Prepared by Tansy Bliss (Kaitiaki Ranger PMNT) in collaboration with Anne Schlesselmann (MWLR Project Co-ordinator/Researcher – Conservation Ecology) and Emma Williams (DOC Project Manager/Science Advisor) – January 2023 Manaaki Whenua | Landcare Research (MWLR) and the Department of Conservation (DOC)
The big flocks of Arctic migrants have departed on their way north. By now the godwits should be heading to Alaska. The wrybill flock is now the highlight of the stilt ponds, with their flights looking stunning in the lower
The flocks of Arctic migrants are beginning to diminish with several Godwit departures observed yesterday evening. According to what we now know of the migration schedules of individual birds, further departures can be expected right through until end of the
Wrybill and SIPO numbers are increasing daily as they return from their breeding grounds. The Shore Plover is still present as is the Marsh Sandpiper. Look for the banded rail by the carpark gate. Unfortunately it’s been too dry for
There has been much activity at Miranda recently with chicks hatching at the Black-billed Gull colony on the shell bank, and Pied Oystercatchers beginning to arrive back from the south. There should also be Wrybill heading back as well.
It is changing of the guards time at Miranda. Wrybill numbers are now down to a few hundred as birds move south to their South Island breeding areas. Meanwhile Bar-tailed Godwits have begun returning to join the 250 or so