding posts. I enjoy reading these in my email everyday from those of the birding community that have more opportunity and observation knowledge than I could ever have. I think it is great that everyone shares it so happily. Robyn Lewis ********************************************************************** This electronic email and any files transmitted with it are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. The views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender and may not necessarily reflect the views of the Christchurch City Council. If you are not the correct recipient of this email please advise the sender and delete. Christchurch City Council http://www.ccc.govt.nz ********************************************************************** [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: help with bird ID From: "Crossland, Andrew" <andrew.crossland AT ccc.govt.nz> Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:59:30 +1300 I think this email was intended for Birding-NZ not just me. AC ________________________________ From: Robyn [mailto:arkadia AT paradise.net.nz] Sent: Wednesday, 18 January 2012 12:55 pm To: Crossland, Andrew Subject: Re: Ashley Estuary, Canterbury 17 Jan Hello On Monday I noted a new bird noise above my house and section. The bird was on a one note repeated high pitch and kept it up for what seemed to be quite long a time. Then again at the same time this morning I heard it. Got a reasonable look at it when it landed on the TV aerial attached to the man-cave front so wasn't too far above me. Smallish, compact, not colourful and stll keeping up the noise and wasn't disturbed by my presence. I take a lot of interest in birds around me but this is a newcomer. What do you think it would be? I think I will have my camera ready at that time of morning in future. It was heard at the same time of morning after 9 am. Thank you for your wonderful birding posts. I enjoy reading these in my email everyday from those of the birding community that have more opportunity and observation knowledge than I could ever have. I think it is great that everyone shares it so happily. Robyn Lewis ********************************************************************** This electronic email and any files transmitted with it are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. The views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender and may not necessarily reflect the views of the Christchurch City Council. If you are not the correct recipient of this email please advise the sender and delete. Christchurch City Council http://www.ccc.govt.nz ********************************************************************** [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: Ashley Estuary, Canterbury 17 Jan From: "Crossland, Andrew" <andrew.crossland AT ccc.govt.nz> Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:08:31 +1300 Hi folks, A nice collection of birds at the Ashley Estuary last night 1 Eastern Curlew 85 Bar-tailed Godwit 3 Turnstone 4 Red Knot and 2 Pectoral Sandpipers - a very good year for this sp in Canterbury. AC ********************************************************************** This electronic email and any files transmitted with it are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. The views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender and may not necessarily reflect the views of the Christchurch City Council. If you are not the correct recipient of this email please advise the sender and delete. Christchurch City Council http://www.ccc.govt.nz ********************************************************************** ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: Falcon Report - Te Puke From: Tim Barnard <tim.barnard AT rocketmail.com> Date: Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:00:35 -0800 (PST) Just had a report of a 'falcon' on SH2  heading north into Waitangi, just before Te Puke - sitting on a telephone wire above the road. Might be worth checking out if you are in the area. Had reports in the past of Nankeen kestrels in BoP around the coastal plain. Tim [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: Has anybody received Oct 2011 Stilt yet? From: "Crossland, Andrew" <andrew.crossland AT ccc.govt.nz> Date: Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:41:49 +1300 Hi fellow AWSGers amongst the Birding-NZ community - has Oct Stilt come out yet or have I forgotten to pay my subs again and fallen off the mailing list? AC ********************************************************************** This electronic email and any files