© tommy777[a]emirates.net.ae

This trip was to be my first to New Zealand, after having visited Australia on six occations 1997 - 2003.
My fiancée Maja and myself flew from Dubai to Christchurch via Singapore, Sydney and Auckland, and rented a car from Christchurch. We had a busy trip planned ahead.

Trip plan:
November 19th     : Arriving in Christchurch in the afternoon
November 20th     : Christchurch - Mt. Cook road - Twizel
November 21st     : Twizel - Ahuriri Bridge - Dunedin - Otago Peninsula & short pelagic trip - Invercagill
November  22nd    : Invercagill - Stewart Island & Ulva Island
November  23rd    : Ulva Island & Stewart Island - Invercagill - Te Anau
November  24th    : Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown
November  25th    : Queenstown - Makarora - Haast - Franz Josef Glacier
November  26th    : Franz Josef Glacier - Greymouth - Kaikoura
November  27th    : Kaikoura & two pelagic trips (9:00 and 13:00 departures)
November  28th    : Kaikoura & one pelagic trip (06:00 departure) + a dolphin trip to view Dusky Dolphins - Picton
November  29th    : Picton - Queen Charlotte Sound cruise to Motuara Island
November  30th    : Picton - Wellington (5:30 ferry) - Ohakune - Lake Taupo - Te Kuiti
December 1st       : Te Kuiti - Pureora Forest Reserve - Whakatane
December 2nd      : Whakatane - White Island cruise - Whakatane - Whitianga
December 3rd       : Whitianga cruise - Coromandel - Thames - Miranda - Wharekawa Harbour Sandspit - Thames
December 4th       : Thames - Auckland airport

Driving in New Zealand was straightforward, accomodation generally easy to find and the much feared weather on South Island was remarkably good. We only experienced drizzle around Dunedin and scattered drizzle on Stewart Island - the other days had blue skies and warm weather; we were rather pleasantly surprised.

Most of the pictures below were taken as stills with my Sony PC-330 videocamera, some of the smaller ones are videograbs. (Many can be seen full size on www.worldbirder.com )

Kea, Homer Tunnel 24th Nov. 2003

Day-by-day account:

This is an account of birds seen as our trip progressed.
No latin names are used here but only used in the species account.
A full list of sites with GPS locations are found further down the report.

19.11.2003 - 14:00 to 14:15
Auckland airport (North Island, New Zealand)
Common Starling [feral], 2.  On the runway.
House Sparrow [feral], 10.  Common.

European Greenfinch [feral], 4.  Common.
- Birds seen while lugging our suitcases from the international to the domestic terminal. A looong walk if it rains.

Paradise Shelduck

19.11.2003 - 19:00 to 19:15
Christchurch; Avondale (South Island, New Zealand)
Greylag Goose [feral], 1.  Swimming in the river.
Paradise Shelduck, 2.  A pair in a garden; probably feral birds.
Mallard [feral], 15.  Common.
Pacific Black Duck, 4.  In the river.
New Zealand Scaup, 6.  All female coloured.
Red-billed Gull, 2.  Flying overhead.
Feral Pigeon, 1.  At the bridge.
Grey-breasted Silvereye, 2.  Along the river; a recent colonist from Tasmania.
Common Starling [feral], 20.  Common.
House Sparrow [feral], 30.  Common.
- Birds seen near our hotel before passing out in bed. I was surprised to see the
New Zealand Scaups here, so close to the city - I thought they were more shy and uncommon.
The Pacific Black Ducks sadly looked as if a bit of Mallard had slipped into their gene-pool.
Red-billed Gull was also a new tick; a recent split from the very similar
Silver Gull from Australia.

Red-billed Gull

20.11.2003 - 13:10 to 14:35
Christchurch - Rangitata road (South Island, New Zealand)
South Island Pied Oystercatcher, 1.  Roadside.
Masked Lapwing, 2.  Roadside.
Kelp Gull, 1.  Roadside.
Red-billed Gull, 2.  In town.
Eurasian Skylark [feral], 30.  Common.
Eurasian Blackbird [feral], 20.  Common.
Song Thrush [feral], 10.  Common.
Australasian Magpie [feral], 2.  Roadside.
Common Starling [feral], 200.  Abundant.
House Sparrow [feral], 50.  Common.
Chaffinch [feral], 20.  Common.
European Greenfinch [feral], 10.  Common.
European Goldfinch [feral], 30.  Common.
Yellowhammer [feral], 10.  Common.
- Birds seen from the car while driving towards Twizel. New to me was SIPO - the rest of the passerines were depressingly British, apart from the Australasian Magpie (who was depressingly Australian).

20.11.2003 - 14:40 to 17:15
Rangitata - Twizel road (South Island, New Zealand)
Swamp Harrier, 3.  Roadside.
South Island Pied Oystercatcher, 2.  Roadside.
Black-fronted Tern, 3.  Roadside near rivers.
New Zealand Pigeon, 1.  Flying overhead the road.
Eurasian Skylark [feral], 20.  Common.
Eurasian Blackbird [feral], 10.  Common.
Song Thrush [feral], 30.  Common.
Australasian Magpie [feral], 20.  Common.
Common Starling [feral], 200.  Abundant.
House Sparrow [feral], 50.  Common.
Chaffinch [feral], 10.  Common.
Lesser Redpoll [feral], 4.  Common.
European Goldfinch [feral], 20.  Common.
- Still on the road to Twizel, with Swamp Harriers becoming common, Black-fronted Terns starting to show and a beautiful NZ Pigeon flying overhead. Still no NZ passerines, only masses of British ones.

20.11.2003 - 17:30 to 20:15
Mt. Cook road (South Island, New Zealand)
Canada Goose [feral], 100.  In the river delta north of Lake Pukaki, common here.
Paradise Shelduck, 20.  In the river delta north of Lake Pukaki.
Mallard [feral], 10.  In the river delta north of Lake Pukaki.
Pacific Black Duck, 4.  In the river delta north of Lake Pukaki, looked like pure individuals.

Black-billed Gull

New Zealand Shoveler, 2.  In the river delta north of Lake Pukaki.
Swamp Harrier, 4.  Common.
South Island Pied Oystercatcher, 50.  Very common.
White-headed Stilt, 20.  In the river delta north of Lake Pukaki.
Black Stilt, 1 imm..  In the river delta north of Lake Pukaki, south of the airfield.
Black/White-headed Stilt hybrid, 3.  In the river delta north of Lake Pukaki, very dark birds.
Masked Lapwing, 10.  In the river delta north of Lake Pukaki.
Double-banded Plover, 1.  In the river delta north of Lake Pukaki.
Kelp Gull, 10.  Common.
Black-billed Gull, 2.  Along the lake.
Black-fronted Tern, 6.  In the river delta north of Lake Pukaki.
Eurasian Skylark [feral], 20.  Common.
Eurasian Blackbird [feral], 20.  Common.
Australasian Magpie [feral], 5.  Common.
Common Starling [feral], 50.  Common.
Yellowhammer [feral], 20.  Common.
- A fantastic stretch of road, and my scope was sorely missed. Paradise Shelducks were common, Black-billed Gulls starting to show and a beautiful immature Black Stilt was found close to the airfield. Apparently this is a fairly sure site for the stilt. Hybrids were also seen together with pure White-headed Stilts.
Still no local passerines.

