NEW ZEALAND
27TH October to 5TH December, 2005.
John & Doreen Cooper.
We decided to visit New Zealand before the local schools in New Zealand were on holiday, as many of the holiday sites etc. become fully booked and are busy during school holidays. During our stay we had no trouble obtaining accommodation etc.
Although I have previously published a short report on our New Zealand trip, in this report I have included a large selection of photographs on sites we visited in the itinerary section and have included more photographs of the birds in the systematic list.
With the exception of a few odd bird photographs, majority were taken by ourselves. It would be advisable to increase the computer magnification to 1.25x.
Itinerary
27th October, 2005. Arrived Christchurch at 3.00 pm. Short visit to the Antarctic Exhibition, near the Airport. Collected hired car from Hertz and drove out to Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula. Booked into the La Rochalle Motel for 2 nights @ NZ$80 per night.
Flying over the New Zealand Alps.
Approaching Akaroa Bay,
28th October, 2005.Early morning walk around Akaroa Bay, passing the lighthouse, seeing 2 Hectors Dolphins, & Monarch Butterfly. Then drove to Little River and looked at the top end of Lake Ellsmere. Returned to Akaroa with an evening visit to Flea Bay/Pohatu with Shirleen to the White Flippered Penguin colony.
Looking Down on Akaroa Bay.
Akaroa Harbour.
The top end of Lake Ellsmere.
The evening drive from Akaroa to Flea Bay.
Flea Bay where the White Flippered Penguins gather
during the evening before coming to their nest boxes.
Wildflowers at Flea Bay, Akaroa.
29th October, 2005 Left Akaroa around 9.00 am & drove to Lake Brunner stopping en-route at several sites at Lake Ellsmere. Stopped at Arthurs Pass in heavy rain and also visited forest at Lake Brunner. Went out again at 10.00 pm to forest to look unsuccessfully for Greater Spotted Kiwi. Returned to Lake Brunner Lodge at mid-night.
Lake Ellsmere.
Lake Brunner
30th October, 2005 Returned at 3.00 am until dawn to the Arnold River forest for another unsuccessful look for Greater Spotted Kiwi. Later morning visit to the Arnold River Forest and also birded in the grounds around the lodge. Afternoon visit back to Arthurs Pass in the dry before returning to Lake Brunner. Another visit to the Arnold River forest at dusk but still no sign or sound of Greater Spotted Kiwi.
Left Akaroa to drive to Lake Brunner and we stopped
en-route at Arthurs Pass.
Road bridge leading up to Arthurs Pass.
Braided River near Arthurs Pass.
Doreen at the log cabin at Lake Brunner.
31st October, 2005 Departed from Lake Brunner at 6.20 am for the long drive to Haast stopping en-route at Okarito Lagoon. Stopped to look at both the Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers. We then stopped briefly at Lake Paringa & Knights Point. Booked into local motel at Haast, NZ$90 per night and drove the 60 kms to Jackson Bay Headland. Walked the local nature reserve to the beach for a sea-watch and to look for Fiordland Crested Penguin.
We were now travelling towards Haast for a 2 nights stay
and stopped briefly at Knights Point viewpoint.
View of Knights Point
1st November, 2005 Early morning drive to Haast Pass and spent 3 hours walking on the Bridal Track. Returned back to the motel at Haast Township with another afternoon/evening visit to Jackson Bay Headland for sea-watch.
An early start as we were moving on to Haast today.
En-route we stopped to view the Franz Josef's Glacier.
Theres been a lot of melt over the years, but overall it
wasn't too impressive.
We then stopped off at the Fox's Glacier
and found a good viewpoint.
A far more impressive Glacier.
Doreen at the Fox's Glacier viwpoint.
Fox's Glacier, we now moved on towards Haast.
After booking into a motel at Haast, we then visited
Jacksons Bay to look for Fiordland Crested Penguin,
no success with them, but overwise an enjoyable sea-watch.
Jacksons Bay
2nd November, 2005 Another early morning visit to the Bridal Track at Haast Pass. Long drive to Lake Wanaka where we did some shopping and birded by the Lake. Drove onto Omarama Bridge along the Ahuriri River near Twizel and birded the braded river looking unsuccessfully for Black Stilt. Drove onto Twizel and booked local motel for 2 nights @ NZ$90 per night. Visited several areas around Twizel including Lake Poaka, Lake Alexandrina and the Cass River but still no sign of any Black Stilts only a few hybrids.
Following morning we drove up this road
to Haast Pass.
A beautiful drive up to the Pass, and we found a pair
of Yellowheads nest building along the Bridal Track,
near the summit.
Views taken from Haast's Pass.
Waterfall at Haast's Pass.
3rd November, 2005 All day around Twizel. Early morning visit to the pools behind the Black Stilt breeding pens along the Ahuriri River at the Hydro Plant. Then visited Lake Poaka after being told by Ranger at DOC, that Black Stilt was present here, but could only locate hybrids. We then drove the Mt. Cook road and searched the northern end of Lake Pukaki where the braided river enters the lake and found some Black Stilts. Visited Hooker Valley and Mt. Cook village but was now raining hard so returned to the braided river at Lake Pukaki, and walked a track down to the lakeside. In the evening visited top end of Lake Benmore behind the Hydro plant where the river enters the Lake.
Our third morning, we were moving on to Twizel, but we
again stopped off and walked the Bridal Track on Haast Pass
and again saw the Yellowheads nest building. We also had
a third Yellowhead as we were heading down the other side
of the pass.
Driving to Twizel and looking back at Haast Pass.
The drive to Twizel was very scenic.
We stopped at Lake Wanaka to purchase provisions and birded
around the shore and had a superb view of a New Zealand
Falcon which passed us within 10 metres.
Lake Hawea.
Doreen at Lake Hawea.
Lake Puka
Two views showing the Mt. Cook range of mountains.
Mt. Cook
View taken near Twizel.
Doreen enjoying the views.
John with Mt. Cook in the distance.
4th November, 2005 Early morning birding along the Ahuriri River at Omarama and then long drive to Te Anau. Booked into local motel for 3 nights at NZ$90 per night.
Long Drive today leaving Twizel and heading towards
the Fiordland National Park. This view was taken
near Queenstown.
View near Queenstown.
We were surprise to come across this steam locomotive
named the Kingston Flyer
It had stopped at a station called Fairlight.
The Kingston Flyer.
Our road ran over the Lindis Pass, so we stopped for some birding.
We stopped briefly, but very little seen.
Doreen photographing at the Lindis Pass
We stopped off at Te-Anau with the Fiordland Nat. Park
as a backdrop and booked in for 3 nights.
5th November, 2005 Morning visit to Homer Tunnel and then onto Milford Sound but now raining with poor visibility. Did not go out onto the Sound but returned back to Homer Tunnel and then onto Lake Gunn, walking the Nature Track. Returned back to Te Anau with a late afternoon walk in the woods on the opposite side of Lake Te Anau.
The following morning we drove into the Fiordland
National Park.
Fiordland National Park.
Waterfall running down the cliff.
We now drove on to the Homer Tunnel, this cliff
face was just before you reached the Tunnel.
At the entrance to Homer Tunnel, you can pull over
and look for the Rock Wren, this shows the site of
the Rock Wren on the right hand side of the road.
Wild mountain flowers found here.
6th November, 2005 Early morning drive to Milford Sound in very clear weather. Took the first boat out at 9.00 am for 2 hours on the Sound to the Tasman Sea. Returned to Homer Tunnel to photograph the Rock Wren and then back to Lake Gunn and walked the Nature Track. Returned back to Te Anau for fish & chips and local birding around Lake Te Anau.
We decided to take a cruise out on Milford Sound and therefore
we had to make an early start to drive through the Fiordland Nat.
Park, and this shows first light in the Park.
Dawn with the sun just rising and catching the Mountain
peaks in the Fiordland Nat.Park.
Sunlight now on the mountain tops.
We crossed over this fast flowing river.
A rapid waterfall in the Fiordland Nat. Park.
Finally arriving at Milford Sound shrouded in mist.
Same view after the mist had cleared, just before the cruise
boat left.
Following pictures were taken in Milford Sound
abroad the cruise boat in superb weather.
Waterfall cascading down into the Sound.
Close up view.
Same waterfall taken at different angles.
The Rainbow Waterfall.
Further views taken on Milford Sound.
Finally, Milford Sound meets the Tasman Sea.
Doreen enjoying the spectacular scenery in Milford Sound.
The following morning, we were now travelling south towards Invercargill,
for a 2 night stay at Bushy Point with Ian & Jenny and en-route we
passed the Clifden Suspension Bridge.
Coastal view.
Ian & Jenny's house at Bushy Point, where we stayed for
2 nights. They had turned this area into a private Nature
Reserve for the South Island Fernbird.
A lovely couple who made us very welcome and we obtained some
excellent vies of the South Island Fernbird.
These large plants are known by their local name of
Cabbage Plants and were common around Bushy Point.
Tui, coming into drink in the garden at Bushy Point, Invercargil.
7th November, 2005 Left Te Anau at 8.30 am and drove to Invarcargill stopping briefly en-route at several spots. Drove to Bluff and visited Awarua Bay but no sign of any South Island New Zealand Dotterels. Moved onto Bushy Point where we stayed B&B for 2 nights at NZ$100 per night with Ian & Jenny.
