1 was seen by Bev Alexander al Lake Elterwater last summer too. There is
more water there now than there has been for years.

Best birding,
jan
On Tue, Nov 24, 2009 at 12:24 PM, Manu Tours <ManuTours@...>wrote:

>
>
> Stopped in at Lake Elterwater, on my way up to the ferry on Sunday, and was
> surprised to see 2 Great Crested Grebe. I see from the last atlas survey
> that there were none seen this far north!
>
> Cheers,
> Tony.
>
> Tony Wilson and Carol Harker,
> Manu Tours,
> 106 Ocean Beach Road,
> Tairua 3508
> New Zealand.
> ph/fax 64 7 864 7475
> Email: Manutours@... <Manutours%40nzbirding.co.nz>
> Web: www.nzbirding.co.nz
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

It may be that we all just contacted Chris directly. I certainly did, and he
sent me back a couple of photos of the birds on the beach. It must have been a
remarkable find, and sure is noteworthy.

Phil

___________________________
Dr Phil Battley
Ecology Group - PN 624
Massey University
Private Bag 11-222
Palmerston North
New Zealand

Courier address: AgHort Building (Ground Floor, A wing) Riddet Rd

Phone 64 6 356 9099 ext 2605
Fax 64 6 350 5623
p.battley@...

From: BIRDING-NZ@yahoogroups.com [mailto:BIRDING-NZ@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf
Of Manu Tours
Sent: Tuesday, 24 November 2009 12:39 p.m.
To: BIRDING-NZ@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [BIRDING-NZ] Stewart Island pelagic Friday 13th Nov 09



Re the Arctic Terns,
I'm surprised that no one has commented on this as surely it is a very
significant sighting! I don't recall ever hearing of Arctic Tern, in NZ, in
these numbers before.
I dropped in to Wakatapu Beach, in the hope of catching up with some, but only
managed to find White-fronted Terns. Some of these were in none breeding
plumage, which had me hopeful that they were the Arctics but closer inspection
ruled them out. I also had a look around Akers Point/ Neck area, while at
Stewart Island, with similar results but close scrutiny was not easy from a
rocking boat and without a scope.

Cheers,
Tony.

----- Original Message -----
From: Chris Gaskin
To: BIRDING-NZ@yahoogroups.com<mailto:BIRDING-NZ%40yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Saturday, November 14, 2009 7:44 AM
Subject: [BIRDING-NZ] Stewart Island pelagic Friday 13th Nov 09

Hi All,

14 of us (plus Colin skipper, Aurora Charters) departed Halfmoon Bay, Stewart
Island at 8AM for a day’s pelagic (Friday 13 Nov 09). Weather has not been
brilliant with strong W to SW winds and big seas so we weren’t holding out
much hope of going too far offshore or down the island. Fairly fine conditions,
occasional showers coming through, wind 25kns SW, going S during the day. As it
turned out we didn’t need to go all that far down the east coast of the island
– as far as Lord’s River and out a bit beyond Big (Wreck) Reef – the
strong winds had brought a goodly assemblage of birds in fairly close to the
coast. During the morning we took a break from the seas and wind in at
Tikotahahi Bay, then lunch in Abraham’s Bosom, Port Adventure. Later in the
day we headed for Ulva Island and wander for an hour and half on shore. So,
how’s this for a day’s haul?

Seabirds:
> Southern royal albatross
> White-capped albatross
> Salvin’s albatross
> Buller’s albatross
> Campbell albatross (2 or 3 adults plus one immature)
> Northern giant petrel
> Cape petrel
> Mottled petrel – stunning close views of three birds
> Antarctic (southern) fulmar – probably a single bird seen on several
occasions; great viewing sometimes right in beside the boat
> Fairy prion
> Broad-billed prion – good numbers of this sometimes elusive prion; many of
them coming close to the boat for brilliant views
> Grey-backed storm petrel – one seen which came close to the boat and stayed
around for quite a while
> Fiordland penguin – 15 at one location in amongst the rocks and under
muttonbird scrub (Tikotahahi Bay), then about 8 in a pod foraging under a flock
of Arctic terns; these fast moving birds they followed by porpoising along;
spectacular to watch
> Blue penguin – several pods in the water, including one of about 10 close to
Native Island, Paterson Inlet
> Stewart Island shag
> Spotted shag
> Pied shag
> Little shag
> Brown skua
> Black-backed gull
> Red-billed gull
> White-fronted tern
> Arctic tern – we had picked up 4 on Wakatapu Beach (near Riverton) on the
drive through to Invercargill the day before (roosting with white-fronted
terns); today we came across a handful amongst white-fronted terns between Akers
Point and The Neck; then a flock of about 15 at Tikotahahi Bay.

