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20 Nov Bittern on Stewart Island ["albertlaysan" ] 20 Nov Whangaroa Pelagic postponed ["detlefdavies" ] 20 Nov Erect-crested Penguin ["Manu Tours" ] 19 Nov Wader counts etc [] 19 Nov Seabirds off Mana Island [Colin ] 19 Nov Stewart Island Birding ["Kathy & Erik" ] 18 Nov BirdingNZ.net Alert: Tawharanui bird-watching [] 18 Nov Whangaroa pelagic 22 Nov, one place left ["detlefdavies" ] 18 Nov Jo Ogier Art Exhibition at Salamander gallery in Christchurch Arts Centre [Jan Walker ] 18 Nov Visiting the Mercury Islands (offshore only) for Pycroft's Petrel [J & K Vaughan ] 18 Nov FW: Brolga bird sighting in Ellesmere ["Crossland, Andrew" ] 17 Nov Ashworths spit, north of Christchurch, 16th Nov 2009 [Jan Walker ] 16 Nov BirdingNZ.net Alert: Brown Teal - Flat Bush, Auckland [] 17 Nov Brown Teal - Flat Bush, Auckland [Simon Fordham ] 15 Nov Ark in the Park Kokako [Richard Fenner ] 16 Nov FW: Lake Ellesmere Sunday Nov 15 ["Wratten, Stephen" ] 16 Nov Lake Ellesmere Nov 12 ["Crossland, Andrew" ] 15 Nov BirdingNZ.net Alert: Hunua Ranges [] 15 Nov Waimakariri River at Harewood Crossbank, Christchurch [Jan Walker ] 15 Nov Fwd: Fake DOC signs: Naughty, but funny | frogblog [Jan Walker ] 14 Nov BirdingNZ.net Alert: Kaipara Harbour and Kaukapakapa River Birding [] 15 Nov Extra on Lake Ellesmere, Canterbury [Jan Walker ] 14 Nov great deals here for Christmas$B!*(B [Alex Phillips ] 14 Nov birds ot a feather ? ["B & J Groom" ] 14 Nov BirdingNZ.net Alert: Otaki Beach and Manawatu [] 14 Nov Selwyn huts and harts creek, Lake Ellesmere, Canterbury [Jan Walker ] 13 Nov BirdingNZ.net Alert: Reef Heron - Hatfields Beach [] 13 Nov BirdingNZ.net Alert: Southern Giant Petrel - Muriwai Beach [] 14 Nov Stewart Island Birding ["Kathy & Erik" ] 13 Nov Stewart Island pelagic Friday 13th Nov 09 [Chris Gaskin ] 14 Nov NZ nATIVE PIGEON ["Driftwood Eco Tours" ] 13 Nov South Island birding [Duncan Watson ] 13 Nov Lake Ellesmere Nov 8 ["Wratten, Stephen" ] 13 Nov Tui getting chased! ["Ian Armitage" ] 12 Nov BirdingNZ.net Alert: Tui getting chased [] 12 Nov Stewart Island Birding ["Kathy & Erik" ] 11 Nov Saturday 7 November Hauraki Gulf Pelagic [Chris Gaskin ] 11 Nov New Zealand birds for ID [Doug Newman ] 11 Nov Re: Long-tailed Cuckoo [Suzi Phillips ] 11 Nov Long-tailed Cuckoo [Rosemary Tully ] 10 Nov Geordie Spotting Scopes ["optikcop" ] 9 Nov Re: Spotting scopes [Graham charle Saunders ] 10 Nov RE: Spotting scopes ["Battley, Phil" ] 10 Nov Re: Spotting scopes [David Adams ] 10 Nov RE: Spotting scopes ["Battley, Phil" ] 09 Nov Pelagic from Whangaroa, Sunday 22 November ["detlefdavies" ] 9 Nov RE: Spotting scopes ["Rob Lawrence" ] 8 Nov Miranda [Duncan Watson ] 9 Nov Re: Spotting scopes ["Michael Szabo" ] 09 Nov Spotting scopes ["Bruce McKinlay" ] 9 Nov Interesting observations at Porirua today ["Ian Armitage" ] 9 Nov RE: cuckoo calls; eastbourne birds [Sam Brown ] 8 Nov request fro info re rifleman sightings; Tauranga pelagic results ["Lawton" ] 08 Nov BirdingNZ.net Alert: Mini pelagic Tauranga Harbour 7 November [] 08 Nov BirdingNZ.net Alert: Port Albert - Kiapara [] 08 Nov BirdingNZ.net Alert: Port Albert - Kiapara [] 8 Nov Farewell spit Highlights. ["Steve Wood" ] 8 Nov cuckoo calls; eastbourne birds ["Andy Falshaw" ] 8 Nov Stewart Island ["Kathy & Erik" ] 8 Nov Foxton Sharpies [Adrian Riegen ] 08 Nov Mangawhai Spit [Duncan Watson ] 7 Nov Hauraki Pelagic [Duncan Watson ] 7 Nov Around Christchurch [Jan Walker ] 7 Nov Re: Wellington seabirds ["Michael Szabo" ] 07 Nov Wellington seabirds [Colin ] 6 Nov Stewart Island Birding ["Kathy & Erik" ] 05 Nov Kaka's on Tinakori Hill [Duncan Watson ] 05 Nov Bitterns booming at Harts Creek or anywhere in Canterbury ? ["albertlaysan" ] 4 Nov mana island - shore plover trip [Iain Johnson ] 4 Nov RE: Birds of Grassmere ["Battley, Phil" ] 4 Nov Re: RE: Harriers ["Stuart Chambers" ] 3 Nov Re: Re: North American field guide ["Michael Szabo" ] 2 Nov Re: RE: Harriers [Ian Southey ] 2 Nov Re: North American field guide [todd nachowitz ] 2 Nov Fwd: [Birding-Aus] Visiting the Mercury Islands (offshore only) for Pycroft's Petrel [Chris Sanderson ] 2 Nov Mana Island visit [Iain Johnson ] Subject: Bittern on Stewart Island From: "albertlaysan" <langlands AT xtra.co.nz> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:47:32 -0000 Just wondering if anyone has seen bittern on Stewart Island since 1985- as while compiling the bittern database , for DOC, I have no recent records. Thanks Peter Subject: Whangaroa Pelagic postponed From: "detlefdavies" <detlefdavies AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:50:25 -0000 Hi all, Forecast for this Sunday is for rough weather so trip is off. Either Sat 28th or Sun 29th Nov is possible, will choose whichever suits most. Let me know if you are interested. Cheers, Detlef 09 407 3874 Subject: Erect-crested Penguin From: "Manu Tours" <ManuTours AT nzbirding.co.nz> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:47:49 +1300 Hi Everyone, Tony would liked to report an Erect-crested Penguin at Taiaroa Heads. He was on the Monarch Cruise and it can only be seen from the cruise. It has been there for 3-4 days. Cheers, Carol. Tony Wilson and Carol Harker, Manu Tours, 106 Ocean Beach Road, Tairua 3508 New Zealand. ph/fax 64 7 864 7475 Email: Manutours AT nzbirding.co.nz Web: www.nzbirding.co.nz [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Wader counts etc From: <p.rhodes AT xtra.co.nz> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:03:44 +1300 We completed our Southland November wader count last Saturday. Highlights were: New River Estuary - Ian Southey/Gillian Vaughn Godwit 1798 inc 18 juveniles Knot 52 Turnstone 36 Stint 1 Golden Plover 2 They also spotted an Arctic Tern, this is the second time Ian has reported one from here, he also picked up a dead specimen on Oreti Beach earlier in the week. Cow Island - Wynston Cooper Godwit - 433 (including 5 banded combos and 3 other birds with letter combos) Turnstone 24 NZ Dotterel 10 Knot 6 Wynston also reported 3 Australasian Bittern during his count. A recent beach patrol has also picked up numerous Short-tailed shearwaters washed up along Southland beaches seems to be a smaller wreck of these birds. We also found 16-18 Antarctic Fulmars and 7-8 Mollymawks. Constant Westerly winds have resulted in a large number of birds being washed up. Other species washed up were diving petrels; Sooty shearwaters; Broad-billed prion; Fairy prion; Blue Petrel; Gannet and Spotted Shag. Phil Rhodes Southland [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Seabirds off Mana Island From: Colin <hakawai AT paradise.net.nz> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:07:19 +1300 Watched fishing vessel Streaker steam past the north end of Mana Island heading for port late afternoon 18 November (viewed from trig with 8x binocs). The mixed flock of seabirds following included c. 20 Salvin's mollymawks, 5 white-capped mollymawk, 8 northern giant petrels, 5 Westland petrels and 100+ southern black-backed gulls. Colin Miskelly [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Stewart Island Birding From: "Kathy & Erik" <forsythkd AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:23:51 +1300 Hi all 4 Dutch birders and I were watching a Stewart Island Brown Kiwi on the outskirts of Oban last night and suddenly a Morepork landed on the a pole 5m away. Must have been useing the torch beem to hunt moths! A dead Sooty Shearwater was found at Deep Bay today and a SI Weka with a silver band on it's left leg was seen at the edge of town. Weka are a scarce site in Oban. 22 White-capped Albatross, a single Southern Buller's Albatross, 4 Cape Pigeon, 5 Fiordland Penguin and 6 Blue Penguin were seen in Halfmoon Bay yesterday. The albatrosses were hanging around fishing boats. Best wishes Erik Forsyth [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: BirdingNZ.net Alert: Tawharanui bird-watching From: <noreply AT birdingnz.net> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:38:22 -0600 Hello BIRDING-NZ, Suzi has posted an important post at BirdingNZ.net. -------------------------------------------- Here's the text of the post: Kaka still active in Ecology Bush. A total of 47 species bush/coastal/wetlands today as below, Suzi (Dipped on Brown Kiwi, Grey-faced Petrel and Kakariki - as expected). Australasian Gannet Pied Shag (2) Black Shag White-faced Heron Reef Heron Paradise Shelduck (21) Mallard (7) Grey Duck (5) Brown Teal Australasian Harrier (2) Pheasant (4) California Quail (5) Brown Quail (3) Pukeko +++ Variable Oystercatcher (5) Spur-winged Plover (3) Pied Stilt (4) NZ Dotterel (2) Black-backed Gull (4) Red-billed Gull (3) Caspian Tern Kereru (8) Kaka (3) Eastern Rosella (4) Shining Cuckoo (3) Morepork Kingfisher (3) Welcome Swallow (18) Silvereye Grey Warbler (3) Blackbird (4) Song Thrush (2) Dunnock Skylark NZ Pipit Whitehead (3) Fantail (7) NI Robin (5) Tui (26) Bellbird (14) House Sparrow (6) Chaffinch (3) Goldfinch (2) Yellowhammer (5) Starling Myna Australian Magpie -------------------------------------------- You can use the following link to view and reply to the post: http://www.birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=276&p=1142#p1142 Please note that email sent by reply to this message will not go to BirdingNZ.net. Use the link above instead. -- BirdingNZ.net Subject: Whangaroa pelagic 22 Nov, one place left From: "detlefdavies" <detlefdavies AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:11:11 -0000 Hi all, This trip is on if weather holds, there are 8 of us with room for one more. Let me know if you can make it. Cheers, Detlef 09 407 3874 Subject: Jo Ogier Art Exhibition at Salamander gallery in Christchurch Arts Centre From: Jan Walker <shesagreen AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:39:51 +1300 I went to see this exhibition today as Paul Scofield had recommended it. The prints are lovely, well worth a view on the web. I need a bigger house. Happy birding, jan From: Salamander Gallery Date: Wed, Nov 18, 2009 at 1:00 PM Subject: Jo Ogier To: shesagreen AT gmail.com 03 365 9279 salamandergallery AT xtra.co.nz www.salamandergallery.co.nz [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Visiting the Mercury Islands (offshore only) for Pycroft's Petrel From: J & K Vaughan <kevinv AT clear.net.nz> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:51:32 +1300 Dear All, Robert Morris has arranged the following trip which we are going to join. One place left. Anyone interested contact Robert at robert_p_morris AT hotmail.com On Saturday 12th December Have arranged a trip out to the Mercury Islands hopefully to see and photograph Pycroft's Petrel at sea. Have booked a comfortable boat that has done the trip many times out of Whitianga. The boat is a comfortable 35ft vessel. Cost is $1200. One place left which would bring cost down to $240 per person Roughly plan is to go at 1pm to Red Mercury unless there are weather issues, and return later in the early evening around 7pm, normally the trips have had enough by then and people are getting hungry!! We should see good numbers of Pycroft's as well as Cooks and other seabirds. Have ask the captain Andy Kerr to confirm a