Double-banded Plover

21.11.2003 - 6:20 to 7:15
Ahuriri Bridge Conservat. Area (South Island, New Zealand)
Paradise Shelduck, 20.  Common.
Swamp Harrier, 1.  Common.
South Island Pied Oystercatcher, 8.  Common here.
Black/White-headed Stilt hybrid, 2.  Like White-headed with black breastband.
Masked Lapwing, 2.  Common.
Double-banded Plover, 8.  Common here, tame.
Kelp Gull, 10.  Common.
Black-billed Gull, 6.  Flying west along the river.
Black-fronted Tern, 20.  Common here.
Eurasian Skylark [feral], 20.  Common.
Welcome Swallow, 2.  Feeding over the river.
Chaffinch [feral], 10.  Common.
European Goldfinch [feral], 10.  Common.
Yellowhammer [feral], 10.  Common.
- Early morning walk along the northern bank, east of the bridge itself. A beautiful area, with Double-banded Plovers and SIPO's very tame and photogenic. No Black Stilt or Wrybills present this morning - ditto for local passerines.

Paradise Shelduck

21.11.2003 - 8:15 to 10:55
Twizel - Oamaru road (South Island, New Zealand)
Little Pied Cormorant, 5.  Common.
White-faced Heron, 10.  One flock in a grassy field.
Canada Goose [feral], 200.  Common here.
Paradise Shelduck, 50.  Common.
New Zealand Shoveler, 2.  Roadside pond.
New Zealand Scaup, 50.  Common close to Twizel.
Swamp Harrier, 5.  Common.
South Island Pied Oystercatcher, 50.  Common.
White-headed Stilt, 10.  Common.
Kelp Gull, 50.  Very common.
Black-billed Gull, 5.  Near a lake.
Black-fronted Tern, 50.  Common near rivers.
Eurasian Skylark [feral], 50.  Common.
Welcome Swallow, 2.  Roadside.
Eurasian Blackbird [feral], 20.  Common.
Common Starling [feral], 200.  Abundant.
Chaffinch [feral], 30.  Common.
Yellowhammer [feral], 30.  Common.
- An uneventful drive to the east coast, just north of Dunedin.

21.11.2003 - 11:00 to 12:15
Oamaru - Dunedin road (South Island, New Zealand)
New Zealand Pigeon, 4.  Flying across the road.

21.11.2003 - 12:45
Otago Harbour (South Island, New Zealand)
Caspian Tern, 2.  Seen in the city harbour.

21.11.2003 - 15:00 to 16:00
Otago Peninsula; Penguin beach (South Island, New Zealand)
Yellow-eyed Penguin, 7.  Six adults and one large immature.
Sooty Shearwater, 50.  Offshore.
Paradise Shelduck, 14 ad. & imm.  Four adults and ten pullus.
Variable Oystercatcher, 1.  In a freshwater pool.
Hedge Accentor [feral], 1.  Feeding near a penguin.
Grey-breasted Silvereye, 2.  At the penguin track.
- We joined a guided walk with Monarch Wildlife Cruises http://www.wildlife.co.nz/albatross.htm.
A persistent drizzle made the walk shorter, but superb views of the Yellow-eyed Penguins were had.

21.11.2003 - 16:45 to 18:30
Otago Peninsula; Taiaroa Head (South Island, New Zealand)
Little Penguin, 4.  Seen fairly close to shore.
Northern Royal Albatross, 4.  Two on nest, two around an offshore trawler.
Buller's Albatross, 1.  Close to an offshore trawler.
Salvin's Albatross, 4.  Mostly around an offshore trawler.
White-capped Albatrosss, 20.  Mostly around an offshore trawler.
Northern Giant-petrel, 1 juv..  Around an offshore trawler.
Southern Giant-petrel, 1.  Around an offshore trawler.
Southern Cape Petrel, 1.  Much white on wings, seems quite distinct.
Snares Cape Petrel, 20.  Common offshore, one small flock resting on the water.

Snares Cape Petrels

Sooty Shearwater, 1000.  One large raft swimming, diving and flying.

Salvin's Albatross

Stewart Island Shag, 300.  Both pied and bronze individuals seen.
Spotted Shag, 200.  Very common.
Little Pied Cormorant, 10.  Common.
Royal Spoonbill, 1.  In a small tree below a nesting Royal Albatross.
Black Swan [feral], 20.  Common close to shore.
Mallard [feral], 10.  Common.
South Island Pied Oystercatcher, 100.  Very common.
Kelp Gull, 100.  Very common.
Red-billed Gull, 100.  Very common.
White-fronted Tern, 100.  Very common.
- A great boat-trip with Monarch Cruises, with a knowledgeable skipper very much tuned
into the birds around us. A steady drizzle throughout the trip.
We only went a few km's offshore from Taiaroa Head, and seabirds were common
around a trawler there with Buller's Albatross a real bonus.

21.11.2003 - 18:35 to 19:50
Otago Harbour (South Island, New Zealand)
Little Penguin, 1.  Seen close to Dunedin.
Stewart Island Shag, 5.  Fairly common.
Spotted Shag, 30.  Common.
Little Pied Cormorant, 50.  Common.
White-faced Heron, 30.  Common along the shores.
Royal Spoonbill, 2.  Feeding on a sandbank.
Mallard [feral], 100.  Very common.
South Island Pied Oystercatcher, 100.  Very common.
Variable Oystercatcher, 15.  Common here.
Eastern Bar-tailed Godwit, 50.  On sandbanks.
Red-billed Gull, 200.  Common.
White-fronted Tern, 50.  Common here.
- Birds seen from the boat in the evening as we approached Dunedin in the drizzle.

21.11.2003 - 20:30 to 21:00
Dunedin - Stirling road (South Island, New Zealand)
Black Swan [feral], 2.  In a roadside pond.
Australasian Swamphen, 1.  Roadside.

22.11.2003 - 8:30
Invercargill (South Island, New Zealand)
Welcome Swallow, 1.  In town.

22.11.2003 - 9:00 to 9:30
Bluff (South Island, New Zealand)
Kelp Gull, 10.  Common.
Red-billed Gull, 50.  Common.
House Sparrow [feral], 10.  Common.