At Ulva Island (Paterson Inlet, Stewart Island) later in the day (including a
wonderful mixed flock of brown creeper, yellowhead, both species of parakeet,
grey warbler and bellbirds within easy viewing):
> Variable oystercatcher
> Weka
> Kaka
> Red-crowned parakeet
> Yellow-crowned parakeet
> Tui
> Bellbird
> South Island saddleback
> Yellowhead
> Brown creeper
> Grey warbler
> NZ fantail (black phase)
> Tomtit
> Stewart Island robin

Happy birding

Chris

PS – Great views of Stewart Island kiwi (2) at night (stunning night with calm
seas, wind had died completely, amazing night sky).

PPS - suspicious (Friday 13th)? Nah!

Chris Gaskin
www.kiwi-wildlife.co.nz
www.nzseabirds.com

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

----------------------------------------------------------

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Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 8.5.425 / Virus Database: 270.14.63/2500 - Release Date: 11/13/09
07:54:00

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I agree, hopefully Chis will write these Arctic Tern records up as a
short note as they do help to confirm the fact that these things are
around the coastline on a seasonal basis (rather than just as rare
vagrants) and can occur in decent sized flocks.

Chris knows his birds backwards, so the following caveat is not meant
for him, but I just want to draw folks attention to the fact that at
times (post-breeding, rather than currently), W/F terns can often have
red legs (not black) so ID of commic terns needs to look at a number of
features (structure, bare-part colouration, plumage features, call, leg
length etc) to clinch a positive ID.

cheers

AC

________________________________

From: BIRDING-NZ@yahoogroups.com [mailto:BIRDING-NZ@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of Manu Tours
Sent: Tuesday, 24 November 2009 12:39 pm
To: BIRDING-NZ@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [BIRDING-NZ] Stewart Island pelagic Friday 13th Nov 09




Re the Arctic Terns,
I'm surprised that no one has commented on this as surely it is a very
significant sighting! I don't recall ever hearing of Arctic Tern, in NZ,
in these numbers before.
I dropped in to Wakatapu Beach, in the hope of catching up with some,
but only managed to find White-fronted Terns. Some of these were in none
breeding plumage, which had me hopeful that they were the Arctics but
closer inspection ruled them out. I also had a look around Akers Point/
Neck area, while at Stewart Island, with similar results but close
scrutiny was not easy from a rocking boat and without a scope.

Cheers,
Tony.

----- Original Message -----
From: Chris Gaskin
To: BIRDING-NZ@yahoogroups.com <mailto:BIRDING-NZ%40yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Saturday, November 14, 2009 7:44 AM
Subject: [BIRDING-NZ] Stewart Island pelagic Friday 13th Nov 09

Hi All,

14 of us (plus Colin skipper, Aurora Charters) departed Halfmoon Bay,
Stewart Island at 8AM for a day's pelagic (Friday 13 Nov 09). Weather
has not been brilliant with strong W to SW winds and big seas so we
weren't holding out much hope of going too far offshore or down the
island. Fairly fine conditions, occasional showers coming through, wind
25kns SW, going S during the day. As it turned out we didn't need to go
all that far down the east coast of the island - as far as Lord's River
and out a bit beyond Big (Wreck) Reef - the strong winds had brought a
goodly assemblage of birds in fairly close to the coast. During the
morning we took a break from the seas and wind in at Tikotahahi Bay,
then lunch in Abraham's Bosom, Port Adventure. Later in the day we
headed for Ulva Island and wander for an hour and half on shore. So,
how's this for a day's haul?