transmitted with it are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. The views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender and may not necessarily reflect the views of the Christchurch City Council. If you are not the correct recipient of this email please advise the sender and delete. Christchurch City Council http://www.ccc.govt.nz ********************************************************************** ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: FW: Kite-surfing and disturbance to waterbirds From: "Crossland, Andrew" <andrew.crossland AT ccc.govt.nz> Date: Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:22:05 +1300 Just wondering if folks can share any thoughts/experiences on the siie of kite-surfers - esp in relation to documented disturbance, cases where birds have become habituated and the problem has gone away, or cases where it hasn't, and cases where local authorities/DoC, etc have banned or limited kite surfing. In CHCH we (The city ciouncil) had looked at limiting kite-surfing, particularly as it occurs mainly near low tide (kite-surfers being pushed out of high tide waters by windsurfers and yachties). The issue with low tide kite-surfing is that the kites displace birds from feeding grounds. However, our current thinking is that the incidence of good weather, the right stage of tide and the right wind direction seem sufficiently infrequent to let the kite surfers keep doing their thing, until such time as we a definite problem is identified. Earthquakes and raw poo all through the estuary has certainly lessened the number of kitesurfers though. Further north on the Ashley estuary it seems that kite-surfing is emerging as a problem. Its smaller size and narrower shape exaggerate the distrubance issue. The Regional Council are currently seeking advice on restricting kite-surfers. I understand overseas, particularluy in parts of Europe, kite-surfers are banned from mnay waterways due to disturbance they cause to waterfowl and waders. I'd be interested to hear other people's experiences, particularly if you can provide examples in NZ or Aust where kite-surfing has been banned or restricted. cheers Andrew Crossland From: BIRDING-NZ AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:BIRDING-NZ AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of John Simmons Sent: Monday, 16 January 2012 9:53 pm To: BIRDING-NZ AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [BIRDING-NZ] Waders at Waionui Inlet. Hi all from Gwenda Pulham, It was looking good at Bombing Range roost of Waionui Inlet (Papakanui, South Kaipara Head) and in the inlet itself from 12 noon till 2:45 pm.(high tide was at 3:47pm.)on 15.1.12. NZ Fairy Tern x 2 R/n/Stint x 6 Great Knot x 1, in N.B. Turnstone x 35 NNZ Dotterel x 8 Sanderling x 2 Red Knot x 223- 300 (foraging) Pied Stilt x 20 Wrybill x 1 B.Dotterel x 40 Bar-tailed Godwit x c100 VOC x 2 SIPO x 80 Caspians,R/B Gulls, B/Billed Gulls coming and going. THEN THE KITE-SURFERS ARRIVED x 10, swooping along western estuary edge. Needless to say none of the birds stayed at the roost site or in the area !!! Lucky for me I got there early or it would have been a wasted trip up from Auckland. Gwenda Pulham. PS Plain flags on Knot tibias were: W x 1, Y x 1,O x 2 KW x 1. ********************************************************************** This electronic email and any files transmitted with it are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. The views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender and may not necessarily reflect the views of the Christchurch City Council. If you are not the correct recipient of this email please advise the sender and delete. Christchurch City Council http://www.ccc.govt.nz ********************************************************************** [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: Waders at Waionui Inlet. From: John Simmons <johnsimmons AT clear.net.nz> Date: Mon, 16 Jan 2012 21:52:50 +1300 Hi all from Gwenda Pulham, It was looking good at Bombing Range roost of Waionui Inlet (Papakanui, South Kaipara Head) and in the inlet itself from 12 noon till 2:45 pm.(high tide was at 3:47pm.)on 15.1.12. NZ Fairy Tern x 2 R/n/Stint x 6 Great Knot x 1, in N.B. Turnstone x 35 NNZ Dotterel x 8 Sanderling x 2 Red Knot x 223- 300 (foraging) Pied Stilt x 20 Wrybill x 1 B.Dotterel x 40 Bar-tailed Godwit x c100 VOC x 2 SIPO x 80 Caspians,R/B Gulls, B/Billed Gulls coming and going. THEN THE KITE-SURFERS ARRIVED x 10, swooping along western estuary edge. Needless to say none of the birds stayed at the roost site or in the area !!! Lucky for me I got there early or it would have been a wasted trip up from Auckland. Gwenda Pulham. PS Plain flags on Knot tibias were: W x 1, Y x 1,O x 2 KW x 1. ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: BirdingNZ.net Alert: Pied shag population study From: <noreply AT birdingnz.net> Date: Sun, 15 Jan 2012 03:08:22 -0500 Hello BIRDING-NZ, Mike Bell has posted an important message at BirdingNZ.net. -------------------------------------------- Here's the text of the post: As most of you will have read in Southern Bird I am undertaking a review of pied shag breeding numbers and distribution on behalf of the Department of Conservation. As such I am keen to collate as many records of pied shag colonies as possible and am interested in hearing from anybody who knows the location of pied shag colonies or has counts of colonies they would be happy to share (both recent and historical). Information needed is count date, number of breeding pairs/nests, and location (detailed description or GPS reference). Although any colony location information would be useful also, most birders know their local patch so well they know where the pied shag colonies are, even though you might not have ever counted the number of nests. All information used will be fully acknowledged in any publications resulting from this work and a summary will be published in Southern Bird. Please send any information to me at mike AT wmil.co.nz or post here for me to pick up. Thanks, Mike Bell -------------------------------------------- Use the following link to view and reply to the post: http://www.birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1573&p=6697#p6697 Don't reply to this message, it was sent from an unmonitored account. Use the link above instead. -- BirdingNZ.net ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: BirdingNZ.net Alert: Avon Heathcote Estuary From: <noreply AT birdingnz.net> Date: Sun, 15 Jan 2012 02:54:01 -0500 Hello BIRDING-NZ, GrahameNZ has posted an important message at BirdingNZ.net. -------------------------------------------- Here's the text of the post: Hi folks, We have some strange tides here at the moment, they shouldn't be covering the high tide roost out the spit.....but they are. The birds have to move round the corner to the beach when this happens making observation and counting much easier. This mornings numbers were. SIPO: 3000, most probably quite alot more as I was quite consertative with the count. VOC: 40 - 50, bit hard to get an acurate count as they were mixed in with the SIPO. Bar Tailed Godwit: 850 Caspians:5, all I think in non breeding plumage. Spur Winged Plover: 4 Quite an impressive site when some loverly person lets their yapping dog charge into them [Exclamation] I couldn't find any birds with bands etc among the Oystercatchers. Happy Birding. -------------------------------------------- Use the following link to view and reply to the post: http://www.birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1572&p=6696#p6696 Don't reply to this message, it was sent from an unmonitored account. Use the link above instead. -- BirdingNZ.net ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: banded rail chick From: grant quist <grnt_qst AT yahoo.com.au> Date: Sat, 14 Jan 2012 18:22:11 -0800 (PST) Also at Miranda a Banded rail chick was seen on Friday,    Thanks Grant [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: Bittern From: grant quist <grnt_qst AT yahoo.com.au> Date: Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:12:19 -0800 (PST) Today I saw Australasian Bittern at Miranda   Thanks Grant [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: Hutton's shearwater From: "Lindsay & Jan Rowe" <lindsay.jan.rowe AT xtra.co.nz> Date: Wed, 11 Jan 2012 21:57:22 +1300 The Hutton's Shearwater Charitable Trust had a great Christmas present with the first chick hatched at the new Kaikoura Peninsula Colony. After the first 2 eggs last season which failed, having a chick this year makes 8 years of work worthwhile. Now the anxious wait to see it fledge. Lindsay Rowe Hutton's Shearwater Charitable Trust PO Box 58 Kaikoura admin AT huttonsshearwater.org.nz [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: Re: Whangaroa - a magic pelagic From: Detlef Davies <detlefdavies AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:41:45 -0800 (PST) Hi Chris, Co-ordinates were: 1 - 173.55E, 34.46S - 3 NZSPs together here but estimated at least 6 2 - 173.51E, 34.45S - 1 to 3 NZSPs here Will send you a Google map. Cheers, Detlef ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: BirdingNZ.net