Archive for ‘Recent Sightings’ Category
January 2012 sightings
Wrybill and Pied Oystercatcher numbers are increasing as South Island breeding birds return. Bittern have been confirmed breeding at Miranda for the first time since records began, with four well developed juveniles seen in late December. The sub-tropical weather system over New Year was probably the explanation for the Northern Giant Petrel seen flying in [...]
December-11 Sightings
Banded Rail are still being seen regularly in the mangroves at the carpark gate. Look back once you’ve parked your car. There have also been several sightings of Bittern in tha area lately. The Marsh sandpiper is still being seen on the stilt ponds, however the gull-billed terns are less reliable. If you are looking [...]
November-11 Sightings
The Miranda high tide roost is now covered in godwits and knots, including many juvenile godwits. Wrybill numbers are down to about 100 with all others away on their breeding grounds. The two gull-billed terns are still regulars near the hide. Look for golden plover in the salt-marsh area to the south of the carpark. [...]
Recent Sightings October 2011
Spring is back and with it the bird numbers at Miranda begin to increase. While the SIPO flock is low and the Wrybill numbers have recently dropped the Godwits and Knots are back to make up for it- including juvenile godwits! Look out for the gull-billed terns near the hide or over the stilt ponds. [...]
Recent Sightings Aug-11
The Marsh Sandpiper stayed the winter and is still present on the Stilt Ponds. The SIPO have departed to the South Island, and the Wrybill are leaving slowly. Those that will attempt to breed should be gone in the next few weeks. The first of the returning Arctic Migrants have been recorded around New Zealand [...]
Recent Sightings May-11
Most of the Arctic Migrants have headed off on their journey north, SIPO are using the normal roost at Miranda and the smaller roost at the south of Kaiaua, but Wrybill are largely found between Taramaire and the limeworks. A Marsh Sandpiper has recently arrived, it will be interesting to see if it stays the [...]
Recent sightings Feb-11
Here are some of the highlights of bird sightings at Miranda in February 2011. The Wrybill and SIPO have arrived back, while the Godwits and Knots are getting ready to head off in March and April, so the red breeding plumage is staring to show up. The Pectoral Sandpiper is a recent addition to the [...]
Recent Sightings May 2010
Treats on the shell banks at the moment include a black tailed godwit, a whimbrel and an arctic tern was spotted after the recent AGM. A handful of knot are looking strangely very red at the moment too – a nice sight to see though. s list is some of the species seen at Miranda [...]