Seabirds:
> Southern royal albatross
> White-capped albatross
> Salvin's albatross
> Buller's albatross
> Campbell albatross (2 or 3 adults plus one immature)
> Northern giant petrel
> Cape petrel
> Mottled petrel - stunning close views of three birds
> Antarctic (southern) fulmar - probably a single bird seen on several
occasions; great viewing sometimes right in beside the boat
> Fairy prion
> Broad-billed prion - good numbers of this sometimes elusive prion;
many of them coming close to the boat for brilliant views
> Grey-backed storm petrel - one seen which came close to the boat and
stayed around for quite a while
> Fiordland penguin - 15 at one location in amongst the rocks and under
muttonbird scrub (Tikotahahi Bay), then about 8 in a pod foraging under
a flock of Arctic terns; these fast moving birds they followed by
porpoising along; spectacular to watch
> Blue penguin - several pods in the water, including one of about 10
close to Native Island, Paterson Inlet
> Stewart Island shag
> Spotted shag
> Pied shag
> Little shag
> Brown skua
> Black-backed gull
> Red-billed gull
> White-fronted tern
> Arctic tern - we had picked up 4 on Wakatapu Beach (near Riverton) on
the drive through to Invercargill the day before (roosting with
white-fronted terns); today we came across a handful amongst
white-fronted terns between Akers Point and The Neck; then a flock of
about 15 at Tikotahahi Bay.

At Ulva Island (Paterson Inlet, Stewart Island) later in the day
(including a wonderful mixed flock of brown creeper, yellowhead, both
species of parakeet, grey warbler and bellbirds within easy viewing):
> Variable oystercatcher
> Weka
> Kaka
> Red-crowned parakeet
> Yellow-crowned parakeet
> Tui
> Bellbird
> South Island saddleback
> Yellowhead
> Brown creeper
> Grey warbler
> NZ fantail (black phase)
> Tomtit
> Stewart Island robin

Happy birding

Chris

PS - Great views of Stewart Island kiwi (2) at night (stunning night
with calm seas, wind had died completely, amazing night sky).

PPS - suspicious (Friday 13th)? Nah!

Chris Gaskin
www.kiwi-wildlife.co.nz
www.nzseabirds.com

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

----------------------------------------------------------

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Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 8.5.425 / Virus Database: 270.14.63/2500 - Release Date:
11/13/09 07:54:00

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





**********************************************************************
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.

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**********************************************************************



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Re the Arctic Terns,
I'm surprised that no one has commented on this as surely it is a very
significant sighting! I don't recall ever hearing of Arctic Tern, in NZ, in
these numbers before.
I dropped in to Wakatapu Beach, in the hope of catching up with some, but only
managed to find White-fronted Terns. Some of these were in none breeding
plumage, which had me hopeful that they were the Arctics but closer inspection
ruled them out. I also had a look around Akers Point/ Neck area, while at
Stewart Island, with similar results but close scrutiny was not easy from a
rocking boat and without a scope.

Cheers,
            Tony.

   ----- Original Message -----
   From: Chris Gaskin
   To: BIRDING-NZ@yahoogroups.com
   Sent: Saturday, November 14, 2009 7:44 AM
   Subject: [BIRDING-NZ] Stewart Island pelagic Friday 13th Nov 09



   Hi All,

   14 of us (plus Colin skipper, Aurora Charters) departed Halfmoon Bay, Stewart
Island at 8AM for a day’s pelagic (Friday 13 Nov 09). Weather has not been
brilliant with strong W to SW winds and big seas so we weren’t holding out
much hope of going too far offshore or down the island. Fairly fine conditions,
occasional showers coming through, wind 25kns SW, going S during the day.  As it
turned out we didn’t need to go all that far down the east coast of the island
– as far as Lord’s River and out a bit beyond Big (Wreck) Reef – the
strong winds had brought a goodly assemblage of birds in fairly close to the
coast. During the morning we took a break from the seas and wind in at
Tikotahahi Bay, then lunch in Abraham’s Bosom, Port Adventure. Later in the
day we headed for Ulva Island and wander for an hour and half on shore. So,
how’s this for a day’s haul?