Alert: Awarua Bay, Southland From: <noreply AT birdingnz.net> Date: Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:07:25 -0500 Hello BIRDING-NZ, Ian Southey has posted an important message at BirdingNZ.net. -------------------------------------------- Here's the text of the post: I visited Awarua Bay over the high tide on 7/1/12. Totals for the first and second roosts combined at the head of the bay Pied Stilt 38 SIPO 411 Banded Dotterel 20 (there seemed to be quite a few more before I started counting) New Zealand Dotterel 3 Wrybill 1 Godwit 636 Knot 29 (probably more) Turnstone 85 Golden Plover 27 Red-necked Stint 20 Terek Sandpiper 1 Curlew Sandpiper 1 Black-billed Gull 18 Black-fronted Tern 3 The Terek is quite a treat these days. Ian -------------------------------------------- Use the following link to view and reply to the post: http://www.birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1566&p=6661#p6661 Don't reply to this message, it was sent from an unmonitored account. Use the link above instead. -- BirdingNZ.net ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: Whangaroa - a magic pelagic From: "Detlef" <detlefdavies AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:57:24 -0000 Hi all, Great day out on the waters of the Far North today with Brian Candy. 8 of us enjoyed 18 species of tubenoses including the following: Wandering Albatross - 11 Shy (White-capped) Albatross - 5 Northern Buller's Albatross - 2 Little Shearwater - 3 Fluttering Shearwater - 100+ Buller's Shearwater - c.60 Flesh-footed Shearwater - c.55 WEDGE-TAILED SHEARWATER - one seen well and photographed at the first chumming spot. Sooty Shearwater - 1 Short-tailed Shearwater - 3 Black Petrel - c.90 PYCROFT'S PETREL - 3 Cook's / Pycroft's Petrel - 6+ KERMADEC PETREL - 1 BLACK-WINGED PETREL - c.25 Fairy Prion - c.30 White-faced Storm Petrel - c.175 NEW ZEALAND STORM PETREL - at least 5, probably 10 (both chumming spots) Common Diving Petrel - 1 Also: Arctic Skua - 2, Reef Heron, terns etc. Cheers and good birding. Detlef ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: Arthurs Pass National Park birding From: Chris Gaskin <kwtl AT xtra.co.nz> Date: Tue, 10 Jan 2012 22:18:15 +1300 (NZDT) Hi all,   Karen and I did a stint down at Arthur’s Pass National Park either side of New Year’s Day, ostensibly to research illustrations a book (with Philip Temple) but really a great break with some neat birding. For the first three nights, we based ourselves at the Hawdon, camping. Wanders up the valley in drizzle were good for orange-fronted and yellow-crowned parakeets, brown creeper and a usual suite of other forest birds. Also great spotted kiwi, long-tailed cuckoo and kea. We shared our campsite with a delightful robin, coming under the tent fly and making itself at home, right down to eating sandflies off my socks! Saw kea (surprise, surprise) at Arthur’s Pass village, and also weka . According to Chris Stewart, the DOC field centre manager, they are becoming quite common around the village. We tramped four days up the Waimakariri, great weather most of the time, camping at the bush edge in the upper reaches. No robin, but had a couple of blue duck visited us one evening at dusk, plus we had a gang of five kea that roosted on the bluffs across the river from us, or in the trees upslope from our camp. Saw several families of rifleman, one frequented our campsite. On a day wander up to Waimak Falls came across another (possibly) blue duck, quite oblivious to us sitting on the rocks watching it foraging the deep pools and under the rapids. At one high rapid, it was very much in two minds, balanced on a wet rock, the river was too fast and too high, and we could see trying to decide whether it could leap up onto a high dry rock. Rocking back and forward. In the end it gave up and swam to the riverbank then clambered through the boulders to join the river upstream of the rapids. We did suggest it tried flying but wings were kept clamped to its sides. Stunning scene of giant buttercups (Mount Cook lilies) in the upper basins, plus a host of other alpine flowers. Heard several long-tailed cuckoos in the forest either side of the river below Carrington Hut. On the way back down the valley spent time photo’ing pipits and dotterels on the flats just upstream of the Crow River. One evening saw tens of black-fronted terns, black-billed and even black-backed gulls hawking insects over a large deep grassy paddock below Arthur’s Pass Wilderness Lodge. The terns were particularly adept, quite acrobatic in their maneuvers. Hiked up to Temple Basin on the last day, alpine flowers were a delight again, but few birds.     