22.11.2003 - 9:35 to 10:30
Bluff - Oban ferry (Stewart Island, New Zealand)
White-capped Albatrosss, 6.  Seen close to the ferry.
Sooty Shearwater, 1.  Only one seen.
Common Diving-petrel, 30.  Common in the middle of the crossing, several seen close to the ferry.
- A quiet ferry crossing in beautiful weather with light winds and a moderate swell. We sat in the back of the catamaran throughout the whole trip looking for seabirds, as did two other birders we met here.
The Diving-petrels looked very much like the auks I am used to from my native country of Norway.

22.11.2003 - 10:40 to 13:40
Stewart Island (Stewart Island, New Zealand)
Fiordland Penguin, 2.  Seen standing on rocks as the ferry approached Oban.
South Island Kaka, 1.  Flying overhead the ferry terminal.
Eurasian Blackbird [feral], 10.  Common.
Song Thrush [feral], 10.  Common.
New Zealand Tui, 15.  Very common here.
House Sparrow [feral], 50.  Common.
- The Fiordland Penguins were sitting on rocks as we approached the town of Oban - a bird I have not seen since a surprise sighting near Melbourne in January 2000.
The Kaka was flying above the ferry-terminal as we docked, and finally a NZ passerine; Tuis were common here.

22.11.2003 - 13:45 to 17:00
Ulva Island (Stewart Island, New Zealand)

Stewart Island Weka

Pied Cormorant, 4.  Common.
Stewart Island Shag, 5.  On an island.
Spotted Shag, 10.  Common.
White-faced Heron, 1.  At Mill Creek.
Mallard [feral], 2.  Common.
Stewart Island Weka, 3.  One at Post Office Cove, one inside the forest and one at West End Beach.
Kelp Gull, 50.  Common.
Red-billed Gull, 10.  Common.
White-fronted Tern, 5.  Seen offshore.
South Island Kaka, 2.  One sitting quietly inside thick bush, one flying overhead.
Red-fronted Parakeet, 8.  Common and unobtrusive, feeding quietly often close to the ground.
South Island Rifleman, 7.  Two vocal groups seen on the Sydney Cove walk and close to Post Office Cove.
South Island Fantail, 6.  Fairly common inside the forest.
South Island Tomtit, 1.  Only one seen, on the Sydney Cove track.
Stewart Island Robin, 1.  One very tame bird seen close to West End Beach.
Pipipi, 20.  Very common.
Grey Gerygone, 15.  Common.
South Island Bellbird, 6.  Fairly common.
New Zealand Tui, 25.  Common and vocal.
South Island Saddleback, 1.  Seen after one hour, noisily crossing the path close to West End Beach. A gorgeous bird!

South Island Saddleback

- A visit to Ulva is a must for anyone visiting Stewart Island! Easily reached by a 10 minute boat-taxi ride (call to make a booking), plan to spend at least 4-5 hours here. A well maintained network of tracks will take you around the island, bring your own food and water.
The birdlife was prolific, with Pipipi, Grey Gerygone and Bellbirds being the most abundant. Thanks to Majas insistence on trying the Sydney Cove walk we also connected with the excellent Riflemen.
Weather was generally fine with some light showers and a bit of wind.
The Saddleback was seen well, albeit briefly as he crossed the footpath and settled on a treetrunk to feed.
Wekas were extremely approachable (in fact, they approached us), as was the Robin.
We failed to find the Yellow-fronted Parakeet here, but hoped for this species on North Island.

22.11.2003 - 17:15 to 21:00
Stewart Island (Stewart Island, New Zealand)
Little Penguin, 20.  Common in Halfmoon Bay, one seen on shore from the café-window at 20:35.
White-capped Albatrosss, 20.  Two outside our window at Butterfield Beach, the rest off Ackers Point.
Snares Cape Petrel, 1.  Off Ackers Point.
South Island Pied Oystercatcher, 5.  Common.
Variable Oystercatcher, 4.  Common.
New Zealand Pigeon, 2.  Near Leask Bay.
South Island Kaka, 1.  Seen flying over the township in the evening.
Sacred Kingfisher, 2.  At the Mill Creek bridge.
New Zealand Tui, 10.  Common.
Lesser Redpoll [feral], 10.  Roadside.
- We had booked a kiwi-trip this evening and even went out with Philip in the boat (philldismith@xtra.co.nz), but had to turn back due to the rough seas that made it impossible to make the landing where the kiwis were. A few seabirds were seen off Ackers Point from the boat on the way out.
The rest of the birds were seen along the main roads in Oban.

New Zealand Pigeon

Heavy rain at night.
23.11.2003 - 8:05 to 11:30
Ulva Island (Stewart Island, New Zealand)
Stewart Island Weka, 6.  Several calling loudly.
Variable Oystercatcher, 2.  Common.
Kelp Gull, 10.  Common.
Red-billed Gull, 5.  Common.
White-fronted Tern, 2.  Common.
New Zealand Pigeon, 2.  Tame inside the forest.
South Island Kaka, 8.  Common and tame, a few were quite vocal.

Yellowhead

Red-fronted Parakeet, 30.  Very common inside the forest.
South Island Rifleman, 2.  Heard calling.
South Island Fantail, 6.  Fairly common inside the forest, one bird feeding with a Saddleback.
South Island Tomtit, 3.  One seen briefly and two heard inside the forest.
Stewart Island Robin, 3.  One seen well and was mobbed by the Yellowheads, two more heard inside the forest.
Yellowhead, 4.  Three seen together near the jetty, and another heard a bit further down the path.
Pipipi, 50.  Very common, several feeding parties seen.
Grey Gerygone, 10.  Common inside the forest.
South Island Bellbird, 12.  Common and vocal inside the forest.
New Zealand Tui, 15.  Common.
South Island Saddleback, 4.  Two adults seen well and two other heard calling.
Common Starling [feral], 2.  Near the jetty.
- An early morning trip with nature-guide Furhana from Ruggedy Range (mail@ruggedyrange.com). She is excellent copmpany, very knowledgeable about the local fauna and flora, and thanks to her the only Yellowheads on this trip were found. But still no Yellow-fronted Parakeets despite a thourough search. One bird that looked like a hybrid between Yellow-fronted & Red-fronted Parakeet was seen however.
Beautiful weather with only intermittent light showers.

White-capped Albatross

23.11.2003 - 12:00 to 15:30
Stewart Island (Stewart Island, New Zealand)
Fiordland Penguin, 2.  Just off the beach outside our house.
White-capped Albatrosss, 4.  Seen just outside the harbour.
Stewart Island Shag, 10.  In the harbour.
South Island Kaka, 2.  Seen flying overhead.
New Zealand Tui, 10.  Common.