   Seabirds:
   > Southern royal albatross
   > White-capped albatross
   > Salvin’s albatross
   > Buller’s albatross
   > Campbell albatross (2 or 3 adults plus one immature)
   > Northern giant petrel
   > Cape petrel
   > Mottled petrel – stunning close views of three birds
   > Antarctic (southern) fulmar – probably a single bird seen on several
occasions; great viewing sometimes right in beside the boat
   > Fairy prion
   > Broad-billed prion – good numbers of this sometimes elusive prion; many of
them coming close to the boat for brilliant views
   > Grey-backed storm petrel – one seen which came close to the boat and
stayed around for quite a while
   > Fiordland penguin – 15 at one location in amongst the rocks and under
muttonbird scrub (Tikotahahi Bay), then about 8 in a pod foraging under a flock
of Arctic terns; these fast moving birds they followed by porpoising along;
spectacular to watch
   > Blue penguin – several pods in the water, including one of about 10 close
to Native Island, Paterson Inlet
   > Stewart Island shag
   > Spotted shag
   > Pied shag
   > Little shag
   > Brown skua
   > Black-backed gull
   > Red-billed gull
   > White-fronted tern
   > Arctic tern – we had picked up 4 on Wakatapu Beach (near Riverton) on the
drive through to Invercargill the day before (roosting with white-fronted
terns); today we came across a handful amongst white-fronted terns between Akers
Point and The Neck; then a flock of about 15 at Tikotahahi Bay.

   At Ulva Island (Paterson Inlet, Stewart Island) later in the day (including a
wonderful mixed flock of brown creeper, yellowhead, both species of parakeet,
grey warbler and bellbirds within easy viewing):
   > Variable oystercatcher
   > Weka
   > Kaka
   > Red-crowned parakeet
   > Yellow-crowned parakeet
   > Tui
   > Bellbird
   > South Island saddleback
   > Yellowhead
   > Brown creeper
   > Grey warbler
   > NZ fantail (black phase)
   > Tomtit
   > Stewart Island robin

   Happy birding

   Chris

   PS – Great views of Stewart Island kiwi (2) at night (stunning night with
calm seas, wind had died completely, amazing night sky).

   PPS - suspicious (Friday 13th)? Nah!

   Chris Gaskin
   www.kiwi-wildlife.co.nz
   www.nzseabirds.com

   [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]






------------------------------------------------------------------------------



   No virus found in this incoming message.
   Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
   Version: 8.5.425 / Virus Database: 270.14.63/2500 - Release Date: 11/13/09
07:54:00


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Stopped in at Lake Elterwater, on my way up to the ferry on Sunday, and was
surprised to see 2 Great Crested Grebe. I see from the last atlas survey that
there were none seen this far north!

Cheers,
             Tony.


Tony Wilson and Carol Harker,
Manu Tours,
106 Ocean Beach Road,
Tairua 3508
New Zealand.
ph/fax 64 7 864 7475
Email: Manutours@...
Web: www.nzbirding.co.nz

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

While in Milford Sound, a week or so ago, I saw a pair of Weka with 2 chicks, in
the bus park at the terminal and 2 other adults around the cafe. This is the
first time, in 15 years of visits here, that I've seen Weka. Maybe all the
predator control is having results.

Cheers,
              Tony.


Tony Wilson and Carol Harker,
Manu Tours,
106 Ocean Beach Road,
Tairua 3508
New Zealand.
ph/fax 64 7 864 7475
Email: Manutours@...
Web: www.nzbirding.co.nz

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi all

A short pelagic was undertaken around the Muttonbird Islands in the
Patterson inlet between 10:30am and 1:30pm, species recorded:

40 NZ White-capped Albatross
1 Salvin's Albatross
50+ Snares Pintado Petrel
1 Northern Giant Petrel
1 Giant Petrel sp.
1 Sooty Shearwater
1 Fairy Prion
70+ Common Diving Petrel
3 Brown Skua
15 Blue Penguin

Best wishes
Erik Forsyth


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hello BIRDING-NZ,

Brent Stephenson has posted an important post at BirdingNZ.net.

--------------------------------------------
Here's the text of the post:

Hi all,

A bit of birding late this afternoon in Hawkes Bay.  There was a large
number of gulls, terns and gannets feeding offshore from Haumoana and I saw
at least two Arctic skua chasing terns - a dark morph and an intermediate
morph.  Most of the feeding birds were a long way out so may have been more
around.

At least two turnstone and 25-30 banded dotterel at the Clive River mouth,
with several banded dotterel obviously nesting out on the beach as well.
There was what looked like about 100-150 white-fronted terns in a tight
group on the southern side of the river mouth up on the top of the beach,
and I assumed they were breeding.  However, they all got up and flew off
and when I investigated there was no sign of any nesting.  There were no
nesting terns/gulls at the Tukituki River mouth either (or anywhere along
the beach between).  In fact the only nesting gulls/terns I have seen this
season was a flock of approx 100 black-billed gulls on 19 Nov on the
Ngaruroro River at Mangatahi (4 nests with a single egg and c 28 partially
built nests).

