Northward

Dawn and Dusk at Waitangi.

They are back again. This time just one Cape Barren goose near the Ruakaka estuary campsite.

Last May there were three. The seem quite confiding flying in to feed on the grassy slopes above the estuary edge.

Reef Herons - Critically Threatened

 Following a recent survey between December 2024 and February 2025, Reef Heron numbers in the Auckland region appear to be critically low.

This information was revealed last evening during our Auckland Regional Birds NZ meeting. I was rather dismayed to hear that only 10 nests were located and only a few reef heron observed.

I have always enjoyed watching these birds when I have come across them. I have observed them on Motuihe Island, Mangawhai estuary, Huia in the Waitakeres and also in the middle of the Shoal estuary.

45 SIPOS

 Another stunning clear blue-sky day to visit the Mahurangi Regional Reserve and a quick count of the birds on Sullivans beach and the grass reserve at high tide showed 45 Variable Oystercatchers (VOCS), two New Zealand dotterel and about 20 mallard ducks.

Some of the 45 Variable oystercatchers roosting around early afternoon.

This is a regular site for roosting VOCs and occasionally a pair of NZ dotterel although their is very little room for the dotterel to breed on the beach with high tides.

Pukorokoro 50th Anniversary

 Pukorokoro Miranda shorebird centre is this year celebrating its 50th Anniversary with a series of events.

Today a beautiful blue-sky day to attend the AGM and a talk by Keith Woodley who with the help of historic photographs and interesting memories illustrated the many events and the people who over the years had contributed to the success of the Pukorokoro/Miranda Naturalist' Trust.