Happy birding   Chris   Chris Gaskin Kiwi Wildlife Tours NZ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: BirdingNZ.net Alert: South coast pelagic From: <noreply AT birdingnz.net> Date: Tue, 10 Jan 2012 04:08:13 -0500 Hello BIRDING-NZ, Richard Schofield has posted an important message at BirdingNZ.net. -------------------------------------------- Here's the text of the post: After several days of fresh winds and lots of birds, apparently, a fairly quiet day on the water today, both bird and weatherwise. Spent about 2 hours offshore from Curio Bay, Southland, with a light nor'easter. Birds seen: Southern Royal Albatross - 3 White-capped Albatross - 13 Salvin's Albatross - 3IMG_0013.JPG Buller's Albatross - 2 Northern Giant Petrel - 2IMG_0032.JPG Sooty Shearwater - c.50 Fluttering Shearwater - c.50, max 7 at one time. Three were seen in Waikawa Harbour, about 1.5km from the sea. Cape Petrel - 4 Cook's Petrel - 1IMG_0006.JPG Gannet - 1 Stewart Island Shag - 2 Black-backed Gull - 5 Richard Red-billed Gull - 10 Black-billed Gull - 2 White-fronted Tern - c.20 -------------------------------------------- Use the following link to view and reply to the post: http://www.birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1563&p=6655#p6655 Don't reply to this message, it was sent from an unmonitored account. Use the link above instead. -- BirdingNZ.net ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: Mangere Ambury From: "Kevin" <olgakevin AT clear.net.nz> Date: Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:54:03 -0000 I spent an afternoon amongst the many waders at Ambury yesterday. There was perhaps 4-5 000 Godwits and Knots on "Big Shell island", at the tide line them a Whimbrel. A lot of SIPOS and approx 20 Spoonbills. A BB Gull colony is quite close. Whimbrel's are not often seen here and are usually spotted at the side of a large roosting group at the high tide level. I spotted a local Reef Heron, it has a white patch under it's chin and a dark silver gray beak. I have seen this bird a few times before, it sometimes roosts on the lava flows near big shell island. It chased off WF Herons a couple of times before disappearing as the tide receded. It had raised feathers on it's head and shoulders. There was a couple of Sharp tailed Sandpipers amongst the many Wrybills at the radio mask area. Ray Clough has reported as many as 5. Kevin Barker ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: BirdingNZ.net Alert: Pectoral sandpiper From: <noreply AT birdingnz.net> Date: Mon, 09 Jan 2012 04:32:19 -0500 Hello BIRDING-NZ, Will Parsons has posted an important message at BirdingNZ.net. -------------------------------------------- Here's the text of the post: IMG_p s0001.jpgIMG_0001_49.jpgLate this afternoon at Lake Grassmere saw what we think is a Pectoral sandpiper but looking for expert advice. Also saw 7 Golden plovers, 1 wrybill and a large number of Banded dotterels. Sadly we also saw 1 very healthy tabby cat. [Wink] -------------------------------------------- Use the following link to view and reply to the post: http://www.birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1562&p=6641#p6641 Don't reply to this message, it was sent from an unmonitored account. Use the link above instead. -- BirdingNZ.net ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: FW: Lake Ellesmere Jan. 5 2012 From: "Wratten, Stephen" <Steve.Wratten AT lincoln.ac.nz> Date: Mon, 9 Jan 2012 04:30:37 +0000 The lake level is at 0.75 m so there are many ha of dry, salty-white mud. There also are enormous areas in what were the wetter parts, dominated by the endemic, lilac-coloured purple Mimulus repens-a spectacular sight. Colin Hill and I drove on the dry lake bed from Greenpark Sands in the east to Yarr's Reserve in the west-few waders in the east-nos improved as we reached west of Embankment Road and then Yarr's. Greenpark: 3 bar-tailed godwits 63 banded dotterels Clark's Road: 102 pied stilts Embankment: 41 wrybills 34 banded dotterels 4 red-necked stints 364 stilits Yarr's: 30 banded dotterels 50 stilts 69 wrybill 8 red-necked stints 7 spoonbill 8 red-necked stints 2 gull-billed terns (ad plumage) one b-t godwit PS The dodgy sandpiper on Jan 1 (previously posted on birding-nz) was a moulting juv, sharp-tailed sandpiper (based on Colin's photos) ________________________________ P Please consider the environment before you print this email. "The contents of this e-mail (including any attachments) may be confidential and/or subject to copyright. Any unauthorised