The little egret was feeding with a white-faced heron in the Tukituki River
just below the main road bridge between Clive and Haumoana on 20 Nov.

Clients I took on a kiwi tour at Cape Kidnappers on 20 Nov said that
earlier in the week they had seen killer whales near Black Reef/Cape
Kidnappers.  They are unlikely to still be in Hawkes Bay, but worth keeping
a look out.

Cheers,
--------------------------------------------

You can use the following link to view and reply to the post:
http://www.birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=281&p=1164#p1164

Please note that email sent by reply to this message will not go to
BirdingNZ.net. Use the link above instead.

--
BirdingNZ.net

Hi Andrew,

According to BirdingNZ.net it hasn't been seen since 25 October, despite
people checking Bruce Pulman Park on Nov 6, Nov 8, and a thorough check
around BPP, Ardmore Airfield and nearby shore locations on 10 Nov.

Looks like it may have moved on.  I'm heading up that way on Friday and
will have a quick look at BPP.  If anybody else has seen it recently be
good to know.

Cheers,
Brent

Brent Stephenson PhD (Ornithology)
Eco-Vista: Photography & Research + Wrybill Birding Tours, NZ - "Great
birds, real birders"
PO Box 8291, Havelock North 4157, New Zealand
Phone +64 6 877 6388   Fax +64 6 877 6300   Cell +64 274 426 638
email brent@... or brent@...
web http://www.eco-vista.com and http://www.wrybill-tours.com


-----Original Message-----
From: BIRDING-NZ@yahoogroups.com [mailto:BIRDING-NZ@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of Crossland, Andrew
Sent: Sunday, 22 November 2009 16:05
To: BIRDING-NZ@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [BIRDING-NZ] Has anyone seen the Franlklins Gull lately

Hi folks,

I'm heading up to Akl in early Dec and am wondering if anyone is still
keeping tabs on the Franklins Gull?

Cheers

Andrew Crossland

**********************************************************************
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addressed.

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City Council.

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**********************************************************************




------------------------------------

BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent StephensonYahoo! Groups Links

While looking for a geocache at the N end of Lake Hawea on Nov. 11, my wife and
I had a courting pair of NZ Falcons.   He was trying to entice her with food. 
The birds were near the waterfall on the first stream on the dirt road off Route
6.  We've just returned home to the USA and now have email access.

Wavell Fogleman
Campton, NH USA

Hi folks,

I'm heading up to Akl in early Dec and am wondering if anyone is still
keeping tabs on the Franklins Gull?

Cheers

Andrew Crossland

**********************************************************************
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
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**********************************************************************

Hello BIRDING-NZ,

Suzi has posted an important post at BirdingNZ.net.

--------------------------------------------
Here's the text of the post:

Hi there,

Visited Manukapua (Big Sand Island) on the Kaipara Harbour today with a
group of parents and kids.  We had an enjoyable time with a big flock of
about (!) 3000 BT Godwits and Knots, a smaller flock separate flock of
about 600 SIPO and small groups of Wrybill (3), Turnstone (28), NZ Dotts
(9) and Banded Dotts (2).  There were also Caspian Terns (32) and WF Terns
(40+), SBBG (18) and RBG (10+).  It was quite windy (sou-west) and partly
cloudy to sunny.

In the area with Turnstones, NZD, Wrybill and Banded Dotts, was this little
?Sandpiper.  It was mostly sitting near a single Turnstone and when sitting
appeared to have quite a white rump.  It has a short black bill and black
legs.  It appeared smaller than the Turnstone, but longer legs.  My best
guess from looking at the field guide, is a White-rumped Sandpiper, but I
see it is a rare Arctic vagrant, so it seems unlikely.  Could it be a
Red-necked Stint (non-breeding plumage) or a  Sanderling (though looked
longer legged than both in the FG picture) ?  Or other suggestions ?   It
seems too grey on the wings to be any of the other sandpipers illustrated,
(eg Terek or common) but I'm definitely not able to distinguish sandpipers
in the field yet (!).  Help !  <!-- s8-) --><img
src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_cool.gif" alt="8-)" title="Cool" /><!-- s8-) -->

Suzi
--------------------------------------------

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http://www.birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=279&p=1146#p1146

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--
BirdingNZ.net

Hello BIRDING-NZ,

Brent Stephenson has posted an important post at BirdingNZ.net.