23.11.2003 - 15:35 to 16:30
Bluff - Oban ferry (Stewart Island, New Zealand)
White-capped Albatrosss, 6.  Common alongside the ferry.
Fairy Prion, 1.  At least one identified in the stong wind.
Prion sp., 100. Very common in the strong wind, either Fairy- or Broad-billed Prion.
- An interesting return crossing in gale force winds. We stayed out in the back, narrowly escaping the heavy seaspray.

23.11.2003 - 18:00 to 19:00
Lumsden - Te Anau road (South Island, New Zealand)
Black Swan [feral], 10.  Common in roadside lakes.
Swamp Harrier, 1.  Roadside.
Black-billed Gull, 10.  Common near rivers.
Eurasian Skylark [feral], 10.  Common.
Song Thrush [feral], 10.  Common.
- Uneventful drive up to beautiful Te Anau.

24.11.2003 - 9:00 to 11:00
Te Anau - Milford road (South Island, New Zealand)
Eurasian Skylark [feral], 10.  Common.
Song Thrush [feral], 20.  Common.
South Island Tomtit, 3.  Seen along the road.
New Zealand Tui, 2.  In forest.
Chaffinch [feral], 10.  Common.
- Did not stop at any of the known birding places, as we needed to make the departure-time of our boat.

24.11.2003 - 11:15 to 15:00
Milford Sound (South Island, New Zealand)
Fiordland Penguin, 3.  On a rocky beach on the south shore.
Black Swan [feral], 4.  In the sound.
Kelp Gull, 4.  Common.
White-fronted Tern, 2.  In the fjord.
South Island Tomtit, 4.  Common around the café.
Pipipi, 4.  Roadside near café.
Grey-breasted Silvereye, 2.  Roadside.
New Zealand Tui, 2.  Flying above the café.
Lesser Redpoll [feral], 10.  At the café.
- Under a deep blue sky, the very touristy boat trip in Milford Sound was quite beautiful. We could hardly believe our luck, as this area is known for its rainfall. Fiordland Penguins were studied up close from the boat, as were New Zealand Fur Seals.

Kea

24.11.2003 - 15:15 to 19:00
Te Anau - Milford road (South Island, New Zealand)
New Zealand Scaup, 4.  Roadside lakes.
Swamp Harrier, 4.  Common.
South Island Pied Oystercatcher, 6.  Common.
Black-billed Gull, 2.  Roadside.
Kea, 6.  Pairs seen on parking-lots between The Chasm and immediately east of the Homer Tunnel.
South Island Kaka, 1.  Flying over the forest near Lake Gunn.
Long-tailed Koel, 1. Heard near Lake Gunn.
South Island Rifleman, 6.  Lake Gunn area.
Eurasian Skylark [feral], 20.  Common.
Song Thrush [feral], 10.  Common.
South Island Tomtit, 6.  Common.
South Island Robin, 1.  Lake Gunn nature trail.
Grey Gerygone, 2.  Lake Gunn nature walk.
South Island Bellbird, 6.  Around Lake Gunn.
Chaffinch [feral], 20.  Common.
Yellowhammer [feral], 5.  Common.
- A slow drive back to Te Anau with several pairs of Kea seen up close, the first pair at The Chasm parking lot. No sign of Rock Wrens at the Homer Tunnel, as was also the case for another birder who searched 6 hours for them. The Lake Gunn area was very nice with few birds present, probably due to it being late afternoon.

24.11.2003 - 19:05 to 21:00
Te Anau - Queenstown road (South Island, New Zealand)
Swamp Harrier, 6.  Very common.

South Island Rifleman, a pair

Masked Lapwing, 2.  Roadside.
Black-billed Gull, 6.  Roadside.
Song Thrush [feral], 15.  Common.

25.11.2003 - 10:30 to 10:45
Shotover River (South Island, New Zealand)
Great Cormorant, 1.  Sitting on a sandbank.

25.11.2003 - 12:00 to 14:00
Queenstown - Makarora road (South Island, New Zealand)
Mallard [feral], 2.  Roadside.
Swamp Harrier, 6.  Common.
South Island Pied Oystercatcher, 5.  Common.
Black-billed Gull, 20.  Near rivers.
Eurasian Skylark [feral], 20.  Common.
Eurasian Blackbird [feral], 50.  Common.
Song Thrush [feral], 10.  Common.
Common Starling [feral], 100.  Common.
Yellowhammer [feral], 20.  Common.

South Island Fantail, dark morph

25.11.2003 - 14:45 to 16:30
Makarora - Haast road (South Island, New Zealand)
Black Swan [feral], 10.  A common species.
Masked Lapwing, 5.  Common.
Black-billed Gull, 20.  Roadside.
South Island Rifleman, 4.  Makarora forest walk.
Eurasian Skylark [feral], 10.  Common.
Song Thrush [feral], 20.  Common.
South Island Fantail, 1.  Makarora forest walk, a dark morph.
South Island Tomtit, 2.  Makarora forest walk.
Pipipi, 4.  Makarora forest walk.
Grey Gerygone, 4.  Makarora forest walk.
South Island Bellbird, 3.  Makarora forest walk.
New Zealand Tui, 3.  Makarora forest walk.
Australasian Magpie [feral], 6.  Common.
Lesser Redpoll [feral], 10.  Common.
- The Makarora forest walk was very nice, and should be quite productive in the early morning hours.

25.11.2003 - 17:45 to 20:00
Haast - Franz Josef Glacier rd (South Island, New Zealand)
Kelp Gull, 20.  Roadside.
New Zealand Pigeon, 2.  Roadside.
Eurasian Skylark [feral], 20.  Common.
Song Thrush [feral], 10.  Common.

26.11.2003 - 12:00 to 12:30
Franz Josef Glacier (South Island, New Zealand)
South Island Fantail, 1.  Along the forest walk to the glacier.
South Island Tomtit, 3.  Along the forest walk to the glacier.
Grey Gerygone, 1.  Along the forest walk to the glacier.
Grey-breasted Silvereye, 2.  Along the forest walk to the glacier.
South Island Bellbird, 2.  Along the forest walk to the glacier.
House Sparrow [feral], 20.  Common in town.
Chaffinch [feral], 10.  Common in town.
European Goldfinch [feral], 10.  Common in town.

26.11.2003 - 13:30 to 15:30
Franz Josef Glacier - Greymouth road (South Island, New Zealand)
Swamp Harrier, 6.  Common.
Masked Lapwing, 10.  Roadside.
Kelp Gull, 50.  Very common.
New Zealand Pigeon, 1.  Roadside.
Welcome Swallow, 10.  Roadside.
Eurasian Blackbird [feral], 50.  Common.
Song Thrush [feral], 20.  Common.
New Zealand Tui, 1.  Roadside.
European Goldfinch [feral], 30.  Common.