meeting time and place, chum / berly availability and the route. Regards Janie Vaughan [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: FW: Brolga bird sighting in Ellesmere From: "Crossland, Andrew" <andrew.crossland AT ccc.govt.nz> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:03:47 +1300 -----Original Message----- From: rschckrd AT xtra.co.nz [mailto:rschckrd AT xtra.co.nz] Sent: Wednesday, 18 November 2009 9:45 am To: Crossland, Andrew Subject: Brolga bird sighting in Ellesmere From: Andrew McFadden [mailto:Andrew.McFadden AT maf.govt.nz] Sent: Tuesday, 17 November 2009 4:52 p.m. To: OSNZEO AT slingshot.co.nz Subject: Brolga bird sighting in Ellesmere Hi there I was contacted by a women from lake ellesmere, CCH who claims she has sited a pair of Brolga. Her description fitted the bill, so perhaps she is right. She tried to get photos but unfortunately they were too blurry. I thought you might be interested as there have only been a few of these to make it over here from Australia. regards Andrew McFadden MVS BVSc | Incursion Investigator (animals), Investigation and Diagnostic Centre | Biosecurity New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry | 66 Ward St, Wallaceville | PO Box 40 742 | Upper Hutt | New Zealand Telephone: 64-4-894 5611 | Facsimile: 64-4-894 4973| Mobile: 027-733-1791 | Web: www.maf.govt.nz _____ This email message and any attachment(s) is intended solely for the addressee(s) named above. The information it contains is confidential and may be legally privileged. Unauthorised use of the message, or the information it contains, may be unlawful. If you have received this message by mistake please call the sender immediately on 64 4 8940100 or notify us by return email and erase the original message and attachments. Thank you. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry accepts no responsibility for changes made to this email or to any attachments after transmission from the office. _____ ********************************************************************** This electronic email and any files transmitted with it are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. The views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender and may not necessarily reflect the views of the Christchurch City Council. If you are not the correct recipient of this email please advise the sender and delete. Christchurch City Council http://www.ccc.govt.nz ********************************************************************** Subject: Ashworths spit, north of Christchurch, 16th Nov 2009 From: Jan Walker <shesagreen AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:58:40 +1300 Hi All, Assisted by a keen whitebaiter, Alan, who gave us a lift to the bottom of the spit, we walked the 5k, or is it 8k, back to ashworths. there were fewer Oystercatcher pairs than previous years, but whether this relates to the increased disturbance from vehicles, people and dogs since the island became a spit, is questionable. The traps set by Doc have caught nothing bar 2 cats at the first trap. 2 of the whitebaiters have been resetting the traps during the whitebait season and we will take this over after the end of the month. Several Oyc. pairs had eggs, 7 or 8 nests were located and 1 pair seemed to have chicks judging by the diving displays. most pairs were hybrid oyks. At one area there were 5 Blackbilled gull nests and 4 Pied stilt nests, together with 2 Oyk nests nearby. The current plan to allow unrestricted access to vehicles down this spit is surely crazy, allowing for the ecological value of the area. There are many other already desecrated beaches nearby where vehicles already have access. No need to clear ALL the WILDLIFE away. Not so happy birding, jan [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: BirdingNZ.net Alert: Brown Teal - Flat Bush, Auckland From: <noreply AT birdingnz.net> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:10:14 -0600 Hello BIRDING-NZ, simon.fordham has posted an important post at BirdingNZ.net. -------------------------------------------- Here's the text of the post: We have just returned from a quick look at a wetland / pond in Barry Curtis Park, Flat Bush. In addition to 2 x dabchick (apparently nesting), there were 2 x grey teal and a brown teal. The pond is by Stancombe Road, opposite the Buddhist Temple. Simon & Morag -------------------------------------------- You can use the following link to view and reply to the post: http://www.birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=274&p=1131#p1131 Please note that email sent by reply to this message will not go to BirdingNZ.net. Use the link above instead. -- BirdingNZ.net Subject: Brown Teal - Flat Bush, Auckland From: Simon Fordham <simonf AT clear.net.nz> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:08:05 +1300 We have just returned from a quick look at a wetland / pond in Barry Curtis Park, Flat Bush. In addition to 2 x dabchick (apparently nesting), the were 2 x grey teal and a brown teal. The pond is by Stancombe Road, opposite the Budhist Temple. Simon & Morag [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Ark in the Park Kokako From: Richard Fenner <richard.fenner AT sparkphd.co.nz> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:17:52 -0500 Got to the park just on dawn on Saturday hoping to hear Kokako - walked the City walk with a few detours starting from the top entrance near the picnic site. Lots of Robins singing particularly at the beginning of the walk - hearing them every 100m or so. About half or 2/3 way round heard a loud rustling in the trees and a Kokako flew up into a Kauri tree - very active and didn't hang around long - and wasn't calling. Amazing to see ( and a bit lucky!). 