Miranda shorebirds

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sue818
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Miranda shorebirds

Just thought I would mention my trip to NZ and the Miranda Shorebird Centre. I have never seen so many shorebirds in one place --- Godwits, Red Knots, Stilts and Oystercatchers en masse and Wrybills and Dotterells on the fringes. Other surprises were scattered amongst them but hard to pickout in the crowd. We witnessed a massive Godwit flight with wave after wave of them passing overhead near Aucklnd airport on the day we left for home. It may even have been the start of the migration to Alaska. If you are over that way around this time of year, take a look as the birds are colouring up for breeding. Sue

birdie
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Just noticed this post Sue ... how wonderful. I grew up nearby and lived there more recently for 5 years, and I have not forgiven myself for missing this place. I knew about it but wasnt as passionate as I am now about birds. Did you go to the hot springs while you were there ?  I lived on the Manukau harbour and we used to get quite a few stragglers that stopped off there, not sure if they ever made it to Miranda or not.  I was fascinated with being able to go online and follow a chosen godwit  to see where it had reached on its migration.  I hope they are not a problem for birdstrike flying en masse near the airport, I had never thought of that. Did you get any pics of them ? Would love to see the whole group flock thing happening

Cheers

Birdie

Sunshine Coast Queensland

sue818
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We had no time for the springs with all our days dedicated to birding and sight-seeing. My friend's aunt was a great host who volunteers at Miranda so she showed us around. I will upload some pics tomorrow to show you the amazing and beautiful sight. We were also lucky enough tosee  Spotted Cormorants and Wrybills which i think are specific to NZ. You need to find time to visit. Sue

sue818
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Here are a few pictures to give you an idea of Miranda not specific birds. There are 'lake' areas as well as the shoreline and the place is beautiful. The sheer number of birds in the air is wonderful to see; Bar-tailed Godwits, Banded Plovers, Red Knots, Wrybills, Oyster Catchers and numerous others. I included the Spotted Cormorants as they are unusal and seem specific to a small area further up the Coromandel. Hope you enjoy them

Sue

birdie
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Oh they are just wonderful!  Thank you so much for posting them Sue ..... and the Spotted Cormorant is lovely too! If they live in Coromandel them they have certainly chosen  one of the best spots in NZ laugh

it certainly would be a spectacle worth seeing and I have been to Miranda but am kicking myself for not going there to specifically see this wonderful natural occurence

Thanks again

Adrienne

Sunshine Coast Queensland

Rick N
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Wow! definately on the bucket list now. The cormorants look lovely, delicate spots. Thanks

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