8th November, 2005 Local birding at Bushy Point Nature Fernbird Reserve with a visit to the museum at Invarcargill.
9th November, 2005 Left Bushy Point at 9.30 am and drove to Bluff for the 11.30 am ferry to Stewart Island across the Foveaux Straits arriving at 12.30am. Quite a large swell on the sea, and difficult to sea-watch, owing to the speed of the ferry and the rough crossing. Looked around Half Moon Bay and walked to Golden Bay. Overnight Pilgrim Cottage for 4 nights. Evening trip out to Ocean Beach with Philip Smith on his boat to look for Stewart Island Brown Kiwi. Found a male & a female on the beach superb!! Returned back to Pilgrim Cottate at 1.00 am.
View of Horseshoe Bay, Stewart Island. After leaving Invercargill, we caught the ferry from Bluff to Stewart Island.
Horseshoe Bay, Stewart Island.
Another view of Horseshoe Bay.
Looking across the harbour with Pilgram cottage where we were staying left of the church.
View from our balcony.
Standing on our balcony, Pilgram Cottage, on Stewart Island.
On one beautiful evening, we went out on a charter to Ocean Beach,
to look for Stewart Island Brown Kiwi. We found a male and female
feeding on a beach at dusk, and was one of my most memorable
birding moments of all time, simply Superb.
10th November, 2005 All day visit to Ulva Island, and bumped into Ron Knight with Birdquest. Evening walk out towards Ackers Point.
The following are views taken from Ulva Island.
Some fine beaches on Ulva Island.
Another beach on Ulva Island.
On one of the beaches, Doreen came across this Weka.
It took no notice what so ever of Doreen.
11th November, 2005 Walked to Golden Bay and then along coastal walkway to Deep Bay before returning to Half Moon Bay. Another evening trip with Philip Smith to Ocean Beach but rained all night, got soaked, no Kiwis and arrived back to Pilgrim Cottage at 2.30 am.
12th November, 2005 Morning visit to Ulva Island and took it easy in the afternoon around Half Moon Bay.
13th November, 2005 Left Stewart Island on the 8.00 am ferry and crossed the Foveaux Strait to Bluff by 9.00 am. Much calmer crossing and could sea-watch. Collected car and drove to Shag Point at Palmerston stopping for 2 hours to photograph the Shags etc. Drove to Timaru arriving at 6.00 pm. Overnight Parklands Motel at 76 NZ$.
On the journey to Kaikoura, we stopped at Palmerston and visited Shag Rock with the hope to photograph some Shags.
As an added bonus we found several Fur Seals on the rocks.
Pair of Fur Seals at Shag Rock, Palmerston.
We recorded 100 Spotted Shags off Shag Rock, Palmerston.
On our way to Kaikoura we stopped off at Gore Bay to the view the Cathedral Cliff. We stayed overnight with Alan Shaw at Kaikoura.
14th November, 2005 Drove from Timaru to Kaikoura stopping briefly at St. Annes Lagoon at Chevoit, but no sign of any Cape Barren Geese. B&B with Alan Shaw at Kaikoura for NZ$100 and went out locally bush birding and also did a sea-watch.
15th November, 2005 Back to Back Pelagics out from Kaikoura at 6.00 am & 9.00 am. Returned to Alan’s for lunch and then drove to Picton along the coastal route. Booked into the Walkawa Holiday Park for 2 nights at 65NZ$ per night.
We were booked on to back to back pelagics off Kaikoura, we were booked on to the first pelagics and had a superb sunrise over Kaikoura Bay.
Same view as before, but the sunrise soon ended and the snow clad mountains behind Kaikoura were spectacular, as they were still in the early morning glow.
Sea-birds were soon being seen from both pelagics off Kaikoura.
Giant Petrels and various Albatrosses were present.
16th November, 2005 Long Boat trip out on the Queen Charlotte Sound, leaving at 9.00 am to look at a breeding colony of King Shags. Short stop at Motura Island before returning to Picton. Both Dusky & Hectors Dolphins showed very well. Late afternoon birding near Picton looking unsuccessfully for Long Tailed Cuckoo with tape.
We decided to take a cruise out from Picton into the Queen
Charlotte Sound to see the King Shag on its breeding cliffs.
This fine sailing ship was present in the Sound.
Some general views taken from the pleasure cruiser in
the Queen Charlotte Sound.
A delightful school of around 20 Dusky Dolphins
came around our pleasure cruiser in the Queen Charlotte Sound.
They put on a fine display for about 20 minutes.
Some Dusky Dolphins came very close indeed.
King Shag is the rarest Shag in the world with a total
estimated population of just 600 birds.
17th November, 2005 Took our hired car back to Hertz at Picton and caught ferry from Picton at 9.00 am and crossed the Cook Strait to Wellington arriving mid-day. John Gale met us at Wellington and we picked up our new hired car from Hertz. John took us to the Sanctuary at Wellington and then we spent the evening with Dorothy and John at their home and overnight with them.
Entering the Cooks Strait after leaving Picton on the South
Island on the ferry on our way to Wellington on the North Island.
Approaching Wellington on the North Island after
leaving Picton on the South Island.
18th November, 2005 Left Wellington at 6.30am for drive to Paraparaumu Beach to catch 9.00am ferry to Kapiti Island. Landed at the Nature Reserve and spent most of the day there before transferring with John Barrett to his Kapiti Lodge on the north end for a 2 night stay on full board. Went out at 9.30 pm to look for Little Spotted Kiwi, returning at 11.30 pm.
We left Wellington in the early morning to drive to the ferry
for Kapiti Island. Looking from Paraparaumu Beach to
Kapiti Island, where we were going to stay 2 nights.
Arriving on Kapiti Island and looking back to the Mainland.
Looking north along the beach on Kapiti Island.
The lodge area on Kapiti. On both our nights we went out
looking for Lesser Spotted Kiwis with 2 seen and 3 heard on
our first night and 1 seen and 3 heard on our second night.
Our cabin on Kapiti Island.
19th November, 2005. All day North End of Kapiti Island birding around the lodge and walked to the far end of the lagoon. Afternoon walk with John Barrett along the beach to the Royal Spoonbill breeding colony. Evening walk for Little Spotted Kiwi.
20th November, 2005. Left Kapiti Island on ferry at 10.00am and then drove to Ohakune and booked into the Alpine Motel for 2 nights at NZ$85 per night. Drove out to the Manganui O Te Ao River at Ruatiti to look for Blue Duck but with no success. Was picked up at the Motel by Raggie, a colleague of Kerry Oates to look for North Island Brown Kiwi. Heard 2 calling fairly close but they would not come to tape. Returned to motel around mid-night.
The river valley at Ruatiti, home to the Blue Duck.
Foxgloves growing along the road-side in the Ruatiti Valley.
21st November, 2005. Early morning visit to the river at Ruatiti and located a family party of 4 Blue Ducks. Returned to Ohakune. Drove over the Tongariro National Park in the rain to Tokaanu at Lake Taupo and birded the lake side finding North Island Fernbird here. Returned to Ohakune and drove the Mountain Road for 9kms and then walked a short distance along the Blyths Track. Rained all day.
Tongariro National Park.
The volcanao in the Tongariro National Park which we
drove past, on our way to Miranda.
Flowers in the Tongariro National Park
22nd November, 2005. Early morning visit to Ohakuna Mountain Road summit but no sign of any Long Tailed Cuckoos. Walked for over an hour in good mature forest on the Blyths Track. Left the motel and again visited river at Ruatiti. No sign of the family of Blue Ducks but while we were looking for them a local lady stopped to tell us of a single bird present at nearby Ruatiti Domaine, a local picnic site along the river bank. Quickly drove there and soon located the Blue Duck at very close range. Spent some time photographing this. Longish drive to Miranda, now raining heavily. Booked into the Turnstone bunk house on the Reserve for NZ$35 and spent the late afternoon and evening birding between the showers
23rd November, 2005 All morning birding at Miranda until high tide at 1.00pm. We then drove through Auckland to Manly and stayed B&B for 159 NZ$.
24th November, 2005. Caught ferry at 9.00 am from Gulf Harbour to Tiritiri Matangi Island. Met up with Ron & Sue Johns and spent the day birding on the Island with them. Stayed overnight in the bunkhouse and went out in the evening with them looking for Little Spotted Kiwis.
Arriving at Tiritiri Mantanga Island quay.
Looking from Tiritiri back towards North Island.
Looking down at the rocky coastline on Tiritiri.
Another views looking along the coast.
Distant view of the lighthouse.
The bunkhouse where we were staying.
The Tiritiri Mantanga Island Ferry.
Our final view of Tiritiri Mantanga Island as we pulled away on the ferry.
25th November, 2005. All day birding on Tiritiri Island leaving on the ferry at 2.30pm. Collected our bags from the B&B at Manly. Visited Wenderholm Regional Park but now raining heavily so we drove out to Snells Beach and booked into the Snells Beach Motel for 2 nights at NZ$95 per night.
26th November, 2005.Early morning phone call, from Chris, from Kiwi Wildlife Tours, advising us that the pelagic was cancelled owing to the very strong winds and rain. We drove out to Omaha Beach but very wet and windy so we decided to drive to Wenderholm Regional Park to look for New Zealand Dotterel there and found several pairs breeding. Drove out to Leigh and onto Cape Rodney where we could sea-watch from.