26.11.2003 - 16:00 to 20:00
Greymouth - Kaikoura road (South Island, New Zealand)
Swamp Harrier, 10.  Common.
South Island Pied Oystercatcher, 10.  Common.
Black-billed Gull, 10.  Roadside.
Black-fronted Tern, 10.  Around a river.
New Zealand Pigeon, 2.  Roadside.
Eurasian Skylark [feral], 30.  Common.
Song Thrush [feral], 30.  Common.
Australasian Magpie [feral], 15.  Common.
- An uneventful drive across the mountains looking out for New Zealand Falcon, but again failing to see one.

27.11.2003 - 9:20 to 11:15
Kaikoura pelagic (South Island, New Zealand)
Yellow-eyed Penguin, 1.  Standing on the rocky jetty where the boat was launched.
Snowy Albatross, 2.  Swimming close to the boat, actively taking "chum".
Antipodean Albatross, 3.  Swimming close to the boat, actively taking "chum". A smallish bird.
Gibson's Albatross, 15.  Swimming close to the boat, actively taking "chum", the most common of the large albatrosses.
Northern Royal Albatross, 1.  Flying briefly past the boat.
Southern Royal Albatross, 2.  Passing the boat a few times, one briefly settling on the water.
Black-browed Albatross, 1.  Flying briefly past the boat.
Salvin's Albatross, 12.  Swimming close to the boat, sometimes taking "chum".
White-capped Albatrosss, 4.  Swimming fairly close to the boat, not actively taking "chum".
Northern Giant-petrel, 12 ad. & imm..  Swimming close to the boat, noisily and actively taking "chum". Adults with white eyes.
Southern Cape Petrel, 2.  Only two birds positively identified, with much white on wing.

Pure magic!

Snares Cape Petrel, 100.  Very common around the boat.
White-chinned Petrel, 8.  Sometimes settling close to the boat.
Westland Petrel, 60.  Common offshore, settling close to the boat. Sometimes actively taking "chum".
Short-tailed Shearwater, 1.  Flying past the boat twice, then disappearing.
Hutton's Shearwater, 30.  Common inshore, never following the boat.
Little Black Cormorant, 2.  Roosting on a small islet.
Pied Cormorant, 2.  Flying close to shore.
Kelp Gull, 50.  Common.
Red-billed Gull, 200.  Common.
White-fronted Tern, 4.  Common inshore.
- An amazing experience, far better than I had imagined!
 

Westland Petrel

27.11.2003 - 13:10 to 15:30
Kaikoura pelagic (South Island, New Zealand)
Yellow-eyed Penguin, 1.  Swimming offshore near a fishing boat.
Snowy Albatross, 2.  Settling close to the boat, actively taking "chum".
Antipodean Albatross, 3.  Settling close to the boat, actively taking "chum".
Gibson's Albatross, 10.  Settling close to the boat, actively taking "chum".
Southern Royal Albatross, 2.  One settling fairly close to the boat, one flying past.
Black-browed Albatross, 1.  One settling fairly close to the boat for 10 minutes, dark eye diagnostic.
Salvin's Albatross, 17.  Settling close to the boat, a common species here.

Yellow-eyed Penguin

White-capped Albatrosss, 3.  Settling close to the boat.
Northern Giant-petrel, 12 ad. & imm..  Settling close to the boat, active and noisy.
Southern Giant-petrel, 2.  Settling fairly close to the boat, not as agressive as the northern cousin.

White-chinned Petrel

Southern Cape Petrel, 6.  More seen on this afternoon trip, showing fairly white overwings.
Snares Cape Petrel, 100.  Very common offshore.
Grey-faced Petrel, 1.  Circling the boat for 5 minutes, then disappearing.
White-chinned Petrel, 8.  Settling fairly close to the boat.
Westland Petrel, 50.  Settling close to the boat, a common bird offshore.
Short-tailed Shearwater, 1.  Circling the boat a few times.
Hutton's Shearwater, 1000.  One large raft seen close to shore.
Australian Gannet, 4 ad. & imm..  Inshore, one young bird.
Spotted Shag, 1.  Sitting on rocks near the jetty.
White-fronted Tern, 20.  Common inshore, a few seen offshore.

Gibson's Albatross

 

27.11.2003 - 18:00 to 18:30
Kaikoura (South Island, New Zealand)
Paradise Shelduck, 2.  A pair feeding on grass in a bay.
Variable Oystercatcher, 4.  At the seal-colony.
Double-banded Plover, 1.  Flying across the race-course.
Ruddy Turnstone, 2.  Flying along the coast.
White-fronted Tern, 10.  Common.
Eurasian Blackbird [feral], 10.  Common.
Common Starling [feral], 20.  Common.
European Greenfinch [feral], 10.  Common.
European Goldfinch [feral], 2.  Common.

28.11.2003 - 6:05 to 8:15
Kaikoura pelagic (South Island, New Zealand)
Snowy Albatross, 3.  Hanging around the "chum bag".
Antipodean Albatross, 4.  Hanging around the "chum bag".
Gibson's Albatross, 12.  Hanging around the "chum bag".
Northern Royal Albatross, 2.  Passing the boat several times, then landing fairly close to the boat.
Southern Royal Albatross, 3.  Passing the boat several times, then landing fairly close to the boat.
Campbell Island Albatross, 1.  Settling near the boat for 10 minutes, too timid to get close to the "chum bag". Pale eyes difficult to see when flying.
Black-browed Albatross, 1 imm..  Flying past the boat several times, never settling.
Salvin's Albatross, 20.  Hanging around the "chum bag", very common at sea.
White-capped Albatrosss, 7.  Hanging around the "chum bag", but always at a distance.
Northern Giant-petrel, 25 ad. & imm..  Hanging around the "chum bag", and several seen flying past.
Southern Giant-petrel, 1 ad.  White morph flying in, then hanging around the "chum bag". Mobbed by Northern Giant-petrels.
Southern Cape Petrel, 1.  One very white-backed bird seen, and several possibles.

Southern Giant-petrel

Snares Cape Petrel, 100.  Very common.
White-chinned Petrel, 10.  Fairly common.
Westland Petrel, 30.  Common.
Short-tailed Shearwater, 2.  Passing the boat several times.
Hutton's Shearwater, 8000.  Large rafts and big flocks seen close to shore in the very rough seas.
Australian Gannet, 4.  Seen close to land.
Pied Cormorant, 6.  Common along the shoreline.
Spotted Shag, 1.  Sitting on a rock.

Black-browed Albatross

Arctic Skua, 3.  Never following the boat.
Kelp Gull, 20.  Common.
Red-billed Gull, 10.  Common.
White-fronted Tern, 20.  Common.