--------------------------------------------
Here's the text of the post:

Sav is currently on tour and reports the long-staying Hudsonian godwit is
still present at Miranda.  Seen on the shellbanks on the morning of 20 Nov.

Cheers,
--------------------------------------------

You can use the following link to view and reply to the post:
http://www.birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=278&p=1145#p1145

Please note that email sent by reply to this message will not go to
BirdingNZ.net. Use the link above instead.

--
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Just wondering if anyone has seen bittern on Stewart Island since 1985- as while
compiling the bittern database , for DOC, I have no recent records.
Thanks Peter

Hi all,

Forecast for this Sunday is for rough weather so trip is off. Either Sat 28th or
Sun 29th Nov is possible, will choose whichever suits most. Let me know if you
are interested.

Cheers,
Detlef
09 407 3874

Hi Everyone,

Tony would liked to report an Erect-crested Penguin at Taiaroa Heads.
He was on the Monarch Cruise and it can only be seen from the cruise. It has
been there for 3-4 days.

Cheers,
Carol.

Tony Wilson and Carol Harker,
Manu Tours,
106 Ocean Beach Road,
Tairua 3508
New Zealand.
ph/fax 64 7 864 7475
Email: Manutours@...
Web: www.nzbirding.co.nz

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

We completed our Southland November wader count last Saturday. Highlights were:

New River Estuary - Ian Southey/Gillian Vaughn
Godwit 1798 inc 18 juveniles
Knot 52
Turnstone 36
Stint 1
Golden Plover 2
They also spotted an Arctic Tern, this is the second time Ian has reported one
from here, he also picked up a dead specimen on Oreti Beach earlier in the week.

Cow Island - Wynston Cooper
Godwit - 433 (including 5 banded combos and 3 other birds with letter combos)
Turnstone 24
NZ Dotterel 10
Knot 6
Wynston also reported 3 Australasian Bittern during his count.

A recent beach patrol has also picked up numerous Short-tailed shearwaters
washed up along Southland beaches seems to be a smaller wreck of these birds. We
also found  16-18 Antarctic Fulmars and 7-8 Mollymawks. Constant Westerly winds
have resulted in a large number of birds being washed up. Other species washed
up were diving petrels; Sooty shearwaters; Broad-billed prion; Fairy prion; Blue
Petrel; Gannet and  Spotted Shag.
Phil Rhodes
Southland

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Watched fishing vessel Streaker steam past the north end of Mana Island
heading for port late afternoon 18 November (viewed from trig with 8x
binocs). The mixed flock of seabirds following included c. 20 Salvin's
mollymawks, 5 white-capped mollymawk, 8 northern giant petrels, 5 Westland
petrels and 100+ southern black-backed gulls.



Colin Miskelly





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi all

4 Dutch birders and I were watching a Stewart Island Brown Kiwi on the
outskirts of Oban last night and suddenly a Morepork landed on the a pole 5m
away. Must have been useing the torch beem to hunt moths!
A dead Sooty Shearwater was found at Deep Bay today and a SI Weka with a
silver band on it's left leg was seen at the edge of town. Weka are a scarce
site in Oban.
22 White-capped Albatross, a single Southern Buller's Albatross, 4 Cape
Pigeon, 5 Fiordland Penguin and 6 Blue Penguin were seen in Halfmoon Bay
yesterday. The albatrosses were hanging around fishing boats.

Best wishes
Erik Forsyth


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hello BIRDING-NZ,

Suzi has posted an important post at BirdingNZ.net.

--------------------------------------------
Here's the text of the post:

Kaka still active in Ecology Bush.  A total of 47 species
bush/coastal/wetlands today as below, Suzi
(Dipped on Brown Kiwi, Grey-faced Petrel and Kakariki - as expected).