27th November, 2005. Weather now fine, we drove to Waipu Cove. Low tide and was able to walk down to the shore for Fairy Tern. Then drove to Helana Bay and found the river with the Brown Teal. Drove to Keirkeri where we stayed with Detlaff & Carol B&B for NZ$100. Drove to Paihia and returned to Kerikeri. Went out in the evening at 8.00 pm to the Purerua Peninsula with Detlaff & Carol to look for North Island Brown Kiwi, returning around mid-night.
We travelled to the northern end of North Island, this shows the Bay of Islands.
We stayed at Kerikeri for 1 night, and went out with Detlaf Davies and had a superb views of the North Island Kiwi. This picture shows the historic Stonehouse at Kerikeri.
28th November, 2005.Left Kerikeri and drove back to Snells Beach and booked into the Salty Dog Motel for 2 nights on B&B, excellent value at NZ$135 per night with a huge breakfast. Visited Omaha Beach but generally took it easy as we were both feeling tired.
On the journey north we stopped of at Waipu Cove to see the New Zealand race of Fairy Tern.
Looking from the view point to Helena Bay.
Helena Bay
River with Brown Teal at Helena Bay.
Fifty Brown Teals were seen along this river.
29th November, 2005. All day pelagic with Kiwi Wildlife Tours. Left at 10.00 am and first went out to Little Barrier Island and then onto Mokuhinau Islands returning to Sandpit in the dark at 10.00pm. Heavy swell on the sea which made life difficult but no sea-sickness. Superb!!
30th November, 2005. Late start and drove to Murawei Beach and the Gannet colony. Overnight at Snells Beach.
We visited Muriwai Beach to view the Gannet colony.
Australian Gannet colony at Muriwai beach.
1st December, 2005. Visited Omaha Beach and then visited Goat Island and went on a trip on the glass bottom boat before returning to Snells Beach Motel.
2nd December, 2005. Another visit to Wenderholm Regional Park and went for a walk along the walking tracks flushing a roosting Morepork. Then drove out to Shakespeare Regional Park before returning to the Salty Dog Motel at Snells Beach. Had an excellent Guinness Hot Pot here.
Bottlebrush plants were found in Shakespeare Regional Park.
3rd December, 2005. Another all day pelagic from Leigh leaving at 9.00 am. Much smoother sea. Went out past Little Barrier Island to the Mokohinau Islands where we landed for an hour before visiting some nearby stacks looking unsuccessfully for Grey Ternlet and then returning back to Leigh arriving back at 6.00 pm.
Heading out towards the Mokohinau Islands on the Leigh pelagic.
Arriving at the Mokohinau Islands with a splash.
The landing stage at the Mokohinau Islands.
Doreen on the pelagic boat off the Mokohinau Islands.
The Grey Ternlet Stack, unfortunately no Grey Ternlets.
4th December, 2005. Late breakfast and left around 10.00 am driving through Auckland to Mangere Lagooon and surrounding mud-flats. High tide by the time we arrived and little to be seen. Booked into local motel for one night at NZ$89.
5th December, 2005. Morning spent around Mangere Lagoon & tidal mud-flats, raining but much more activity due to tide coming in. Left early afternoon for the airport. Returned car to Hertz and then departed for Heathrow at 6.00 pm.
Our last Kiwi of the trip.
Sunset over Flea Bay Akaroa, with the
White FlipperedPenguins.
Systematic list
Stewart Island Brown Kiwi – Apteryx lawryi
A male and a female, both seen very well, feeding on the beach at Ocean Beach, Stewart Island on 9th November with another 3 being heard. Both birds appear to be feeding on sand-hoppers, and both ran partly towards us before heading back to cover. They must have come to approx. 10 metres from us and without doubt one of the highlights of the trip. Birdlife International (2000) considers this species to be endangered, although Philip Smith feels it is not under any threat at the present time.
North Island Brown Kiwi – Apteryx mantelli
A male and a female were heard calling in a pine forest near Ohakune on the 20th November, with one seen very well and another four heard calling on the Purerua Peninsula on the 27th November. Another superb encounter with a Kiwi. This bird was feeding out in the open on a slope approx. 7 metres from us. It initially walked up the slope away from us for a couple of metres before turning side on. It was possible to see the hairs around the bill. It then made its way off into the undergrowth. Superb!!
Birdlife International (2000) considers it to be endangered and it has been estimated that on North Island it may become extinct in the next 20 years.
North Island Brown Kiwi on the Purerua Penisula
(Taken by Detlaf Davies, Doreen and myself were present when this photograph was taken)
Little Spotted Kiwi – Apteryx owenii
On Kapiti Island, two were seen from down to a few metres and another three heard calling on the 18th November, with a ringed bird seen very well on the 19th with three also heard calling. On Tiritiri Island on the 24th November, a large individual was found on the boardwalk right out in the open at dusk along the Wattle Track with a further 2 which one of the birds virtually ran over Doreen’s foot with another 3 heard calling. Stunning!!
Little Spotted Kiwi – Apteryx owenii
On Kapiti Island, two were seen from down to a few metres and another three heard calling on the 18th November, with a ringed bird seen very well on the 19th with three also heard calling. On Tiritiri Island on the 24th November, a large individual was found on the boardwalk right out in the open at dusk along the Wattle Track with a further 2 which one of the birds virtually ran over Doreen’s foot with another 3 heard calling. Stunning!!
Birdlife International (2000) states that due to its very small range on translocated islands, it is classified as vulnerable and if it continues to increase this could be down-graded to near-threatened.
Great Crested Grebe – Podiceps cristatus australis
Only recorded on four dates all of which were on South Island. Six seen on the 29th October at Lake Ellsmere, 5 on the 2nd November on the drive to Twizal, with singles on the 3rd and 4th in the Twizal area.
New Zealand Dabchick – Poliocephalus rufopectus
Twelve, seen on the 21st November, on Lake Taupo from Tokaanu.
Birdlife International (2000) has classified this species as vulnerable due to its small, fragmented population.
New Zealand Dabchick on Lake Taupo
Wandering Albatross – Diomedea exulans
Thirty seen on the two pelagics out from Kaikoura on the 15th November. The majority were
Gibsons -,gibsoni, but at least 3 were Antipodean – antipodensis. All gave exceptional views just sitting on the sea directly behind the boat.
Birdlife International (2000), has classified these to be vulnerable due to long-line fisheries.
A Wandering glides past our pelagic with the
Kaikoura Mountains in the background.
Three species of Albatross, with a Wandering in the centre,
Southern Royal on the left and Northern Royal on the right
seen on the first Kaikoura pelagic trip.
Wandering (Antipodean) Albatrosses off Kaikoura.
Antipodian Wandering Albatross seen on the two pelagics
which we did off Kaikoura.
This one showed well behind the boat.
Note the brown smudge on the head and neck sides
of Antipodian Wandering Albatross.
Wandering (Gibson’s) Albatrosses off Kaikoura.
Upto 30 Gibson's were seen on our two pelagics off Kaikoura.
Gibson's Wandering Albatross with the snow top
Kaikoura mountains in the background.
They gave exceptional views sat behind our boat.
Almost to close for comfort
Wandering Albatross possibly of the race “exlans” off Kaikoura.
with other Albatrosses.
Northern Royal Albatross – Diomedea epomophora sanfordi
Three seen on the Kaikoura pelagics on the 15th November giving exceptional views.
Birdlife International (2000) has classified this as endangered due a population estimated at only 13,000 with a tiny breeding range and with a population decline of 55% over three generations.
Northern Royal Albatross off Kaikoura.
Only 3 Northern Royals were seen on both of the pelagics.
Southern (left) & Northern Royal Albatrosses off Kaikoura.
Southern (front) and Northern (back) Royal Albatrosses.
The Northern has virtually wholly black wings whereas
the Southern has much mottling white on the wings.
Southern Royal Albatross – Diomedea epomophora
Again three seen on the Kaikoura pelagics on the 15th November. One was sat very close on the sea together with a Northern Royal and this gave very good comparisions.
Birdlife International (2000) has classified this as vulnerable due to a small breeding range on just four islands.
Shows the white mottling on the wings
Southern Royal Albatross off Kaikoura.
Just 3 Southern Royal Albatrosses were seen on these pelagics.
Black Browed Albatross – Thalassarche melanophris melanophris
Just 2 adults seen on the Kaikoura pelagics on the 15th November.
Shy (White Capped) Albatross – Thalassarche cauta steadi
20+ were seen from Jacksons Bay Headland including a party of 8 sitting on the sea close to the shore in the Bay on the 31st October. These had followed a fishing boat into the Bay with a strong onshore wind. Six were seen here on the 1st November. Five were seen on the 12th November going to Ulva Island with 8 on the 13th from the ferry from Stewart Island to Bluff, and 4 on the 15th November from the Kaikoura pelagic.
Shy (Salvins) Albatross – Thalassarche cauta salvini
Two seen from the ferry from Stewart Island on the 13th, and 30 seen on the pelagics from Kaikoura on the 15th November. Two seen on the 17th on the ferry across the Cooks Strait from Picton to Wellington.
Birdlife International (2000), has classified this as vulnerable as it is virtually restricted to one small breeding area.
Shy (Salvins) Albatross off Kaikoura.