200m further down the track got a great view of a male Stitchbird. Brilliant to have this just outside Auckland. Recommend an early start to avoid the crowds! Cheers richard fenner [cid:image002.jpg AT 01CA66A6.0E86A5B0] level 7 university of otago house 385 queen street auckland new zealand tel: +64 9 337 7000 ddi: +64 9 337 7012 mob: +64 21 364 574 email: richard.fenner AT sparkphd.co.nz [cid:image004.jpg AT 01CA66A6.0E86A5B0] Participating in the carbonZero programme This email is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise protected from disclosure. Dissemination, distribution or copying of this email or the information herein by anyone other than the intended recipient, or an employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, is prohibited. If you received this email in error, please notify us by calling the IT Help Desk: +64 9 337 7058 ____________________________________________________________________________________________ a division of phd network limited ______________________________________________________________________ This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System. For more information please visit http://www.messagelabs.com/email ______________________________________________________________________ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: FW: Lake Ellesmere Sunday Nov 15 From: "Wratten, Stephen" <Steve.Wratten AT lincoln.ac.nz> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:58:35 +1300 Colin Hill and I went to Kaitorete Spit and then checked the usual sites on lake's northern shore on the way back -The Spit (strong, cool south-easterly wind) Asiatic Golden Plover 4 Turnstone 5 Red-necked stint 20 Bar-tailed godwit 1 Pied stilt 8 -Kaituna part of lake Royal Spoonbill 5 -Jarvis Road Asiatic golden plover 33 Turnstone 12 R-n stint 1 -Clark's Road B-t godwit 32 Turnstone 3 -Embankment Road B-t godwit 30 caspian tern 1 hybrid stilt 1 No curlew sands, sharp-tailed or pectoral sands No Wrybills "The contents of this e-mail (including any attachments) may be confidential and/or subject to copyright. Any unauthorised use, distribution, or copying of the contents is expressly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please advise the sender by return e-mail or telephone and then delete this e-mail together with all attachments from your system." [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Lake Ellesmere Nov 12 From: "Crossland, Andrew" <andrew.crossland AT ccc.govt.nz> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:12:42 +1300 Hi, further to Steve Wratten's report of the Greenpark sands area on Nov 8, I checked out the 400 ha Christchurch City Council reserve at Upper Birdlings Lagoon (about 5 km west of the base of Kaitorete Spit and about 2 km west of the old barn). ideal habitat conditions for waders and a surprise to find 2 whimbrels. Arctics are seldom seen here so I assume they've come off "crescent island" which is located further west along kaitorete spit. A reminder to birders that both sites require permisson from farm lessees to access, except along paper roads and hunter access routes. 2 Pacific Golden Plover 70 Bar-tailed Godwit 10 Turnstone 2 Asiatic Whimbrel AC ________________________________ From: BIRDING-NZ AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:BIRDING-NZ AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Wratten, Stephen Sent: Friday, 13 November 2009 12:28 pm To: birding-nz AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [BIRDING-NZ] Lake Ellesmere Nov 8 Colin Hill and I did Yarr's and Embankment, Clark's and Jarvis Roads and found Jarvis Rd 2 curlew sands (winter plumage) 2 wrybill 4 bar-tailed godwits (no bands etc seen) 37 pied stilts Clark's 198 pied stilts 158 b-t godwits (no bands etc sen) 38 oystercatchers Embankment Road 24 godwits 81 stilts 3 oystercatchers This weekend we hope to have a look at the Kaitoriti Spit end as we found few of the smaller Arctic waders-see above Cheers Steve ext 8221 "The contents of this e-mail (including any attachments) may be confidential and/or subject to copyright. Any unauthorised use, distribution, or copying of the contents is expressly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please advise the sender by return e-mail or telephone and then delete this e-mail together with all attachments from your system." [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ********************************************************************** This electronic email and any files transmitted with it are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. The views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender and may not necessarily reflect the views of the Christchurch City Council. If you are not the correct recipient of this email please advise the sender and delete. Christchurch City Council http://www.ccc.govt.nz ********************************************************************** [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: BirdingNZ.net Alert: Hunua Ranges From: <noreply AT birdingnz.net> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:52:30 -0600 Hello BIRDING-NZ, iain johnson has posted an important post at BirdingNZ.net. -------------------------------------------- Here's the text of the post: Visited the park this morning, accessing the park via workmans road. I stopped at the stand of eucalyptus on the right hand side of the road, just before the tarmac gives way to the gravel. Managed to