Australasian Gannet
Pied Shag (2)
Black Shag
White-faced Heron
Reef Heron
Paradise Shelduck (21)
Mallard (7)
Grey Duck (5)
Brown Teal
Australasian Harrier (2)
Pheasant (4)
California Quail (5)
Brown Quail (3)
Pukeko +++
Variable Oystercatcher (5)
Spur-winged Plover (3)
Pied Stilt (4)
NZ Dotterel (2)
Black-backed Gull (4)
Red-billed Gull (3)
Caspian Tern
Kereru (8)
Kaka (3)
Eastern Rosella (4)
Shining Cuckoo (3)
Morepork
Kingfisher (3)
Welcome Swallow (18)
Silvereye
Grey Warbler (3)
Blackbird (4)
Song Thrush (2)
Dunnock
Skylark
NZ Pipit
Whitehead (3)
Fantail (7)
NI Robin (5)
Tui (26)
Bellbird (14)
House Sparrow (6)
Chaffinch (3)
Goldfinch (2)
Yellowhammer (5)
Starling
Myna
Australian Magpie
--------------------------------------------

You can use the following link to view and reply to the post:
http://www.birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=276&p=1142#p1142

Please note that email sent by reply to this message will not go to
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Hi all,

This trip is on if weather holds, there are 8 of us with room for one more. Let
me know if you can make it.

Cheers,
Detlef
09 407 3874

I went to see this exhibition today as Paul Scofield had recommended it. The
prints are lovely, well worth a view on the web. I need a bigger house.
Happy birding,
jan


From: Salamander Gallery <salamandergallery@...>
Date: Wed, Nov 18, 2009 at 1:00 PM
Subject: Jo Ogier
To: shesagreen@...





03 365 9279
salamandergallery@...
www.salamandergallery.co.nz


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Dear All,

Robert Morris has arranged the following trip which we are going to join.
One place left. Anyone interested contact Robert at
robert_p_morris@...

On Saturday 12th December Have arranged a trip out to the Mercury Islands
hopefully to see and photograph Pycroft's Petrel at sea.

Have booked a comfortable boat that has done the trip many times out of
Whitianga. The boat is a comfortable 35ft vessel. Cost is $1200. One place
left which would bring cost down to $240 per person

Roughly plan is to go at 1pm to Red Mercury unless there are weather issues,
and return later in the early evening around 7pm, normally the trips have
had enough by then and people are getting hungry!! We should see good
numbers of Pycroft's as well as Cooks and other seabirds. Have ask the
captain Andy Kerr to confirm a meeting time and place, chum / berly
availability and the route.

Regards

Janie Vaughan







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

-----Original Message-----
From: rschckrd@... [mailto:rschckrd@...]
Sent: Wednesday, 18 November 2009 9:45 am
To: Crossland, Andrew
Subject: Brolga bird sighting in Ellesmere


From: Andrew McFadden [mailto:Andrew.McFadden@...]
Sent: Tuesday, 17 November 2009 4:52 p.m.
To: OSNZEO@...
Subject: Brolga bird sighting in Ellesmere




Hi there

I was contacted by a women from lake ellesmere, CCH who claims she has
sited a
pair of Brolga. Her description fitted the bill, so perhaps she is
right. She
tried to get photos but unfortunately they were too blurry. I thought
you might
be interested as there have only been a few of these to make it over
here from
Australia.

regards

Andrew McFadden MVS BVSc | Incursion Investigator (animals),
Investigation and Diagnostic Centre | Biosecurity New Zealand
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry | 66 Ward St,  Wallaceville | PO
Box 40 742
| Upper Hutt | New Zealand
Telephone: 64-4-894 5611 | Facsimile: 64-4-894 4973| Mobile:
027-733-1791 | Web:
<file://www.maf...govt.nz> www.maf.govt.nz



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Hi All,

Assisted by a keen whitebaiter, Alan, who gave us a lift to
the bottom of the spit, we walked the 5k, or is it 8k, back to
ashworths.

there were fewer Oystercatcher pairs than previous years, but whether
this relates to the increased disturbance from vehicles, people and dogs
since the island became a spit, is questionable. The traps set by Doc
have caught nothing bar 2 cats at the first trap. 2 of the whitebaiters have
been
resetting the traps during the whitebait season and we will take this over
after
the end of the month.