We recorded a total of 30 Salvins on these two pelagics.
We also saw Salvin's on the Stewart Island and Cook's
Strait ferry crossings.
Bullers Albatross – Thalassarche bulleri
One seen from the
ferry crossing from Stewart Island to Bluff on the 13th November,
but not assigned to a race, and one seen on the pelagic from Sandspit, Near
Auckland on the 29th November was assigned by local New Zealand
birders as belonging to the Pacific race – platei, due to its darker
grey head.
Birdlife International
(2000) has classified it as vulnerable.
Singles Buller's Albatrosses were seen from the Sandspit pelagic
and from the Stewart Island Ferry.
New Zealand birders assigned the Sandspit Buller's Albatross
to the Pacific race platie due to its darker grey head.
Buller’s Albatross on the pelagic off Sandspit.
Albatross Sp.
Four seen from the Stewart Island ferry on the 9th November, were to far away to be identified, but were considered to be White Capped.
Giant Petrel Sp.
Unidentified Giant Petrels seen as follows: 2 on the 9th November, from the Stewart Island Ferry, 2 on the 14th November on a sea-watch from Kaikoura, 1 on the 17th November from the Cooks Strait Ferry, and 1 on the 3rd December on the pelagic from Leigh.
Northern Giant Petrel – Macronectes halli
One seen on the 14th November on a sea-watch from Kaikoura, and up to 13 seen on the two pelagics out of Kaikoura on the 15th November.
Northern Giant Petrel off Kaikoura- showing the darkish tip to the bill.
Two Northern Giant Petrels fighting over the chum
on the pelagics off Kaikoura.
We recorded 13 Northern Giant Petrels on the 2
pelagics off Kaikoura.
Southern Giant Petrel – Macronectes giganteus
Two seen on the 31st October, in Jacksons Bay, three on the two pelagics out from Kaikoura on the 15th November, 1 on the 18th November feeding on a floating dead whale from Kapiti Island, and 1 on the 29th November on the pelagic out from Sandspit.
Birdlife International (2000), has classified it as vulnerable due mainly to longline fisheries.
Southern Giant Petrel off Kaikoura-showing pale tip to the bill.
Southern Giant Petrel, we saw 3 on the two pelagics off Kaikoura.
Northern & Southern Giant Petrels squabbling.
Buller’s Shearwater – Puffinus bulleri
One seen on the 14th November on a sea-watch from Kaikoura, five seen on the 15th November from the two pelagics from Kaikoura, 18 seen from the ferry, crossing the Cooks Strait on the 17th November, 40 seen on the 26th November on a sea-watch from Cape Rodney, 30 seen on the 29th November from a pelagic out from Sandspit and 70+ seen on the 3rd December on a pelagic from Leigh.
Birdlife International (2000) has classified it as vulnerable due mainly to its very small breeding area and the possible introduction of vermin to these areas.
Buller's Shearwaters were recorded on a number of dates
in New Zealand.
in New Zealand.
We recorded at least 70 Buller's Shearwaters on the pelagic out of Leigh.
Just 5 Buller's Shearwaters were seen on the two pelagics.
We did see more Buller's Shearwaters with 40 on a
sea-watch from Cape Rodney.
Buller’s Shearwater off Kaikoura.
Sooty Shearwater – Puffinus griseus
Recorded on eight dates with a daily maximum of 70 on the 31st October, and up to 400 on the 1st November on sea-watches from Jackson Bay Headland.
Short-Tailed Shearwater – Puffinus tennuirostris
Only see on the 15th November, when 8 came very close on the two pelagics out from Kaikoura.
In total we just saw 8 Short Tailed Shearwaters all were
seen on the two pelagics off Kaikoura.
Short Tailed Shearwater off Kaikoura.
Flesh Footed Shearwater – Puffinus carneipes
200 were seen from a sea-watch from Cape Rodney on the 26th November, 200 were seen on the pelagic out from Sandspit on the 29th November, and 30 were seen on the pelagic out from Leigh on the 3rd December.
Flesh Footed Shearwater off Leigh.
Flesh Footed Shearwater on the pelagic off Sandspit.
In total we saw 200 on the pelagic off Sandspit &
30 on the pelagic off Leigh.
Flesh Footed Shearwater
Fluttering Shearwater – Puffinus gavia
Six seen on the 13th November of Shag Point near Palmerston, 100 seen on the 16th in Queen Charlotte Sound and 300 from the ferry, crossing the Cook’s Strait on the 17th. One on the 19th off Kapiti Island, with 7 on the 24th , and 1 on the 25th near Tiritiri Island. 200 were seen on the 26th from Cape Rodney and 300 from the pelagic from Sandspit on the 29th. Six on the 1st December near Goat Island and 40 on the pelagic from Leigh on the 3rd December.
Fluttering Shearwaters were seen on our cruise in
the Queen Charlottte Sound off Picton.
In total we recorded 100 in the Queen Charlotte Sound.
Fluttering Shearwaters in Queen Charlotte Sound.
We also saw 300 Fluttering Shearwaters on the ferry
crossing the Cook's Strait.
Hutton’s Shearwater – Puffinus huttoni
300 seen on a sea-watch from Kiikouri on the 14th November, with 150 seen on the pelagics from Kaikoura on the 15th.
Birdlife International (2000) classifies this as endangered as breeding is restricted to just two colonies which may be losing burrows.
Little Shearwater – Puffinus assimilis haurakiensis
Five seen on the pelagic out of Sandspit on the 29th November with 3 on the pelagic from Leigh on the 3rd December. The race haurakiensis breeds on the Mokohinau Islands in the Hauraki Gulf and these Islands were visited on these two pelagics and the birds were seen close to these islands.
Common Diving Petrel – Pelecanoides urinatrix urinatrix
Fifty were seen on the 9th and 13th November from the ferry while crossing the Foveaux Crossing, with 2 on the 17th crossing the Cook’s Strait. Ten were seen on the 29th November on the pelagic from Sandspit, with 5 on the 3rd December on the pelagic from Leigh. Many were close to the boat and could be positively identified.
White Chinned Petrel – Procellaria aequinoctialis aequinoctialis
About 5 were seen on the two pelagics from Kaikoura on the 15th November.
Birdlife International (2000) now considers this species to be vulnerable due to recent massive mortality in longline fisheries.
Just make out the white chin.
White Chinned Petrels off Kaikoura.
In total we saw 5 White Chinned Petrels on these trips.
Westland Black Petrel – Procellaria westlandica
Five followed a fishing boat into Jackson Bay and spent some time lingering in the Bay close to the shore on the 31st October, and up to 100 were seen on the two pelagics off Kaikoura on the 15th November.
Birdlife International (2000) classifies this as vulnerable as it is restricted to one very small area when breeding with a world population estimated at 20,000 birds.
Westland Black Petrel off Kaikoura.
Westland Black Petrels with Shy Albatross off Kaikoura.
Westland Black Petrel (in wing moult) off Kaikoura.
We saw 100 on the two pelagics off Kaikoura.
We also saw 5 Westland Black Petrels close to the shore
in Jackson Bay.
Parkinson’s Black Petrel – Procellaria parkinsoni
Twenty were seen on pelagic off Sandspit on the 29th November.
Birdlife International (2000) qualifies this species as vulnerable with a world population estimated at 5,000 birds and it only breeds on two small islands.
Parkinson's Black Petrel, 20 were seen on the pelagic off Sandspit.
Parkinson's Black Petrel just breeds on two islands and the
breeding population has been estimated at just 5,000 birds.
Parkinsons can be i/d from White Chinned by its all white bill.
Parkinson's Black Petrel.
Parkinson’s Black Petrels off Stanspit.
Cape Petrel – Daption capense
One seen on the 9th November and 15 on the 13th while crossing the Foveaux Strait, 50 were seen on the 15th on the two pelagics out from Kaikoura, and 1 seen on the 29th on the pelagic from Sandspit. Both races capense and australe were identified.
Fifty Cape Petrels were seen on the two pelagics off Kaikoura.
Cape Petrels were also seen when crossing the Foveaux
Strait and on the Sandspit pelagic.
Fairy Prion – Pachyptila turtur
One seen on the 15th November on a pelagic off Kaikoura, with 30 on the 29th November on the pelagic off Sandspit and 200 on the pelagic of Leigh on the 3rd December. On the later date many of these came very close to the boat feeding on the chum and many would dive under the sea.
Fairy Prions feeding and seen from the pelagic off Leigh.
Up to 200 were seen on this pelagic, coming close to the
vessel after chum. They would often dive below the surface
We also saw 30 on the pelagic off Leigh.
Fairy Prions off Leigh, They proved difficult to photograph due to the sea colouration.
Cook’s Petrel – Pterodroma cookii
A staggering 800 were estimated on the pelagic of Sandspit on the 29th November. There was quite a large swell on the sea and many flew very close to our boat giving excellent views. As we returned to Sandspit during the evening and to dusk there was a constant passage passing our boat in parties of up to 15 birds which were no doubt returning to their breeding colonies. Superb. Also 100 were seen on the pelagic off Leigh on the 3rd December. On this occasion the sea was very calm, and many birds were sat on the sea.
Birdlife International (2000) classifies this species as endangered as it is restricted to just three islands and there is a danger it will loose one location in the near future. World population estimated at 100,000 birds.