call in a shining cuckoo, which flew directly towards me before perching in a bush adjacent to the road and eventually returning to the eucalyptus. Found a further two shining cuckoo in some bushes approx 100m along the track to the left of the dam. Also found a stoat (!) just outside the park boundary. -------------------------------------------- You can use the following link to view and reply to the post: http://birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=272&p=1124#p1124 Please note that email sent by reply to this message will not go to BirdingNZ.net. Use the link above instead. -- BirdingNZ.net Subject: Waimakariri River at Harewood Crossbank, Christchurch From: Jan Walker <shesagreen AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:05:14 +1300 Hi All, Spent two hours here this morning, some of it with kate roughan, Ecan ranger in charge of birds for the waimak. [My keyboard doesn't do caps, sorry] sheila and i thought there were 1000 to 1500 Blackbilled gulls in 2 colonies close together, 750 or so in the one upstream which is at a higher elevation and likely to escape a big fresh coming down. also 200 White-fronted Terns [probably nesting] between the 2 colonies and upstream of the larger one. Loosely associated with the colonies are pairs of isolated black-fronted terns, but it's hard to tell how many as so spread out. Perhaps 20 pairs? Some are close to vehicles on the S bank, away from the gulls, which are across a swift channel well populated with jetboats, kayaks and other craft. We watched as a 4WD with a young couple got out with Labrador next to a nest, proceded to shampoo dog next to a large pool for quite a while and then sent it back in the water to wash the suds off. They were quite oblivious to the birds screaming at them overhead and again when they came back from a drying walk with dog in the opposite direction. If they had not been so far away in the scope I would have been down there, 'saying something' but I desisted and made sure the pair of wrybills close to us with possibly 2 chicks weren't disturbed by another family with children and dog. We had parked by a nest and could hear a Tern twittering, but none in the air by us. The sitting bird was twitting quietly, perhaps to its mate to come and drive us off. We left swiftly and had a look on the way back, 2 warm eggs and 2 very good bombing parents. This nest is by a well-used track in the shingle, how long can it last? The river is popular as a recreation place and because the birds move about every year it is impossible to fence off somewhere as 'a reserve'. Indeed this has been done in the past, but nothing much nests there now. What a nightmare. Some tapes and signs are due to go up and swimming holes will be dug to try and concentrate the use, so we shall see. Jan and sheila [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Fwd: Fake DOC signs: Naughty, but funny | frogblog From: Jan Walker <shesagreen AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:35:33 +1300 ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Date: Sun, Nov 15, 2009 at 5:34 PM Subject: Fake DOC signs: Naughty, but funny | frogblog To: shesagreen AT gmail.com http://blog.greens.org.nz/index.php?p=7624 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: BirdingNZ.net Alert: Kaipara Harbour and Kaukapakapa River Birding From: <noreply AT birdingnz.net> Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 19:55:24 -0600 Hello BIRDING-NZ, Suzi has posted an important post at BirdingNZ.net. -------------------------------------------- Here's the text of the post: We had a successful morning's birding on the South Kaipara Harbour and up the Kaukap River today, (46 on board the Kewpie Too). Highlights of the trip (chartered and organised by Kaipara Forest and Bird) were Brown Teal and a Cape Barren Goose (on the river) and big flocks of Bar-tailed Godwits on "Rat Island" (out from Shelly Beach on the harbour). As we departed Parakai at 8.35am, we encountered Pied Shags (3) and Little Shag (2) as we motored down the Kaipara River into the harbour. We went across to the coastal area off Tupare (wetland reserve) area, but there is little visible across the mangroves from the harbour and the shell banks were already covered by the tide (10.30 HT4m). The rock just south of Shelly Beach was also mostly covered by tide with just a few Pied Shags clinging on there and up the coast on rocks under the cliffs (22). From Shelly Beach we turned back east and crossed to the island where we had great views of several thousand BTG (not close enough to tell if there were Knots among them). There were a lot of WF Terns (10+) fishing on the harbour near us and also roosting on the island (50+), as well as Black-backed Gulls (30+) (flying/roosting, and/or possibly nesting?), and 6+ Caspian Terns there too. There was also a probable Skua over the island, chasing a WFT, and a solitary VOC seen on the eastern side. As we cruised from the west side to the east side of this long, low and narrow shell/sand island, (covered in a little low scrub), about 50m off due to the shallowness, we could see flocks of BTG flying across the harbour to the island - mostly in groups of 10+ to 30+. It was great to get out on the harbour and get a good closeup look at the island from the sea. We returned past Jordans to the Kaipara River and into the Kaukapakapa River where there were more Pied (8+) and Black Shags (2), Mallards (10+) and WF Herons (4). I'd had a report of a Cape Barren Goose from a landowner along the river, and so we were in a perfect place to spot the large grey goose on farmland in