Campbell Island Albatross

28.11.2003 - 17:00 to 19:00
Kaikoura - Picton road (South Island, New Zealand)

Dusky Dolphins

Pied Cormorant, 2.  Common along the coast.
Mallard [feral], 2.  Common.
Swamp Harrier, 4.  Common.
Kelp Gull, 10.  Common.
Red-billed Gull, 100.  Common along the coast.
Feral Pigeon, 5.  Common near Kaikoura.
Eurasian Blackbird [feral], 20.  Common.
Song Thrush [feral], 5.  Common.
Australasian Magpie [feral], 5.  Common.
Common Starling [feral], 100.  Common.
House Sparrow [feral], 20.  Common.
European Greenfinch [feral], 10.  Common.
European Goldfinch [feral], 20.  Common.
Yellowhammer [feral], 30.  Common.
- After Maja successfully swam with a huge pod of Dusky Dolphins offshore from Kaikoura, we headed towards Picton. Few birds seen, but the warm sunshime continued to surprise us.

29.11.2003 - 8:30 to 10:30
Queen Charlotte Sound (South Island, New Zealand)
Little Penguin, 6.  Seen swimming.

Australasian Gannet

Fluttering Shearwater, 100.  Common in small flocks, often seen resting on the water and diving for fish.
Australian Gannet, 20.  Common here.
Pied Cormorant, 20.  Common.
Rough-faced Shag, 1 ad.  Found swimming halfway between Picton and Motuara Island.
Spotted Shag, 10.  Common here.
Pacific Reef-heron, 1.  One dark-phase bird seen flying.
Kelp Gull, 20.  Common.
Caspian Tern, 2.  Common here.
- A morning boat-trip to Motuara Island with Dolphin Watch Marlborough http://www.jblincow.freeserve.co.uk/dolphin/dolphin.htm

Hector's Dolphin

We had an agreement to continue out to the White Rock where Rough-faced Shag breeds while the others walked Motuara Island, but as luck would have it, we saw one bird on our way out to the island.
Also seen were 2 Hector's Dolphins and a small pod of Dusky Dolphins. The Hector's were a huge bonus; endemic to New Zealand.

29.11.2003 - 10:40 to 11:30
Motuara Island (South Island, New Zealand)
New Zealand Pigeon, 6.  Common here.
South Island Robin, 2.  Not shy.
South Island Bellbird, 15.  Very common here.
South Island Saddleback, 1.  Seen low in a bush.
- We walked up to the watch-tower, with a Saddleback glimpsed briefly and South Island Robins less in evidence than expected.

29.11.2003 - 15:00 to 16:00
Picton (South Island, New Zealand)
Mallard [feral], 6.  Common.
California Quail [feral], 3.  On the road to Havelock.
Red-billed Gull, 50.  Common.
South Island Fantail, 2.  On the road to Havelock.
Grey-breasted Silvereye, 4.  On the road to Havelock.
- A short drive around Picton in the afternoon before relaxing in the sunshine in one of the many coffee-shops in Picton.

30.11.2003 - 5:40 to 8:40
Cook Strait ferry (South Island and North Island, New Zealand)

Fairy Prions

Little Penguin, 2.  In Queen Charlotte Sound.
Shy Albatross [sp], 4.  Not identified to subspecies; following a fishing boat some distance away.
Salvin's Albatross, 3.  Common from mid-crossing to close to Wellington.
White-capped Albatrosss, 4.  Common from mid-crossing to close to Wellington.
Northern Giant-petrel, 2.  Following the ship from mid-crossing.
Fairy Prion, 80.  Very common alongside the ferry from the mid-crossing.
Sooty Shearwater, 4.  Seen at mid-crossing.
Fluttering Shearwater, 50.  Common in Queen Charlotte Sound, some seen around mid-crossing.
Australian Gannet, 10.  Common inshore.
Pied Cormorant, 5.  In Queen Charlotte Sound.
Spotted Shag, 4.  In Queen Charlotte Sound.
Arctic Skua, 4.  All in Queen Charlotte Sound.
Kelp Gull, 20.  Common close to Picton and Wellington.
Red-billed Gull, 50.  Common.
- We had booked the early crossing with the slowest ferry, expecting rough seas and seaspray.
What we got was a very smooth crossing with fewer seabirds seen than expected, but the Fairy Prions following closely the rear of the ferry were cool indeed.

30.11.2003 - 9:00 to 11:00
Wellington - Wanganui road (North Island, New Zealand)
Black Swan [feral], 5.  Common.
Swamp Harrier, 3.  Common.
Eurasian Skylark [feral], 10.  Common.
Eurasian Blackbird [feral], 20.  Common.
Song Thrush [feral], 30.  Common.
Common Starling [feral], 50.  Common.
Chaffinch [feral], 40.  Common.
Yellowhammer [feral], 30.  Common.

30.11.2003 - 11:05 to 12:50
Wanganui - Ohakune road (North Island, New Zealand)
Paradise Shelduck, 2.  Roadside.
New Zealand Pigeon, 1.  Flying overhead.
Sacred Kingfisher, 1.  Roadside.
Eurasian Skylark [feral], 5.  Common.
Song Thrush [feral], 10.  Common.
- We had read that Blue Duck should be possible near Ohakune, and after getting precise directions from local birder Kerry we set out looking for one.
 
30.11.2003 - 14:00 to 14:55

Blue Duck

Pukekaha Road (North Island, New Zealand)
Blue Duck, 2.  Sitting on a rock in the fast-flowing river.
California Quail [feral], 1.  Roadside.
Common Pheasant [feral], 1 ad. male.  On the road.
Australasian Swamphen, 1.  Near a water channel.
Welcome Swallow, 2.  Common.
Hedge Accentor [feral], 1.  In a swamp.
North Island Fantail, 2.  Common in suitable habitat.
Grey-breasted Silvereye, 4.  Common here.
North Island Bellbird, 7.  Common here.
New Zealand Tui, 3.  Common here.
Australasian Magpie [feral], 6.  Common.
House Sparrow [feral], 10.  Common.
Chaffinch [feral], 5.  Common.
- Take the gravel road off Ohura Road (which is off Hwy 4 north of Raetihi). Stop at the "Fern Pool Gate", walk past the gate and down the path to the river. The birds were quite approachable.

30.11.2003 - 15:00 to 15:30
Raetihi - National Park road (North Island, New Zealand)
Swamp Harrier, 4.  Common.
New Zealand Pigeon, 3.  Flying overhead.

30.11.2003 - 15:35 to 16:00
National Park - Tokaanu road (North Island, New Zealand)
Black Swan [feral], 5.  Common.
Swamp Harrier, 2.  Common.
Eurasian Skylark [feral], 10.  Common.
Song Thrush [feral], 20.  Common.