use, distribution, or copying of the contents is expressly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please advise the sender by return e-mail or telephone and then delete this e-mail together with all attachments from your system." [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: BirdingNZ.net Alert: Arctic Skua. From: <noreply AT birdingnz.net> Date: Sun, 08 Jan 2012 17:35:30 -0500 Hello BIRDING-NZ, Photog has posted an important message at BirdingNZ.net. -------------------------------------------- Here's the text of the post: I was out fishing in my Kayak in the Whangarei harbour this morning about 5.30 at Waikaraka and saw an Arctic Skua chasing the white fronted terns. -------------------------------------------- Use the following link to view and reply to the post: http://www.birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1559&p=6638#p6638 Don't reply to this message, it was sent from an unmonitored account. Use the link above instead. -- BirdingNZ.net ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: fab bird From: "Stephen" <stephen11 AT xtra.co.nz> Date: Mon, 9 Jan 2012 10:08:08 +1300 http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/features/arts/6173279/Hunting-of-the-high ly-elusive-fabricarus .excellent story in Nelson paper. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: Thames Coast From: "David" <lawrie AT ps.gen.nz> Date: Sun, 8 Jan 2012 16:01:42 +1300 Yesterday I travelled along the Thames Coast to Coromandel, (yes in the rain!!!) but managed to see the following. Spotted Shags are visible along the Coast from Te Mata to Tapu, at least 200 seen on rocks close to shore, at one place just after Te Mata they are roosting on the road seawall right beside the road, only metres from the cars. It would be hard to get close because of the narrow road. On the waters edge near Whakatete beach was a feeding Reef Heron on the falling tide. Also a couple of Pied Shag colonies in the tees above the road, near Tapu and Te Mata. David Lawrie Pukekohe [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: Re: Comon Sandpiper From: Gillian Vaughan <gillianv AT actrix.co.nz> Date: Sat, 7 Jan 2012 21:43:43 +1300 Hey All, My folks went down looking for the bird today, ninth visit in four days and were at long last rewarded with a view of the common sandpiper by the dead tv and tyres (just south of the island) at around 4:15 this afternoon. 20 minutes later it couldn't be found. The good news therefore is the bird is still around, the bad news is that you can't give up yet! Cheers Gillian On 5/01/2012, at 9:43 AM, "Steve Wood" wrote: > BlankNo sign of bird yesterday. visited the site three times and searched some of the surrounding bays. > Possible moved on, still worth a check if you are in the area thou, ideal location. > > Steve > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: Erect-crested penguin at Te Awanga - Hawkes Bay From: "Sav Saville" <sav AT wrybill-tours.com> Date: Sat, 7 Jan 2012 17:04:06 +1300 I got an email today from Tamsin Ward-Smith, the Sanctuary Manager at Cape Kidnappers, to say there had been an Erect-crested Penguin photographed on the beach at Te Awanga , between Napier and the Cape, on 5 Jan 2012. She has just been to check out the beach and found nothing, but the bird was originally seen on the beach in front of 247 Clifton Road. I presume it will be moulting, so it shouldn't have gone far!! Certainly worth checking out if you are over that way.. Sav Saville Wrybill Birding Tours,NZ "Great Birds, Real Birders" www.wrybill-tours.com sav AT wrybill-tours.com +64 27 680 3740 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: Lake Ellesmere Jan. 5 2012 From: Jan Walker <shesagreen AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 6 Jan 2012 07:58:07 +1300 I was asked to put this on Birding-NZ by Cherry Hill. Yours, Jan From: Steve & Claire Wratten Sent: Thursday, January 05, 2012 8:15 PM To: Wratten, Steve Cc: Colin & Cherry Hill Subject: Lake Ellesmere Jan. 5 2012 The lake level is at 0.75 m so there are many ha of dry, salty-white mud. There also are enormous areas in what were the wetter parts, dominated by the endemic, lilac-coloured purple Mimulus repens-a spectacular sight. Colin Hill and I drove on the dry lake bed from Greenpark Sands in the east to Yarr's Reserve in the west-few waders in the east-nos improved as we reached west of Embankment Road and then Yarr's. Greenpark: 3 bar-tailed godwits 63 banded dotterels Clark's Road: 102 pied stilts Embankment: 41 wrybills 34 banded dotterels 4 red-necked stints 364 stilits Yarr's: 30 banded dotterels 50 stilts 