the upper reaches. On the way, we surprised 2-3 Brown Teal from the water. I had heard a report of Brown Teal in the river last year and didn't quite believe it, but there were plenty of birders on board today to confirm the ID, including Chris Bindon, Paul Asquith and Noel Knight. Along this part of the river is the Kaukapakapa Estuary Scientific Reserve, a beautiful kauri dominated native forest reserve of about 200ha that stretches along the river for about a kilometere and from the river up to the ridge line. There is a large side-stream and wetland about half way along the reserve and it was here that the Brown Teal were last reported, so we were lucky to see them out on the main river today. Many birds were seen and heard that I didn't count including Yellowhammer, Welcome Swallow, Spur-winged Plover, Pukeko and Harrier. As expected so late in the day, dipped on Bittern and Fernbird - both of which we know from reports are in the Kaukapakapa ESR area. There is certainly plenty of good habitat for them with small wetland areas of raupo, flax, and coastal ribbonwood along the riparian margins. On the harbour, there were no Royal Spoonbill evident so the flock (of 40-70+) often seen on the harbour in the non-breeding season, has probably departed for breeding in the South Island. Suzi -------------------------------------------- You can use the following link to view and reply to the post: http://www.birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=271&p=1116#p1116 Please note that email sent by reply to this message will not go to BirdingNZ.net. Use the link above instead. -- BirdingNZ.net Subject: Extra on Lake Ellesmere, Canterbury From: Jan Walker <shesagreen AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:46:58 +1300 Hi Again, Forgot to mention that Bitterns were booming all around as we walked down to Harts Creek hide, but we didn't see any despite scoping the rushes from opposite the Aquafarm factory. Previously they have been seen clambering around on the dead stems. Rob Lawrence went down Kaitorete Spit yesterday and got 35 Red-necked Stint there. He also saw a probable breeding colony of Blackbilled Gulls. Perhaps the Selwyn Huts lot have moved over there. Hope to check the Waimakariri Blackbilled Gulls today. There were 1500 birds about 2 wks ago. Happy Birding, Jan On Sat, Nov 14, 2009 at 6:00 PM, Jan Walker wrote: > Hi All, > > Today bev and i had a look at Hart's Creek from the hide. Bev clocked up > 38 spp inc. Little Owl sitting in the old willows at the start of the track > and > I took the scope and eventually counted 8 or 9 Australasian Crested Grebe > from the hide. Doing their wonderful head shaking displays with the > headgear > shaking all over, they were a sight to behold. > > We found, Bev mostly, Chaffinch nests [3 or 4] in the willows at the > entrance to > the hide, a possible Grey warbler nest, mangled by something, and a > White-eye > nest with parent sitting. Then a thrush with 4 eggs near the start of the > track. > Lots of fish in the creek, one place where swimming in a lowland Canterbury > river might be OK. > > At Timberyard Point, confirmed that the Cormorants are nesting on Willow > Island > in some numbers, mainly Pied Corms and Little, mostly the latter. Very > concerned that > Doc and Ecan DO NOT eradicate the willows from this site. > > Blackbilled Gulls are NOT nesting Selwyn Huts after all. Very few there > today and > they were just roosting. > > Only 3 Cattle Egrets left at Drain Rd., none having breeding plumage. > > Cheers, > jan > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: great deals here for Christmas$B!*(B From: Alex Phillips <womera AT hotmail.com> Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:10:26 +0000 _________________________________________________________________ Have more than one Hotmail account? Link them together to easily access both http://clk.atdmt.com/UKM/go/186394591/direct/01/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: birds ot a feather ? From: "B & J Groom" <bjgroom AT xtra.co.nz> Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 22:37:22 +1300 Today at Tarawera river mouth , while checking a N.Z. dotterel pair , I watched a turnstone that was llonely try to be companionable : NO WAY; each time it came close the male chased it off , sometimes helped by the female They were not protecting eggs or chicks as their eggs had been predated for the second time . Currently monitoring 12-Chicks 3Nests incubating 15 pairs . John [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: BirdingNZ.net Alert: Otaki Beach and Manawatu From: <noreply AT birdingnz.net> Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 01:40:45 -0600 Hello BIRDING-NZ, igor has posted an important post at BirdingNZ.net. -------------------------------------------- Here's the text of the post: There was a Little Tern roosting with the White-fronts at the Otaki River mouth today - first time I've seen one at that site. At the Manawatu this morning the waders were roosting on the south side, but still managed to pick out one Sharpie, one Curlew Sand, two Turnstone, and the the Ibis were out and feeding. -------------------------------------------- You can use the following link to view and reply to the post: http://www.birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=270&p=1115#p1115 Please note that email sent by reply to this message will not go to BirdingNZ.net. Use the link above instead. -- BirdingNZ.net Subject: Selwyn huts and harts creek, Lake Ellesmere, Canterbury From: Jan Walker <shesagreen AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:00:03 +1300 Hi All, Today bev and i had a look at Hart's Creek from the hide. Bev clocked up 38 spp inc. Little Owl sitting in the old willows at the start of the track and I took the scope and eventually counted 8 or 9 Australasian Crested Grebe from the hide. Doing their wonderful head shaking displays with the headgear shaking all over, they were a sight to behold. We found, Bev mostly, Chaffinch nests [3 or 4] in the willows at the entrance to the hide, a possible Grey warbler nest, mangled by something, and a White-eye nest with parent sitting. Then a thrush with 4 eggs near the start of the track. Lots of fish in the creek, one place where swimming in a lowland Canterbury river might be OK. At Timberyard Point, confirmed that the Cormorants are nesting on Willow Island in some numbers, mainly Pied Corms and Little, mostly the latter. Very concerned that Doc and Ecan DO NOT eradicate the willows from this site. Blackbilled Gulls are NOT nesting Selwyn Huts after all. Very few there today and they were just roosting. Only 3 Cattle Egrets left at Drain Rd., none having breeding plumage. Cheers, jan [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: BirdingNZ.net Alert: Reef Heron - Hatfields Beach From: <noreply AT birdingnz.net> Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:44:57 -0600 Hello BIRDING-NZ, iain johnson has posted an important post at BirdingNZ.net. -------------------------------------------- Here's the text of the post: Afternoon (again!) Another report from Sav Saville - Reef Heron was at Hatfields Beach again this afternoon. Cheers -------------------------------------------- You can use the following link to view and reply to the post: http://birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=269&p=1113#p1113 Please note that email sent by reply to this message will not go to BirdingNZ.net. Use the link above instead. -- BirdingNZ.net Subject: BirdingNZ.net Alert: Southern Giant Petrel - Muriwai Beach From: <noreply AT birdingnz.net> Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:43:53 -0600 Hello BIRDING-NZ, iain johnson has posted an important post at BirdingNZ.net. -------------------------------------------- Here's the text of the post: Afternoon, Sav Saville found/ reported a Southern Giant Petrel on Muriwai beach this afternoon (circa 12.30pm) - looked like a sick/ injured bird. Dodn't look like it was going anywhere! -------------------------------------------- You can use the following link to view and reply to the post: http://birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=268&p=1112#p1112 Please note that email sent by reply to this message will not go to BirdingNZ.net. Use the link above instead. -- BirdingNZ.net Subject: Stewart Island Birding From: "Kathy & Erik" <forsythkd AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 14:46:10 +1300 Hi all day sightings of Stewart Island Brown Kiwi en route to and returning from Mason Bay 12+13th. Also a pair of Fernbird and 2 NZ Pipit. 9 Fiordland Crested Penguin on rocks at Manuka Point and 5 Little Blue Penguins at the Ferry Terminal 13th. Best wishes Erik Forsyth Ruggedy Range Wilderness Experience [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Stewart Island pelagic Friday 13th Nov 09 From: Chris Gaskin <kwtl AT xtra.co.nz> Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:44:09 -0800 (PST) Hi All,   14 of us (plus Colin skipper, Aurora Charters) departed Halfmoon Bay, Stewart Island at 8AM for a day’s pelagic (Friday 13 Nov 09). Weather has not been brilliant with strong W to SW winds and big seas so we weren’t holding out much hope of going too far offshore or down the island. Fairly fine conditions, occasional showers coming through, wind 25kns SW, going S during the day.  As it turned out we didn’t need to go all that far down the east coast of the island – as far as Lord’s River and out a bit beyond Big (Wreck) Reef – the strong winds had brought a goodly assemblage of birds in fairly close to the coast. During the morning we took a break from the seas and wind in at Tikotahahi Bay, then lunch in Abraham’s Bosom, Port Adventure. Later in the day we headed for Ulva Island and wander for an hour and half on shore. So, how’s this for a day’s haul?   Seabirds: > Southern royal albatross > White-capped albatross > Salvin’s albatross > Buller’s albatross > Campbell albatross (2 or 3 adults plus one immature) > Northern giant petrel > Cape petrel > Mottled petrel – stunning close views of three birds > Antarctic (southern) fulmar – probably a single bird seen on several occasions; great viewing sometimes right in beside the boat > Fairy prion > Broad-billed prion – good numbers of this sometimes elusive prion; many of them coming close to the boat for brilliant views > Grey-backed storm petrel – one seen which came close to the boat and stayed around for quite a while > Fiordland penguin – 15 at one location in amongst the rocks and under muttonbird scrub (Tikotahahi Bay), then about 8 in a pod foraging under a flock of Arctic terns; these fast moving birds they followed by porpoising along; spectacular to watch  > Blue penguin – several pods in the water, including one of about 10 close to Native Island, Paterson Inlet > Stewart Island shag > Spotted shag > Pied shag > Little shag > Brown skua > Black-backed gull > Red-billed gull > White-fronted tern > Arctic tern – we had picked up 4 on Wakatapu Beach (near Riverton) on the drive through to Invercargill the day before (roosting with white-fronted terns); today we came across a handful amongst white-fronted terns between Akers Point and The Neck; then a flock of about 15 at Tikotahahi Bay.   