Several Oyc. pairs had eggs, 7 or 8 nests were located and 1 pair seemed to
have
chicks judging by the diving displays. most pairs were hybrid oyks.
At one area there were 5 Blackbilled gull nests and 4 Pied stilt nests,
together with 2
Oyk nests nearby. The current plan to allow unrestricted access to vehicles
down this
spit is surely crazy, allowing for the ecological value of the area. There
are many other
already desecrated beaches nearby where vehicles already have access. No
need to clear
ALL the WILDLIFE away.

Not so happy birding,
jan


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hello BIRDING-NZ,

simon.fordham has posted an important post at BirdingNZ.net.

--------------------------------------------
Here's the text of the post:

We have just returned from a quick look at a wetland / pond in Barry Curtis
Park, Flat Bush.

In addition to 2 x dabchick (apparently nesting), there were 2 x grey teal
and a brown teal.

The pond is by Stancombe Road, opposite the Buddhist Temple.

Simon & Morag
--------------------------------------------

You can use the following link to view and reply to the post:
http://www.birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=274&p=1131#p1131

Please note that email sent by reply to this message will not go to
BirdingNZ.net. Use the link above instead.

--
BirdingNZ.net

We have just returned from a quick look at a wetland / pond in Barry Curtis
Park, Flat Bush.



In addition to 2 x dabchick (apparently nesting), the were 2 x grey teal and
a brown teal.



The pond is by Stancombe Road, opposite the Budhist Temple.



Simon & Morag



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Got to the park just on dawn on Saturday hoping to hear Kokako - walked the City
walk with a few detours starting from the top entrance near the picnic site.
Lots of Robins singing particularly at the beginning of the walk - hearing them
every 100m or so. About half or 2/3 way round heard a loud rustling in the trees
and a Kokako flew up into a Kauri tree - very active and didn't hang around long
- and wasn't calling. Amazing to see ( and a bit lucky!). 200m further down the
track got a great view of a male Stitchbird.
Brilliant to have this just outside Auckland. Recommend an early start to avoid
the crowds!

Cheers

richard fenner

[cid:image002.jpg@...]

level 7
university of otago house
385 queen street
auckland
new zealand

tel:        +64 9 337 7000
ddi:      +64 9 337 7012
mob:    +64 21 364 574
email:   richard.fenner@...<mailto:richard.fenner@...>


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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Colin Hill and I went to Kaitorete Spit
  and then checked the usual sites on lake's northern shore on the way back


-The Spit (strong, cool south-easterly wind)

Asiatic Golden Plover 4
Turnstone 5
Red-necked stint 20
Bar-tailed godwit 1
Pied stilt 8

-Kaituna part of lake

Royal Spoonbill  5

-Jarvis Road

Asiatic golden plover  33
Turnstone 12
R-n stint 1


-Clark's Road

B-t godwit  32
Turnstone   3

-Embankment Road

B-t godwit  30
caspian tern 1
hybrid stilt 1


No curlew sands, sharp-tailed or pectoral sands
No Wrybills



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Hi, further to Steve Wratten's report of the Greenpark sands area on Nov
8,   I checked out the 400 ha Christchurch City Council reserve at Upper
Birdlings Lagoon (about 5 km west of the base of Kaitorete Spit and
about 2 km west of the old barn). ideal habitat conditions for waders
and a surprise to find 2 whimbrels.   Arctics are seldom seen here so I
assume they've come off "crescent island" which is located further west
along kaitorete spit. A reminder to birders that both sites require
permisson from farm lessees to access, except along paper roads and
hunter access routes.


2 Pacific Golden Plover
70 Bar-tailed Godwit
10 Turnstone
2 Asiatic Whimbrel



AC

________________________________

From: BIRDING-NZ@yahoogroups.com [mailto:BIRDING-NZ@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of Wratten, Stephen
Sent: Friday, 13 November 2009 12:28 pm
To: birding-nz@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [BIRDING-NZ] Lake Ellesmere Nov 8




Colin Hill and I did Yarr's and Embankment, Clark's and Jarvis Roads and
found

Jarvis Rd
2 curlew sands (winter plumage)
2 wrybill
4 bar-tailed godwits (no bands etc seen)
37 pied stilts

Clark's
198 pied stilts
158 b-t godwits (no bands etc sen)
38 oystercatchers

Embankment Road
24 godwits
81 stilts
3 oystercatchers

This weekend we hope to have a look at the Kaitoriti Spit end as we
found few of the smaller Arctic waders-see above



Cheers
Steve
ext 8221

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