In the rough weather we had on the pelagic off Stanspit,
a minimum of 800 Cooks Petrels were seen, many passing
very close to the vessel.
Cook’s Petrels of Stanspit.
Cooks Petrel - We also saw 100 on the Leigh pelagic.
It was very educational to compare Cooks with Pycrofts
and several were seen close to one another.
Cook’s Petrel landed on board off Auckland.
Pycroft’s Petrel – Pterodroma pycrofti.
This is a very difficult species to identify, and we considered that at least 3 and possibly up to 10 were present on the pelagic of Sandspit on the 29th November, the day when large numbers of Cook’s Petrels were also seen. At least 1 and possibly 3 birds were seen on the pelagic of Leigh on the 3rd December. On two occasions, one on each day, one Pycroft was seen flying very close to a Cooks. The Pycrofts always appeared darker crowned with a more prominent dark eye patch and more conspicuous darker patch on the side of the neck. The W mark across the wings were less noticeable and the upperparts appeared slightly darker. The structure of the two birds appeared very similar and I could not with certain see any differences with the bills or wings and I could not make out the slightly wedge shaped tail. On the 29th, one Pycrofts circled our boat on three occasions and this bird had very dark upperparts, much darker than the nearby Cooks and lacked any W mark whatsoever on the upper-wings. It was a very distinctive bird.
It was of interest that most of our sightings of Pycrofts occurred very close to the Mokshinau Islands in the Hakuari Gulf. On the 3rd, we landed on these Islands and met 2 scientists who informed us that they had been trapping Petrels during the last 2 weeks by dazzling them at night and that they had trapped more Pycrofts than Cooks. They informed me that they could quickly tell these by their softer plumage, lighter weight, wing and bill measurements and the slight wedge tailed. As far as plumage went, they found this more difficult working under torch but agreed with the darker head and eye patch.
Birdlife International (2000), classifies this as vulnerable as it is restricted to only four tiny island groups, with an estimated world population of 20,000 birds.
Pycrofts Petrel showing dark cap, slightly shorter finer bill & wedge-shaped tail.
Possible Pycrofts, showing darkish cap and more extensive black on the under-primaries.
Pycrofts Petrel, showing blackish cap small bill & wedge-shaped tail.
Pycrofts showing dark cap & dark under- primaries
Mottled Petrel – Pterodroma inexpectata
One passed our boat at medium distance on the 3rd December on the pelagic off Leigh, near Little Barrier Island. Although only seen by myself (JFC), I did call the bird but the other observers were unable to pick it up. It had the typical Pterodroma fast flight and I saw it well on three occasions. Larger than Cooks with whitish throat and dark smudgy breast and belly with white undertails. Upperparts grey with W mark across wings.The white under wings had a much broader blacker boarder of the front of the under wings than in Cooks. With my previous experience of many Mottled Petrels in the Sub-Antarctic, I was certain of my identification, although this species is rarely seen off North Island, New Zealand.
Grey Faced Petrel – Pterodroma macroptera gouldi
Six seen on the 15th November on the pelagics off Kaikoura.
Grey Faced Petrels off Kaikoura.
New Zealand Storm Petrel – Oceanites maorianus
After much searching and chumming on the 29th November on the pelagic off Sandspit, a single individual flew directly to our boat at around 7.00 pm, just as we were about to depart and spent 15 minutes coming and going to the chum. Medium size storm petrel with large whitish stripe extending about ¾ down the underside of the wings. Upperparts blackish with large whitish rump. Blackish face and upper breast becoming white on lower breast and belly with a fair amount of fine blackish streaking. Flight very distinctive, keeping very low to the water, with a fast direct flight with no change of direction or height. I did not see it walk on the water. Chris who organises these pelagics informed us that it was quite a dusky looking individual compared with others he had seen. Superb, and one of the highlights of our trip.
Birdlife International (2000) this species was considered to be extinct. It is known only from putative fossil materials and from three specimens collected in the 19th Century of the Banks Peninsula, South Island.
It was re-discovered in the last 5 years and is now seen fairly regular in very small numbers but its breeding locations are not known as yet. One has recently landed on a fishing boat and measurements, pictures etc have been made.
New Zealand Storm Petrel off Sandspit.
New Zealand Storm Petrel in the Hauraki Gulf
(This Photo taken by Hadoran Shirihai)
White Faced Storm Petrel – Pelagodroma marina maoriana
Forty seen on the pelagic off Sandspit on the 29th November and 80+ many giving very good views were seen on the pelagic off Leigh on the 3rd. Superb.
In total we saw 80+ on the pelagic off Leigh and 40
on the pelagic off Sandspit.
White Faced Storm Petrels off Leigh
White Faced Storm Petrels were not only one of the highlights
of the pelagic but also of our New Zealand trip.
Yellow Eyed Penguin – Megadyptes antipodes
Just one seen on Ocean Beach, Stewart Island at night on the 9th November.
Birdlife International (2000), has classified this as endangered, with a world population estimated at only 4,000 birds. It is the worlds rarest penguin.
Blue Penguin – Eudyptula minor
Recorded on 11 dates with a daily maximum of 40 on the 9th on Stewart Island. It was recorded throughout New Zealand, on North Island, South Island & Stewart Island.
White Flippered Blue Penguin – Eudyptula minor albosignata
300 of this distinctive race were seen during the evening of the 28th October at Flea Bay Near Akaroa. Majority were swimming in the Bay, but others seen coming ashore and several were in the nest-boxes.
White Flippered Penguin in its nest box at Flea Bay.
Fiordland Crested Penguin – Eudyptes pachyrhynchus
Two seen close in on the sea off the headland at Jackson’s Bay on the 31st October, with 3 there on the 1st November including one stood on the beach. Four seen stood on the beach in Milford Sound on the 6th November.
Birdlife International (2000), has classified this as vulnerable as it has a small population which is in decline. World population estimated at a maximum of 6,000.
Fiordland Crested Penguin on the beach in the Millford Sound.
Australian Gannet – Morus serrator
Recorded on twelve dates with a colony of around 1,000 birds at Muriwai Beach on the 30th November and a colony of 300 birds seen on a stack near the Mokohinau Islands on the 29th November and 3rd December.
Great Cormorant – Phalacrocorax carbo novaehollandiae
Only identified on 11 dates in small numbers.
Pied Cormorant – Phalacrocorax varius varius
Recorded on 17 dates with a daily maximum of 20 on the 1st December.
Pied Cormorant on Omaha Causeway
Little Black Shag – Phalacrocorax sulcirostris
Just identified in small numbers on 10 dates. Recorded on both North & South Islands but it proved to be commoner on North Island, with a daily maximum of 8 on the 30th October around Lake Brunner.
Little Pied Cormorant – Phalacrocorax melanoleucos brevirostris
Recorded in small numbers on 15 dates, which included several of the white throated phase.
Spotted Shag – Stictocarbo punctatus
The race punctatus was recorded in fair numbers on 9 dates on both North & South Islands with a daily maximum of 50 near Akaroa. The race oliveri was recorded in small numbers on five dates on Stewart Island & at Bluff. 100 seen at Shag Rocks, Palmerston on the 13th were not separated.
We decided to visit Ulva Island today and this adult and
immature Spotted Shags (of the race oliveri) were in the small harbour where
the ferry goes from on Stewart Island.
Adult and Immature Spotted Shags off Stewart Island.
Spotted Shags off Shag Point.
King Shag – Leucocarbo carunculatus
Twenty, seen at their breeding site in the Queen Charlotte Sound, on the 16th November.
Birdlife International (2000), classifies them as vulnerable due to its very small population of only 600 birds and to its very restrictive breeding range.
King Shag breeding colony.
King Shags in Queen Charlotte Sound.
Stewart Island Shag – Phalacrocorax chalconotus
Recorded in small numbers on all four dates on Stewart Island with a daily maximum of 8 on the 11th November and also 40 recorded at Shag Rocks at Palmerston on the 13th. Odd bronze phase birds were also seen on Stewart Island.
Birdlife International (2000), classifies this as vulnerable due to only a few breeding sites and these are subject to disturbance.
As well as the normal colour phase of the Stewart Island Shag
there were also a number of the bronze colour phase.
Both colour phases of the Stewart Island Shag at Shag Rock.
Stewart Island Shags on Shag Rock.
Pacific Reef Heron – Egretta sacra sacra
Singles seen on the 31st October at Jackson’s Bay Headland and on the 29th November at Sandspit Harbour. Both were dark phase birds.
Great White Heron – Ardea alba modesta
Four seen at Okarito Lagoon on the 31st October.
White Faced Heron – Egretta novaehollandiae novaehollandiae
Recorded in fair numbers on 24 dates with a daily maximum of 30 on the 27th October at Lake Ellsmere.
White Faced Heron near the Mangere Lagoon. Good numbers were
seen throughout our trip.
Nankeen Night Heron – Nycyicorax caledonicus hilli
Just a single adult bird, found in the Royal Spoonbill colony on Kapiti Island, on the 19th November.
A distant Nankeen Night Heron on Kapiti Island.
Royal Spoonbill – Platalea regia
35 seen resting at Lake Ellsmere on the 29th October, one seen on the 15th November at Kaikoura, a breeding colony with 29 pairs at Kapiti Island on the 19th, with singles on the 23rd at Miranda and on the 5th at Mangere Lagoon.