30.11.2003 - 16:05 to 16:30
Lake Taupo (North Island, New Zealand)
New Zealand Grebe, 2.  Swimming close to shore, just passed the "do not enter" sign towards Waihi village on the south shore.
Black Swan [feral], 4.  Common.
Swamp Harrier, 2.  Over the lake.
Kelp Gull, 3.  Common.
North Island Fernbird, 2.  Calling from the marsh opposite the picnic carpark near Waihi village on the south shore.
- The NZ Grebes were difficult to find, but Maja succeeded a few meters past the "Do not enter" sign.
The Fernbirds were very skulking but calling a lot near the carpark.

30.11.2003 - 16:35 to 17:15
Tokaanu - Taumarunui road (North Island, New Zealand)
Eurasian Skylark [feral], 10.  Common.
Song Thrush [feral], 10.  Common.
New Zealand Tui, 2.  Roadside.
Common Myna [feral], 4.  Roadside.

30.11.2003 - 17:20
Taumarunui - Te Kuiti road (North Island, New Zealand)
Wild Turkey [feral], 15.  Roadside.
Song Thrush [feral], 10.  Common.
Common Myna [feral], 5.  Common now.

30.11.2003 - 18:05 to 19:30
Mapara Forest Reserve (North Island, New Zealand)
Paradise Shelduck, 10.  Common.
Pacific Black Duck, 1.  Roadside.
Wild Turkey [feral], 1.  Roadside.
Australasian Swamphen, 1.  Roadside.
New Zealand Pigeon, 4.  Common in the forest.
Eastern Rosella [feral], 4.  Roadside.
Sacred Kingfisher, 1.  On a roadside wire.
Welcome Swallow, 5.  Common.
North Island Tomtit, 8.  Common in the forest.
Whitehead, 4.  Inside the forest.
Grey Gerygone, 2.  Common in the forest.
North Island Bellbird, 5.  Common in the forest.
New Zealand Tui, 10.  Common in the forest.
- This is a forest reserve for the preservation of the Kokako, but no Kokakos was seen or heard this evening. The Whiteheads were a pleasant encounter inside the forest.

01.12.2003 - 6:15 to 9:00
Pureora Forest Reserve (North Island, New Zealand)
Paradise Shelduck, 10.  Roadside.
California Quail [feral], 4.  Roadside inside the forest.
Common Pheasant [feral], 1.  Roadside inside the forest.
White-headed Stilt, 2.  Roadside.
Masked Lapwing, 1.  Roadside.
New Zealand Pigeon, 10.  Very common here.
North Island Kaka, 4.  Seen along Plains Road.
Yellow-fronted Parakeet, 12.  Common in small high-flying groups along Plains Road, settling in treetops.
Long-tailed Koel, 8.  Seen flying along Plains road, many birds heard calling.
North Island Rifleman, 1.  Along the path to the Forest Tower.
North Island Tomtit, 4.  Fairly common.
North Island Robin, 10.  Very common, singing actively.
Whitehead, 4.  At the Buried Forest parking.
Grey-breasted Silvereye, 2.  Roadside inside the forest.
North Island Kokako, 2.  Calling loudly and sunning himself in the top of a large tree along Plains Road. A stunning bird!
Australasian Magpie [feral], 4.  Roadside.
Common Starling [feral], 10.  Roadside.
Chaffinch [feral], 10.  Common, even inside the forest.
European Greenfinch [feral], 10.  Roadside.
Yellowhammer [feral], 15.  Roadside.
- A great forest reserve, not to be missed by any visiting birder!
We finally connected with the Yellow-fronted Parakeets, which were quite common here. A magnificent Kokako was calling a lot in the early morning hours and seen well in a treetop. Long-tailed Koels were buzzing everywhere, and one bird was seen well while flying between two trees and calling while flying. North Island Rifleman was seen here as well, the only place on North Island we encountered this bird.

01.12.2003 - 9:05 to 11:00
Te Kuiti - Rotorua road (North Island, New Zealand)
Great Cormorant, 10.  At Lake Whakamaru youth-camp.

New Zealand Scaup

Grey Teal, 4.  At Lake Whakamaru youth-camp.
Mallard [feral], 6.  At Lake Whakamaru youth-camp.
Pacific Black Duck, 2.  At Lake Whakamaru youth-camp.
New Zealand Shoveler, 4.  At Lake Whakamaru youth-camp.
New Zealand Scaup, 10.  At Lake Whakamaru youth-camp.
Swamp Harrier, 6.  Roadside.
Australasian Coot, 1.  At Lake Whakamaru youth-camp.
New Zealand Pigeon, 2.  Roadside.
Eurasian Skylark [feral], 20.  Common.
Eurasian Blackbird [feral], 5.  Common.
Song Thrush [feral], 10.  Common.
North Island Fantail, 2.  At Lake Whakamaru youth-camp.
Grey-breasted Silvereye, 2.  Roadside.
Common Myna [feral], 10.  Common.
Chaffinch [feral], 30.  Roadside.
European Greenfinch [feral], 10.  Roadside.
European Goldfinch [feral], 10.  Roadside.
Yellowhammer [feral], 50.  Roadside.
- Stopped briefly along the road opposite Lake Whakamaru youth-camp and looked down on the lake.

01.12.2003 - 12:00 to 13:30
Rotorua - Whakatane road (North Island, New Zealand)
New Zealand Grebe, 8.  Seen in one of the larger lakes close to reeds.
Little Pied Cormorant, 1.  In one of the larger lakes.
Black Swan [feral], 20.  Very common.
New Zealand Scaup, 40.  Common in the larger lakes.
Australasian Coot, 10.  Common in the larger lakes.
Common Myna [feral], 10.  Common.
Yellowhammer [feral], 30.  Common.

02.12.2003 - 8:55 to 9:15
Whakatane (North Island, New Zealand)
Little Black Cormorant, 4.  Seen along the river.
Great Cormorant, 3.  Seen along the river.
Variable Oystercatcher, 2.  Seen along the river.
Eastern Bar-tailed Godwit, 1.  Seen along the river.
Kelp Gull, 20.  Seen along the river.
Red-billed Gull, 50.  Seen along the river.
- We stayed at PJ's in Whakatane in preparation for the cruise to White Island the next morning.

Buller's Shearwater

02.12.2003 - 9:15 to 10:45
White Island cruise (North Island, New Zealand)
Flesh-footed Shearwater, 15.  Common offshore, in singles and small groups.
Buller's Shearwater, 8.  Seen in singles and pairs.
Fluttering Shearwater, 15.  Common offshore.
Common Diving-petrel, 2.  Seen about mid-cruise.
Australian Gannet, 100.  Very common.
Pomarine Skua, 1 ad..  Flying past.
Arctic Skua, 1.  Flying past.
Kelp Gull, 10.  Common.
Red-billed Gull, 50.  Common.
- Whe boat from PJ's did not stop for birds, but did a fast direct crossing over to White Island. Bonus-bird for me was Buller's Shearwater, a species I missed out of Kaikoura where one bird was seen on the early morning pelagic trip.
Unfortunately, no dolphins were spotted today.