69 wrybill 8 red-necked stints 7 spoonbill 2 gull-billed terns (ad plumage) one b-t godwit PS The dodgy sandpiper on Jan 1 (previously posted on birding-nz) was a moulting juv, sharp-tailed sandpiper (based on Colin's photos) ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: BirdingNZ.net Alert: Waders at Lake Ellesmere From: <noreply AT birdingnz.net> Date: Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:01:10 -0500 Hello BIRDING-NZ, Jan has posted an important message at BirdingNZ.net. -------------------------------------------- Here's the text of the post: On 4th Jan 2012 Bev, Sheila and jan were kindly guided by Andrew Crossland past the beautiful black Angus bull and his harem to the wettish, muddy lagoons in the CCC Reserve at Kaitorete Spit. At the moment there is no access for bird-watchers but we will be trying to sort this very soon. The totals at this incredible ephemeral wetland were: 6 Pectoral Sandpipers 14 [minimum] Sharp-tailed Sand. 95 Bar-tailed Godwits [no bands vis.] 22 Red Knot 37 Wrybill 7 SIPO 6 Royal Spoonbill There were numerous Bandies, Pied Stilt, Grey Teal etc. too and all this after a day of very noisy goose culling close by. Had there been Golden and other Plovers present before the noise, they might not have returned. -------------------------------------------- Use the following link to view and reply to the post: http://www.birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1553&p=6614#p6614 Don't reply to this message, it was sent from an unmonitored account. Use the link above instead. -- BirdingNZ.net ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: Comon Sandpiper From: "Steve Wood" <sawood AT clear.net.nz> Date: Thu, 5 Jan 2012 09:43:26 +1300 BlankNo sign of bird yesterday. visited the site three times and searched some of the surrounding bays. Possible moved on, still worth a check if you are in the area thou, ideal location. Steve [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: Re: BirdingNZ.net Alert: Great Crested Grebe near Miranda From: Adrian Riegen <riegen AT xtra.co.nz> Date: Wed, 4 Jan 2012 23:03:50 +1300 This would be worth checking if anyone else is in the area. It is likely to be a first record for the Firth coast. Adrian On 4/01/2012, at 5:47 PM, wrote: > Hello BIRDING-NZ, > > simon.fordham has posted an important message at BirdingNZ.net. > > -------------------------------------------- > Here's the text of the post: > > Garry Robertson, a visiting UK birder who is currently on Tiritiri Matangi > Island, reports seeing a great crested grebe on 29th December on the > excavated quarry ponds just north of Kaiaua, something of a rarity for this > part of the country. From the description, it appears to have been a > juvenile. > > Cheers > Simon > -------------------------------------------- > > Use the following link to view and reply to the post: > http://www.birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1552&p=6610#p6610 > > Don't reply to this message, it was sent from an unmonitored account. Use > the link above instead. > > -- > BirdingNZ.net > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: Beach Patrols From: "Lloyd Esler" <esler AT southnet.co.nz> Date: Wed, 4 Jan 2012 21:25:58 +1300 New Year greetings all. A request to get your 2011 beach patrol records in to me when convenient. Also any from pervious years. Two bird notes: Crested grebes nesting at Bendigo by the layby. A rifleman at Mt Cook 26/12 getting the spiders around the Hermitage front entrance. Lloyd Esler [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: Hopkins and Huxley Valleys at Ohau From: "bahughes" <bahughes AT ihug.co.nz> Date: Wed, 4 Jan 2012 20:02:04 +1300 Happy New Year everyone, Last week we had a four day tramp into the Hopkins and Huxley Valleys west of Lake Ohau. Found a family of rifleman at the Monument Hut. Noticed a group there two years back when we went in for one night and had to exit fast due to rising rivers and streams. Counted six birds in the group. Brillant to watch; in and out of the wood shed, scuttling over the ground, up the trunks of trees like mice. Can certainly see the niche equivalent there. Still can hear the calls and even Mick with his bad hearing heard one close by when up by the Forks Hut. A banded dotterel practically walked right up to us down at the river by the Monument Hut. We had noticed a pair further down the valley and three on the family farm earlier in the day on the coast at Morven in Sth Canterbury. No wrybills seen in the Hopkins. Tomtits, bellbirds with quite a different song dialect in Hopkins and Huxley along