Our old friend has left us again, on the same day, at the same time (14 minutes later), and from the same spot (5 metres from last year). These are 5:14 pm, March 25, 2021, and from the Whanganui Estuary. For 13 years he has done this, almost always leaving on March 25 - how does he know the time? This year was special, I was nearby and could photograph and listen, and watch their activities (he left with two others), in those last 30 minutes, right to the end. I even got lucky, and captured beautiful photos as he left the ground, with wings spread, mostly likely not to touch land again until the Yellow Sea, in eight days time. It was a moving experience, and a privilege to be there. His resilience is inspiring.