Royal Spoonbills on Kapiti Island.We visited the Royal Spoonbill breeding colony with 29 pairs
along the beach on Kapiti Island.
We also recorded 35 at Lake Ellsmere.
Also saw singles at several other sites.
Black Swan – Cygnus atratus
Recorded on 14 dates with daily maximums of 1,000 on the 29th October at Lake Ellsmere and 400 on the 21st November at Lake Taupo.
Canada Goose – Branta canadensis maxima
Recorded in small numbers on 8 dates with a daily maximum of 50.
Paradise Shelduck – Tadorna variegata
Recorded in small numbers virtually daily, with a daily maximum of 30 on the 29th October.
Drake Paradise Shelduck at Mt. Cook.
Female Paradise Shelduck with young at Mt. Cook.
Blue Duck – Hymenolaimus malacorhynchos hymenolaimus
Two adults and 2 full grown young were found along the Manganuioteao River near Ruatiti on the 21st November, and one of the adults would fly upstream and then float back down on the rapids. A single adult was seen from down to 20 metres along this river by Ruatiti Domaine on the 22nd, and gave superb views, when the unusual under-side of the bill could be clearly seen. Another highlight of the trip.
Birdlife International (2000), classifies this as vulnerable due to its very small world population of 2440 birds.
A friendly local lady told us of a good site to see Blue Duck.
It obligingly walked up onto a large rock and we were both
able to approach it closely.
The previous day we had found a family party of 4
Blue Ducks on the river but we had to look down on
them from a long distance.
Blue Duck at Ruatiti Dormaine.Mallard – Anas platyrhynchos platyrhynchos
Good numbers were seen but many were hybrids with the following specie, and it was recorded on 25 dates.
Pacific Black (Grey) Duck – Anas superciliosa superciliosa
Recorded on 16 dates in small numbers with the daily maximum of 30 on the 4th & 5th December along the canal at Managere. As with the previous specie, many hybrids were seen as well.
Australian Shoveler – Anas rhynchotis variegata
This attractive duck was recorded on 11 dates with a daily maximum of 200 on the 28th October at the top end of Lake Ellsmere.
Grey Teal – Anas gracilis
Only recorded on eight dates with maximums of 70 at the top end of Lake Ellsmere on the 28th October and 40 on Managere Lagoon on the 5th December.
Brown Teal – Anas (aucklandica) chlorotis
Two adults and 2 young seen in the Wellington Sanctuary on the 17th November, 1 present on the main lagoon at Miranda during the evening on the 22nd but had gone by the nest day. Three adults seen on Tiritiri on the 24th with 2 adults and 2 very small young they’re on the 25th, and 50 along the very small river near Helena Bay on the 27th November.
Birdlife International (2000), classifies this as endangered due to its very small range and a small world population of only 1,800 birds.
Brown Teal at the Wellington Sanctuary.
Family party of Brown Teal on the river near Helena Bay.
Pair of Brown Teal of Tiritiri Mantanga Island.
Brown Teal in the Wellington Sanctuary Reserve.
Pair of Brown Teal in the Wellington Sanctuary Reserve.
New Zealand Scaup – Aythya novaeseelandiae
Recorded on 11 dates, with maximums of 30 in the Twizel area on the 2nd November, and 40 at Lake Taupo from Tokaanu on the 21st November.
New Zealand Scaup near Twizel.
Swamp (Australasian) Harrier – Circus approximans
Recorded virtually daily in small numbers with the daily maximum seen was 10 on the 4th November.
Australian Harrier flushed by the road-side on our way to Ruatiti.
New Zealand Falcon – Falco novaeseelandiae
A single bird past me at 10 metres range low over the beach at Lake Wanaka, and a second bird flew down the river valley calling and being mobbed by Tui’s near Ruatiti on the 22nd November.
Pheasant – Phasianus colchicus
Just a single female seen by the side of the road on 27th October on the drive to Kerikeri.
Indian Peafowl – Pavo cristatus
Two seen on the 27th November on the Purerua Peninsula, and a single male displaying at Shakespeare Regional Park on the 2nd December.
Peacock displaying in Shakespeare Regional Park
Wild Turkey – Meleagris gallopavo
Just 2 seen, roosting on a gate, on the Purerua Peninsula on the 27th November.
California Quail – Callipepla californica
Recorded on 8 dates with a daily maximum of 12 on the 16th November. A pair with 4 young were seen on the 27th November near Kerikeri.
Male California Quails near Invarcargill.
Brown Quail – Synoicus ypsilophorus
Only seen on Tiritiri Matangi Island with 8 on the 24th November and 15 on the 25th.
Brown Quail on Tiritiri Mantanga Island.
We only saw Brown Quail on Tititiri.
We had 8 on our first day and 15 on our second day.
Weka – Gallirallus australis
Race australis recorded in the Lake Brunner area with 6 on the 29th and 30th October, and 8 0n the 31st, with two on an island in Queen Charlotte Sound on the 16th November. The race scotti was seen on Stewart & Ulva Islands, with 12 on the 10th November, one on the 11th and 3 on the 12th. The race australis was also recorded on Kapiti Island with 16 on the 18th November, 10 on the 19th and 4 on the 20th.
I had an encounter with a Weka during the night when I was looking for Greater Spotted Kiwi at 3.00am in the morning. I had played a tape of the Kiwi when a Weka called back. I could then hear it snorting on the pathway ahead of me. I put the torch on it, and it started to run at me .It must have realised that I was much larger than a Kiwi, and crouched very low walking sheepishly around me until it disappeared back into the forest.
Birdlife International (2000), has classified this as vulnerable due to a rapid decline in the population on the mainland.
Weka (race australis) on Kapiti Island.
Weka of the race australis were seen around Lake Brunner.
Weka (race scotti) on Ulva Island
We had up to 8 Wekas on a day at Lake Brunner.
Weka belonging to the race scotti on Ulva Island.
We saw 12 on one day while on Stewart Island.
Weka on Ulva Island.
Buff Banded Rail – Gallirallus philippensis assimilis
A single bird showed well in the late afternoon in the reeds on the main lagoon at Miranda on the 22nd November.
Buff Banded Rail at Miranda.
Spotless Crake – Porzana tabuensis plumbea
A single adult was seen on a small pool by the quay on Tiritiri Matangi Island on the 24th November, and 2 adults with 2 very small young showed very well in the early morning on this pool on the 25th
A distant Spotless Crake with 1 young, a pair were breeding at the
back of the pool on Tiritiri
Takahe – Porphyrio mantelli hochstetteri
Three seen near the quay on Kapiti Island on the 18th November with 2 different birds seen on the north section of Kapiti on the 19th. Two were seen on Tiritiri Matangi Island on both the 24th & 25th November.
Birdlife International (2000), has classified this species as endangered due to its very low world population of 220, but this population is now slowly increasing.
We just saw two on both days on Tiritiri Mantanga Island.
Purple Swamphen – Porphyrio porphyrio melanotus Recorded on a total of 18 dates with a daily maximum of 50 on the 5th December.
Purple Swamphen on Tiritiri Mantanga Island, were common throughout New Zealand.European (Australian) Coot – Fulica atra australis
Only seen on five dates, with a daily maximum of 20 on the 2nd November in the Twizel area.
South Island Pied Oystercatcher – Haematopus finschi
Recorded on a total of 20 dates with a maximum of 500+ roosting at Miranda on both the 22nd & 23rd November. Also 100 roosting near Leigh on the 26th.
South Island Pied Oystercatcher at Akaroa Bay.
Variable Oystercatcher – Haematopus unicolor
Common around the coasts and recorded in small numbers on 24 dates. Daily maximum was 40 near Leigh on the 26th November. All three colour phases were seen but the black colour phase was by far the commonest.
Variable Oystercatcher at Waipu Cove , they were common
around the beaches.
Variable Oystercatchers showing different colour phases.
Three colour phases of the Variable Oystercatcher, and I found
the black colour phase to be the commonest.
Masked (Spur Winged) Plover – Vanellus miles novaehollandiae
Recorded on 26 dates with a daily maximum of 60 on the 3rd November in the Twizel area.
Adult Masked Lapwing near Twizel.
White Headed (Pied) Stilt – Himantopus leucocephalus
Common and recorded on 20 dates in fair numbers, with a daily maximum of 150 on the Mangere Lagoon on the 5th December. A number of hybrids between White Headed x Black Stilts were seen around the Twizel area and also one at Miranda on the 23rd November.
White Headed Stilt on Kapiti Island.
They were common throughout New Zealand at suitable locations
with a daily maximum of 150 on the Mangere Lagoon near Auckland Airport.
Black Stilt – Himantopus novaezelandiae
After much searching in the Twizel area for two days a party of 4 including 3 adults & 1 sub-adult were found where the braided river comes into Lake Pukaki near Mount Cook on the 2nd November. On returning to this area about 3 hours later, having found a track down to the lake-side, the four birds were still present and while watching these a party of 7 flew in and landed close to them. This party comprised of 2 sub-adults and 5 juvenile plumage birds making a total of 11 birds in all, nice telescope views for 30 minutes but just to far for photographs. With a world population of only 70 birds, we were watching 15% of the world’s population in one small area.
Birdlife International (2000), classifies this species as critical, it is the rarest and one of the most threatened shorebird in the world. The Dept. of Conservation now takes all the eggs laid in the wild to incubate these in special aviaries.
Double Banded Plover – Charadrius bicinctus bicinctus
Only seen around the Twizel, with 6 on the 2nd November, 40 on the 3rd and 15 on the 4th.
Double Banded Plover only recorded in the Twizel area with a daily
maximum of 40.
Red Breasted (New Zealand) Dotterel – Charadrius obscurus aquilonius
Three with 1 large young found on the beach at Wenderholm Regional Park on the 26th November, with 1 there on the 2nd December. Twelve at Waipu Cove on the 27th November with 8 at Omaha Beach on the 28th November and the 1st December.
Birdlife International (2000), classifies this as vulnerable with a world population estimated at 1600 birds.
New Zealand Dotterel at Waipu Cove.
Twelve New Zealand Dotterels were found at Waipu Cove.
There was also several pairs breeding in the sand dunes
at Omaha Beach.
New Zealand Dotterel.
Pacific Golden Plover – Pluvialis fulva
Only seen at Miranda with 6 on the 22nd November and 8 on the 23rd.
Red Knot – Calidris canutus rogersi
30 were seen on the 22nd November, with 500 at the high tide roost on the 23rd at Miranda. 20 were seen on the 27th at Waipu Cove with 1 at Omaha Beach on the 28th. 700 came into roost at Mangere on the 5th December.
The population which winters in New Zealand breeds on the Chukotsk Peninsula, Russia.
Curlew Sandpiper – Calidris ferruginea
Just a single bird seen at Miranda on the 22nd November.
Wrybill – Anarhynchus frontalis
Four were found on the Ahuriri River at Omarama on the 4th November, with 15 at Miranda on the 22nd and 80 on the 23rd. On this date many birds were coming into bathe where a stream came into the sea by the campervan beach site. Very close views were obtained with birds almost at our feet. Two were seen at Mangere on the 5th December. Superb and one of the highlights of the trip!!
Birdlife International (2000), has classified this as vulnerable with a decreasing world population estimate at 5,000 birds. In the 19th century, it was recorded in flocks of thousands.
Four Wrybills were found on their breeding grounds along
the braided Ahuriri river at Omarama.
We had 80 Wrybills on our second day at Miranda.
As the tide was coming in, they came into a stream which
was entering the sea to bathe.
Wrybills at Miranda.
The World population of Wrybill has been estimated at
only 5,000 birds.
only 5,000 birds.
Ruddy Turnstone – Arenaria interpres
Three were seen on the 23rd November at Miranda with 6 at Waipu Cove on the 27th.
Terek Sandpiper – Xenus cinereus
A single bird came into the high tide roost on the shellbanks at Miranda on the 23rd November.
Sharp Tailed Sandpiper – Calidris acuminata
Only seen on the main lagoon at Miranda with 6 on the 22nd November and 10 on the 23rd.
American Pectoral Sandpiper – Calidris melanotos
Two were present with the Sharp Tailed Sandpipers at Miranda on the 22nd November.
Bar Tailed Godwit – Limosa lapponica baueri
The Eastern race baueri of the Bar Tailed Godwit with a very speckled rump was recorded as follows: 1 on the 31st October at Okarito Lagoon, 4 on the 7th November at Awarua Bay. At Miranda, 500 on the 22nd and 800 on the 23rd. 10 on the 26th, and 70 on the 28th at Omaha Beach. 40 at Waipu Cove on the 27th. At Mangere, 40 were seen on the 4th December with 300 at high tide on the 5th.
Eastern race bauer of Bar-tailed Godwit, 70 were seen on
Omaha Beach.
Bar Tailed Godwit (Eastern race) showing barred
rump at Omaha Beach.
Hudsonian Godwit – Limosa haemastica
One was found by myself with Bar Tailed Godwits flying into Mangere Lagoon at high tide on the 5th December. The black on the auxiliaries and under-wings was very striking.
Black Tailed Godwit – Limosa limosa melanuroides
Just one of the Eastern Pelearctic race melanuroides was found feeding on the Mangere Lagoon on the 5th December. Unfortunately, it only had one leg.
Arctic Skua – Stercorarius parasiticus
Singles seen on the 16th November in the Queen Charlotte Sound, on the 17th in the Cooks Strait, and on the 3rd December on the pelagic off Leigh with 2 off Miranda on the 23rd November.
Brown Skua – Catharacta Antarctica lonnbergi
One was seen on the 31st October off Jackson’s Bay Headland, with 3 from the ferry crossing the Foveaux Strait from Stewart Island on the 13th November.
Kelp Gull – Larus dominicanus
Very common, & widespread, and seen virtually daily. 1,000 breeding pairs were estimated on Kapiti Island on the 19th November.
Adult Kelp Gull on Kapiti Island, with a breeding estimate of
1,000 pairs on the Island.
Red Billed Gull – Larus scopulinus
Common and widespread. Recorded in good numbers virtually daily.
Red Billed Gull at Cape Rodney
Black Billed Gull at the lake at Te Anu.
Caspian Tern – Sterna caspia Recorded in small numbers on 13 dates with a daily maximum of 8 on the 27th November at Waipu Cove.
White Fronted Tern – Sterna striata striata Recorded on 25 dates in fair numbers with a daily maximum of 100 on the 22nd and 23rd November, at Miranda.
Breeding colony of White Fronted Terns at Miranda
We also saw 100 at Miranda.
Common/Arctic Tern – Sterna hirundo/paradisaea Two in winter plumage passed the ferry on the Foveaux Strait, from Stewart Island on the 13th November. Arctic Tern is the most probable.
Black Fronted Tern – Sterna albostriata
This very attractive tern was only seen around Twizel, with 30 on the 2nd November, 50 on the 3rd and 15 on the 4th. Superb!!
Birdlife International (2000) has classified it as endangered due to a very rapid decline in the population and the world population is estimated at fewer than 10,000 birds.
Black Fronted Tern near Twizel.
Fairy Tern – Sterna nereis davisae
Just 2 of the race davisae were found breeding at Waipu Cove on the 27th November. This race is very endangered with only about 40 birds left. To my eye, it appeared shorter tailed and stockier than our Little Tern.
New Zealand Pigeon – Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae novaeseelandiae
Widespread in low numbers and recorded on 22 dates in total with a daily maximum of 30 seen on the 18th & 19th November on Kapiti Island.
We logged 30 on both of our days on Kapiti Island.
Although widespread they were generally only seen
in small numbers in New Zealand.
New Zealand Pigeon on Kapiti Island.Barbary Dove – Streptopelia roseogrisea
Just 2 seen sitting on telegraph wires at Kerikeri on the 27th November.
Spotted Dove – Streptopelia chinensis
Three seen on the 4th December, and 1 on the 5th around Mangere.
Kea – Nestor notabilis
Seen at Arthur’s Pass with 3 on the 29th October and 7 on the 30th. Four seen at Homer Tunnel on the 5th November with 10 on the 6th. They were attacking the parked cars.
Birdlife International (2000), classifies this as vulnerable with a declining population estimated around 5,000 birds.
Keas at the Homer Tunnel.
Stopped at Arthur's Pass and soon located the Kea, or more.
accurately they located our car.
Up to 7 Keas were seen at Arthurs Pass, they have a
passion for rubber windscreen wipers.
Kaka – Nestor meridionalis
The race meridionalis was recorded as follows: Four on the 5th November flying over the forest near Lake Gunn Nature Reserve. Recorded on Stewart Island with 10 on the 9th November, 15 on the 10th and 10 on the 11th and 12th.
The race septentrionalis was recorded as follows: 3 on the 17th at the Sanctuary, Wellington, Up to 20 seen on the three dates on Kapiti Island on the 17th, 18th, & 19th, 6 on the 29th flying over Little Barrier Island, 8 on the 1st December near Goat Island and 3 on the 3rd flying over Leigh.
Birdlife International (2000), classifies this as vulnerable due to a decline in its population due to predation from introduced mammals, with an estimated world population of a maximum of 10,000 birds.
Kaka feeding on our balcony on Stewart Island.
On Stewart Island, Kaka belonged to the race meridionalis
Kaka on Ulva Island
Eastern Rosella – Platycercus eximius eximius
Two seen in the Wellington Sanctuary on the 17th November, 3 seen at Wenderholm Regional Park on the 25th with 2 on the 26th and 1 seen there on the 2nd December. Six on the 27th November en-route to Helena Bay.
Yellow Fronted Parakeet – Cyanoramphus auriceps
Three seen on the 1st November, with 1 on the 2nd at Haast Pass and 8 on the 10th on Ulva Island.
Red Fronted Parakeet – Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae novaezelandiae
Recorded on all four dates on Stewart /Ulva Islands with 4 on the 9th November, 2 on the 10th, 3 on the 11th and 10 on the 12th. Recorded on all three dates on Kapiti Island with 15 on the 18th, 20 on the 19th and 2 on the 20th. Recorded both dates on Tiritiri Mantanga Island with 15 on the 24th and 10 on the 25th. Five seen on the 29th on Little Barrier Island and 5 seen on the 3rd December on the Mokohinau Islands.
Red Fronted Parakeet on Tiritiri Manganga Island.Upto 15 Red Crowned Parakeets were seen on Tiritiri.