with a group of brown creeper spotted at the Forks Hut. Long tailed cuckoo calling for some time at the Huxley swingbridge look-out when we had a lunch stop. Can get into the Monument Hut with a good 4WD. We had to leave the hire car and walk the two and half hours in but stunning views. Plus black fronted terns about. DOC are doing predator control in there and hopefully this will continue. Brillant spot to visit but need to be well organised, prepared for river crossings or a root covered high water track, to be aware of the weather and to have a truck of insect repellent for the sand flies. Today heard a number of shinning cuckoo calls with the full call at Cowan Bay Rd. Guess that will cease soon. Pity. Barbara [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: BirdingNZ.net Alert: Great Crested Grebe near Miranda From: <noreply AT birdingnz.net> Date: Tue, 03 Jan 2012 23:47:07 -0500 Hello BIRDING-NZ, simon.fordham has posted an important message at BirdingNZ.net. -------------------------------------------- Here's the text of the post: Garry Robertson, a visiting UK birder who is currently on Tiritiri Matangi Island, reports seeing a great crested grebe on 29th December on the excavated quarry ponds just north of Kaiaua, something of a rarity for this part of the country. From the description, it appears to have been a juvenile. Cheers Simon -------------------------------------------- Use the following link to view and reply to the post: http://www.birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1552&p=6610#p6610 Don't reply to this message, it was sent from an unmonitored account. Use the link above instead. -- BirdingNZ.net ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: Kaikoura today From: "Alan Shaw" <alanshawvideo AT yahoo.co.uk> Date: Tue, 3 Jan 2012 22:46:51 +1300 Hi All, Two Royal Spoonbill were again at the Seal Colony today, feeding on the incoming tide before flying off south around the peninsular. Would appear to be the same two birds (adult + immature with black wing tips) as seen on 16th November. Also one Reef Heron feeding on the incoming tide (3 hours before high tide seems to be the best time to see this species at the seal colony). There were also 12 Caspian Tern-----three family parties-----roosting on the rocks and the usual flock of about 20 Turnstone. An interesting find was 6 Aus Shoveller on the pond at the Ocean Ridge development just south of Kaikoura, together with one Grey Teal. I've only ever seen Mallard on this pond before and Shoveller are distinctly uncommon around Kaikoura. Cheers, Alan Shaw ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: BirdingNZ.net Alert: Short-tailed Green Parrot Silverdale From: <noreply AT birdingnz.net> Date: Mon, 02 Jan 2012 02:34:09 -0500 Hello BIRDING-NZ, mandy123 has posted an important message at BirdingNZ.net. -------------------------------------------- Here's the text of the post: Flew over my house in Millwater estate about 30 mins ago. Very loud squawking as they do. I got a very quick look but it looked like a lorikeet of some sort. No doubt an escapee. Was being chased. Will keep a look out to see if I can get a better view. -------------------------------------------- Use the following link to view and reply to the post: http://www.birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1549&p=6599#p6599 Don't reply to this message, it was sent from an unmonitored account. Use the link above instead. -- BirdingNZ.net ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson Subject: BirdingNZ.net Alert: Probable channel-billed cuckoo - Tauranga From: <noreply AT birdingnz.net> Date: Mon, 02 Jan 2012 01:40:03 -0500 Hello BIRDING-NZ, Tim Barnard has posted an important message at BirdingNZ.net. -------------------------------------------- Here's the text of the post: Had a reasonable report of a probable channel-billed cuckoo in Tauranga today. Seen at 11.15am on wires immediately by the roundabout on State Highway 29 - junction with Takitimu Drive. I arrived at 12.30pm and searched for a couple of hours but found nothing. Ironically this is the same area in which I received reports of the 2007 bird after it gave Brent, Murray and I the slip on Motiti Island. Cheers Tim g.co/maps/bcnzn -------------------------------------------- Use the following link to view and reply to the post: http://www.birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1548&p=6598#p6598 Don't reply to this message, it was sent from an unmonitored account. Use the link above instead. -- BirdingNZ.net ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson