News Archive

Jane & I spent two weeks during September over in NSW, visiting family and friends, and getting some birding in, wherever we could. I don't believe it was as "birdy" … … Continued

For many years I've observed peafowl in the Whanganui District and recently came across a paddock with 32 birds, a mix of peacocks and peahens. I've returned a number of … … Continued

Over the last several weeks we have had great views of Nankeen night herons at Upokongaro, as they sun themselves during the afternoon, especially after a frost the previous night. … … Continued

As I've written in previous years wintertime brings a lot of sacred kingfishers down to our estuary, where crabs seem abundant resulting in a great food source for the birds. … … Continued

A surprise this week to find a whimbrel on the Whanganui Estuary. Like godwits, these birds migrate to the northern hemisphere and would normally be gone by late March. I … … Continued

I can report that our local godwits / kuaka on the Whanganui Estuary have now migrated and as I write this should be almost arriving at the Yellow Sea. A … … Continued

It is great to daily see AJD and note his plumage changing ready for his long journey next month to the northern hemisphere. I understand that this indicates his urge … … Continued

So good to have our old friend, AJD, back on the Whanganui Estuary, for the 17th summer. I have been able to get close to him several times and snap … … Continued

The Nankeen night herons at Upokongaro, behind the cafe, have been putting on a great show this nesting season, with 10 known active nests. This is a record and would … … Continued

A friend, near Manaia in South Taranaki, encountered, by chance, a ruru | morepork nest, 14 metres up in the side of a tree trunk. We decided to spend an … … Continued