Shining Bronze Cuckoo – Chrysococcyx auriceps
One seen and heard on the walk to Ackers Point, Stewart Island on the 10th November with others heard at Bushy Point on the 8th November, and on the 17th, 18th 19th November and the 3rd December.
Long Tailed (Cuckoo) Koel – Eudynamys taitensis
Heard on Kapiti Island on the 18th & 19th November with one being seen mobbed by Tui’s on the 19th.
Morepork – Ninox novaeseelandiae novaeseelandiae
One seen very well and also heard, taped out onto the suspension bridge at Lake Brunner on the 30th October. One seen on the 11th November near Ocean Beach, Stewart Island. Up to 3 heard on Kapiti Island on the 18th & 19th November, with one heard on the 27th on the Purerua Peninsula and one seen during the day time at Wenderholm Regional Park on the 2nd December.
Sacred Kingfisher – Todirhamphus sanctus vagan
Recorded on 21 dates with a daily maximum of 15 on the 27th November.
Welcome Swallow – Hirundo neoxena neoxena
Common and widespread. Recorded on 32 dates with a daily maximum of 30 on the 28th November.
Welcome Swallows on Tiritiri Mantanga Island
Rifleman – Acanthisitta chloris
Four of the race chloris were seen along the Bridal Track at Haast Pass on the 1st November with 1 here on the 2nd. One was also seen at Kaikoura on the 14th.
Only 1 of the race granti was briefly seen on the 22nd November at the start of the Blyths Track along the Mountain Road at Ohakune.
Rock Wren – Xenicus gilviventris
A stunning male was seen at the start of the loop trail at Homer Tunnel on the 5th and 6th November. It came hopping right out in front of us, standing on a rock bobbing up and down. It reminded us of a miniature Pitta with its very long legs and virtually no tail. It would disappear by going down into very low scrub amongst the rocks and would not show again. Superb!! Another highlight of the trip.
Rock Wren at the Homer Tunnel area.
Silvereye – Zosterops lateralis lateralis
Recorded on in small numbers on 26 dates, with a daily maximum of 20 at Akaroa on the 28th October.
Grey Gerygone (Warbler) – Gerygone igata
Recorded on 14 dates but it was commoner on South Island than North Island. Daily maximum of 8 on the 31st October.
Blackbird – Turdus merula
Very common and widespread, with up to 60 seen daily.
Song Thrush – Turdus philomelos
Very common and widespread and seen on all the days bar 2. Up to 30 seen daily.
Dunnock – Prunella modularis
Seen on 13 dates but only in small numbers with a daily maximum of three.
Skylark – Alauda arvensis
Recorded in low numbers on 25 dates with a daily maximum of four.
Australasian (New Zealand) Pipit - Anthus novaeseelandiae novaeseelandiae
Two seen on our way to Flea Bay on 28th October, 2 seen at Awaura Bay on the 7th November, 2 showed very closely by our cabin on the 19th on Kapiti Island and 4 on the 21st along the road-side leading over Tongariro National Park.
To my eye, this pipit is very distinct in New Zealand and may very well be a full species.
New Zealand (Australasian) Pipit on Kapiti Island.
Although still lumped with Australasian Pipit, the New Zealand
Pipit is very distinct in plumage.
We only saw 2 New Zealand Pipits on Kapiti and in total
we only recorded 10 at four sites during our trip.
New Zealand Pipit on Kapiti Island.
Fernbird – Megalurus punctatus
The race punctatus was seen at Bushy Point, Invarcargill, with 2 on the 7th November and 5 on the 8th. They gave excellent views some almost creeping over our feet. The race vealeae was seen in reeds on the edge of Lake Taupo from the wharf at Tokaanu, with just one, which showed very well on the 21st November.
The tail is different between these two races with the South Island race having a fuller more rounded tail whereas the North Island race has a much more spiky tail.The South Island race also appeared to have a more striking white supercillium.
Fernbirds at Bushy Point.
The main difference between the two races is the tail, being fuller
more rounded on the South Is. race and a spiky tail on the North Is. race.
Four seen on the 30th October in the Arnold River Forest at Lake Brunner, 1 on the Bridal Trail at Haast Pass on the 1st November. Ten on the 10th and the 12th on Ulva Island, and finally 4 on the 14th at Kaikoura.
We saw 10 Brown Creepers on both days we visited Ulva Island.
Brown Creeper on Ulva Island.
Whitehead – Mohoua albicilla
Thirty seen on the 18th November, and 8 on the 19th on Kapiti Island, with 18 on the 24th and 20 on the 25th on Tiritiri Mantangi Island.
Whiteheads on Kapiti Island.
Yellowhead – Mohoua ochrocephala
A pair were seen on the Bridal track at Haast Pass on the 1st & 2nd November, and on the later date they were watched carrying nest-material mainly of lichen, also on the 2nd we had a further bird about a mile along the road from the Bridal Track nearer the summit.
Two were seen with others heard on Ulva Island on the 10th. Lovely birds reminded us of a Prothonotary Warbler.
Birdlife International (2000), has classified this as vulnerable due to a declining population.
Poor pictures of a Yellowhead taken in poor light on Ulva Island.
We saw 2 with others heard on Ulva Island. We also saw them near
the summit on theBridal Track at Haast Pass, and they were
carrying nest material.
Grey Fantail – Rhipidura fuliginosa placabilis /fuliginosa
Recorded on 23 dates on all Islands with a daily maximum of 8. Black phase birds were only seen on South Island with 1 on the 30th October at Lake Brunner and 1 on the 5th November at Lake Te Anu.
Poor picture of a Grey Fantail at Te Anu
Tomtit – Petroica macrocephala
Race macrocephala were seen as follows: One on the 29th October, 4 on the 30th and 31st at Lake Brunner, 6 on the 1st November along the Bridal Track at Haast Pass, with 2 there on the 2nd. One on the 5th at Lake Te Anu, with 4 on the 11th on Stewart Island and 5 on the 12th on Ulva Island. Just one of the race toitoi was seen on the 22nd November along the Blyth’s Track near Ohakune on the 22nd.
We saw 5 Tomtits on Ulva Island.
South Island Tomtit on Ulva Island
New Zealand Robin – Petroica australis
Race australis was seen along the Nature Trail at Lake Gunn with 3 on the 6th November, and one on Motuara Island in the Queen Charlotte Sound on the 16th. Race rakiura was seen on Ulva Island with 5 on the 10th and 1 on the 12th. Race longipes was seen in the Sanctuary at Wellington with 1 on the 17th, on Kapiti Island with 4 on both the 18th and 19th, and on Tiritiri Mantanga Island with 3 on the 24th and 4 on the 25th.
Five South Island New Zealand Robins of the race rakiura
were seen on Ulva Island with more on Stewart Island.
North Island New Zealand Robin of the race longipies on Tiritiri Mantanga Island.
We recorded 4 on a day on the island.
Kokako – Callaeas cinerea wilsoni
Doreen saw one near the beach on Kapiti Island on the 18th November, so JFC was relieved when we had 3 on Tiritiri Mantanga Island on the 24th and 2 on the 25th. One of the birds on Tiritiri was running on the track and with its tail cocked up and gave amazing views. Also heard calling a real haunting call and quite beautiful.
Birdlife International (2000), has classified this as endangered with a rapid decreasing population.
Doreen also saw one on Kapiti Island, so I was relieved
to see them on Tiritiri.
We just had 3 on Tiritiri, including this bird which gave superb views
running on one of the tracks. Others were heard calling a beautiful
haunting call.
Kokako on Tiritiri Manganga Island.
Tui – Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae novaeseelandiae
Recorded on 30 dates with a daily maximum of 100 on the 25th November on Tiritiri.
Jenny would put out a sweet liquid to attract the Tui's in.
Tui at Bushy Point.
Stitchbird – Notiomystis cincta hautura
Four seen at the Wellington Sanctuary on the 17th November with a single male seen on Kapiti Island on the 18th. On Tiritiri Mantanga Island, four were seen on the 24th with 7 on the 25th. A very attractive species.
Birdlife International (2000), has classified it as vulnerable, because it has a very small range and population.
Male Stitchbird in the Wellington Sanctuary.
Female Stitchbird on Tiritiri.
Male Stitchbird on Tiritiri. We recorded 7 on a day.
Four Stitchbirds were also seen in the Wellington Santuary,
but only one on Kapiti Island.
New Zealand Bellbird – Anthornis melanura
Recorded on 22 dates with a daily maximum of 30 on the 24th & 25th November on Tiritiri Mantanga Island, although fair numbers were seen on Stewart, South & North Islands.
Bellbird on Tiritiri Manganga Island.
Saddleback – Philesturnus carunculatus
The South Island race carunculatus was seen on Ulva Island with 6 on the 10th November, the North Island race rufusater was seen as follows: 2 on the 17th November in the Wellington Sanctuary and 1 on the 18th on Kapiti Island. Fifteen on both days on Tiritiri Mantanga Island, and one seen from the pelagic boat on Little Barrier Island on the 29th.
Saddleback (with yellow pollen on its crown) on
Tiritiri Mantanga Island.We saw 15 Saddlebacks on both days on Tiritiri Mantanga Island.
They were of the North Island race rufusater, and we also recorded
them in the Wellington Sanctuary, Kapiti Island and also from the pelagic
boat on Little Barrier Island.
The South Island race