Maja and sulphur on White Island

02.12.2003 - 11:00 to 13:45
White Island (North Island, New Zealand)
Buller's Shearwater, 1.  Seen close to shore.
Australian Gannet, 1000.  Breeding here.
White-fronted Tern, 15.  Common.
Common Starling [feral], 2.  Common even this far offshore.
- An informative walk around the only active, pelagic volcano in New Zealand.

02.12.2003 - 14:00 to 15:45
White Island cruise (North Island, New Zealand)
Flesh-footed Shearwater, 5.  Common in mid-cruise.
Buller's Shearwater, 6.  Seen in pairs.
Fluttering Shearwater, 10.  Common.
White-fronted Tern, 5.  Common.

02.12.2003 - 16:30 to 18:00
Whakatane - Waihi road (North Island, New Zealand)
Swamp Harrier, 2.  Roadside.
Eurasian Blackbird [feral], 10.  Common.
Song Thrush [feral], 10.  Common.
New Zealand Tui, 2.  Roadside.
Common Myna [feral], 20.  Common.
Yellowhammer [feral], 20.  Common.

02.12.2003 - 18:05 to 20:00
Waihi - Whitianga road (North Island, New Zealand)
Paradise Shelduck, 6.  In a small pond.
Swamp Harrier, 4.  Common.
Australasian Swamphen, 4.  Common close to Whitianga.
Eurasian Skylark [feral], 10.  Common.
New Zealand Tui, 2.  Flying across the road.
Common Myna [feral], 15.  Common.
Yellowhammer [feral], 20.  Common.

03.12.2003 - 8:30 to 10:30
Whitianga cruise (North Island, New Zealand)
Little Penguin, 1.  Swimming close to shore.
Fluttering Shearwater, 50.  Two flocks seen close to Whitianga.
Australian Gannet, 25.  Common.
Little Black Cormorant, 2.  In a tree on an island.
Pied Cormorant, 20.  Common.
Pacific Reef-heron, 1.  Close to Whitianga.
Swamp Harrier, 1.  Seen soaring.
Variable Oystercatcher, 6.  Common here.
Kelp Gull, 20.  Common.
Red-billed Gull, 50.  Common.
Welcome Swallow, 10.  Common around the islets.
- An inshore morning trip in a small rubber boat around the beautiful northeastern part of Coromandel Peninsula. Only Fluttering Shearwaters seen, and no dolphins. A trip in a bigger boat more offshore should be very rewarding.

03.12.2003 - 11:30 to 12:10
Whitianga - Coromandel road (North Island, New Zealand)
Swamp Harrier, 2.  Roadside.
Masked Lapwing [novaehollandiae], 10.  At Whitianga airfield.
Eastern Rosella [feral], 1.  Roadside.
Sacred Kingfisher, 1.  Roadside.
Eurasian Blackbird [feral], 20.  Common.
New Zealand Tui, 1.  Flying across the road.
Common Myna [feral], 5.  Common.
Common Starling [feral], 20.  Common.

03.12.2003 - 12:15 to 13:40

White-fronted Tern

Coromandel - Thames road (North Island, New Zealand)
Pacific Reef-heron, 1.  On a beach.
Variable Oystercatcher, 20.  Common along the beach.
Kelp Gull, 20.  Common along the beach.
Red-billed Gull, 50.  Common along the beach.
White-fronted Tern, 1000.  Several colonies along the road.
Eurasian Skylark [feral], 20.  Common.
Eurasian Blackbird [feral], 20.  Common.
Song Thrush [feral], 20.  Common.
New Zealand Tui, 1.  Roadside.
Common Myna [feral], 10.  Common.
Common Starling [feral], 50.  Common.
Yellowhammer [feral], 20.  Common.
- White-fronted Terns were very much in evidence along the road south to Thames, as were Variable Oystercatchers.

03.12.2003 - 15:00 to 16:00
Miranda shorebird centre (North Island, New Zealand)
Great Cormorant, 1.  Flying overhead.
White-faced Heron, 5.  Common.
Swamp Harrier, 2.  Common.
South Island Pied Oystercatcher, 500.  Abundant.
White-headed Stilt, 100.  Common.
Wrybill, 3.  On the shell beach.
Eastern Bar-tailed Godwit, 500.  Abundant.
Ruddy Turnstone, 20.  One flock.
Red Knot, 500.  Abundant.
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, 1.  In a roadside pond.
Black-billed Gull, 5.  On the shell beach.
Little Tern, 1.  In winter plumage, resting on a shell beach.
Eurasian Skylark [feral], 10.  Common.
- We stopped briefly along the shell-beach south of the shorebird centre, where the cool Wrybill was finally logged. We did not walk along the beach so as not to scare away the birds, and therefore dipped on the New Zealand Plover which are regular here.

03.12.2003 - 16:10 to 16:30
Kopu - Opoutere road (North Island, New Zealand)
New Zealand Pigeon, 1.  Flying overhead.
Sacred Kingfisher, 1.  Roadside.
Eurasian Blackbird [feral], 10.  Common.
New Zealand Tui, 2.  Roadside.
Common Myna [feral], 15.  Common.
Common Starling [feral], 20.  Common.
Yellowhammer [feral], 5.  Common.

New Zealand Plover

03.12.2003 - 16:40 to 18:30
Wharekawa Harbour Sandspit (North Island, New Zealand)
Little Pied Cormorant, 2.  Common.
White-faced Heron, 5.  Common.
Paradise Shelduck, 1.  On the mudflat.
California Quail [feral], 3.  In the forest.
Buff-banded Rail, 6.  Common and not shy here, two seen walking on the main road.
Australasian Swamphen, 8.  On grassy fields.
Variable Oystercatcher, 20.  Several with newly hatched chicks.
New Zealand Plover, 6.  Breeding on the sandspit.
Eastern Bar-tailed Godwit, 5.  Common.
North Island Kaka, 2.  Flying overhead the bridge.
Sacred Kingfisher, 6.  Very common here.
Grey Gerygone, 2.  In the forest.
New Zealand Tui, 10.  Very common and conspicious here.
European Greenfinch [feral], 10.  Common.
European Goldfinch [feral], 10.  Common.
- A beautiful area with the added bonus of New Zealand Plovers breeding here.

03.12.2003 - 20:45 to 21:00
Kopu - Opoutere road (North Island, New Zealand)
Morepork, 1.  Heard calling several times along the main road a few km. east of Kopu.
- S short drive after dark to listen for Morepork. We were quickly rewarded.

Full Species List and Site list