At Ulva Island (Paterson Inlet, Stewart Island) later in the day (including a wonderful mixed flock of brown creeper, yellowhead, both species of parakeet, grey warbler and bellbirds within easy viewing): > Variable oystercatcher > Weka > Kaka > Red-crowned parakeet > Yellow-crowned parakeet > Tui > Bellbird > South Island saddleback > Yellowhead > Brown creeper > Grey warbler > NZ fantail (black phase) > Tomtit > Stewart Island robin   Happy birding   Chris   PS – Great views of Stewart Island kiwi (2) at night (stunning night with calm seas, wind had died completely, amazing night sky).   PPS - suspicious (Friday 13th)? Nah!   Chris Gaskin www.kiwi-wildlife.co.nz www.nzseabirds.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: NZ nATIVE PIGEON From: "Driftwood Eco Tours" <will AT driftwoodecotours.co.nz> Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 06:25:15 +1300 Hi saw my 1st ever native wood pigeon in Blenheim by Convention centr. It flew up into a Phoenix (sp) palm and maybe nesting! Will DRIFTWOOD ECO-TOURS LIMITED R.D.3. Dillon's Point Road Marlborough, New Zealand 64 3 5777 651 Cell Ph: 0274 483 133 will AT driftwoodecotours.co.nz CHECK OUT WILL'S BLOG AT THE WEB SITE www.driftwoodecotours.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: South Island birding From: Duncan Watson <watson_duncan AT xtra.co.nz> Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 01:36:18 -0800 (PST) My journey continues down the South Island. Okarito with White Heron tours – plenty of breeding White Heron, along with Spoonbill and Little Shag in the sanctuary area. Nice to see the White Heron and Spoonbill in breeding plumage. A few Banded Dotterel on the shore near the lagoon. Paradise Ducks seem to enjoy racing the jet boat along the river! Pakihi walk near Okarito. Good views of Fernbird beside carpark, and SI Robin on the start of the track behind the car park. Tomtit along the walkway. Three Mile walkway – more Tomtit, along with Bellbird, Tui and NZ Pigeon. Falcon are being seen regularly in Okarito village, but I didn’t catch a glimpse of any on my way through. Night tour with Ian Cooper to see Okarito Brown Kiwi – we saw BZ and Fancy, and heard Jim (all males). The Kiwis are not making much noise at this time of year. Plenty of Morepork in the area. LakeIanthe– 22 Scaup, some Black Swan but no sign of any Crested Grebe despite what the books said. There are no longer any cruises of Lake Ianthe (previously the Tamati used to run in summer months). Kea in carpark west of the Otira viaduct (none in the upper Otira viaduct carpark) on the way to Arthurs Pass. ArthursPass– Kea in carpark near visitor centre. Bridal Veil track – Rifleman and one Brown Creeper. LakePearson– a few Scaup and 11 Crested Grebe, most Grebe at the eastern end. Met a group of travelling birders from Scandinavia whom I last saw a few days ago in the hide at Miranda! Regards, Duncan. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Lake Ellesmere Nov 8 From: "Wratten, Stephen" <Steve.Wratten AT lincoln.ac.nz> Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:27:58 +1300 Colin Hill and I did Yarr's and Embankment, Clark's and Jarvis Roads and found Jarvis Rd 2 curlew sands (winter plumage) 2 wrybill 4 bar-tailed godwits (no bands etc seen) 37 pied stilts Clark's 198 pied stilts 158 b-t godwits (no bands etc sen) 38 oystercatchers Embankment Road 24 godwits 81 stilts 3 oystercatchers This weekend we hope to have a look at the Kaitoriti Spit end as we found few of the smaller Arctic waders-see above Cheers Steve ext 8221 "The contents of this e-mail (including any attachments) may be confidential and/or subject to copyright. Any unauthorised use, distribution, or copying of the contents is expressly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please advise the sender by return e-mail or telephone and then delete this e-mail together with all attachments from your system." [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Tui getting chased! From: "Ian Armitage" <ian.armitage AT xtra.co.nz> Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:26:53 +1300 I too have been surprised recently to see a male blackbird chase away tui visiting one particular tree in our garden (in Wellington). A pair of blackbirds are nesting in a black beech tree close to our house and have chicks now. Tui often visit this beech tree but recently, since the blackbird eggs hatched and chicks are growing, the visiting tui always get 'moved on' very quickly indeed, even aggressively, by the male blackbird. In my experience here a male blackbird is the only bird that will stand up to tui and during the winter will sometimes face each other off near the sugar water feeders (in puts a new meaning on 'playing chicken' !) Young tui, starlings and silvereyes don't' stand a chance against adult tui near feeders and move out of harms way quickly. Ian __________________ I've seen a lot of Tui doing some aggressive chasing (from Silvereye to Kaka!), but not a Tui being chased before ! This morning our male Blackbird chased our female Tui out of the garden. The male has a female incubating on her nest in a Puka about 20m from the Tui's nest in a Pohutakawa. She (Tui) was soon back busily feeding her chicks this morning which are a week or so off fledging. Last night she could be seen gathering insects on the wing, in and out of the trees, and feeding her chicks. There must be a few and they must be pretty demanding! Suzi [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: BirdingNZ.net Alert: Tui getting chased From: <noreply AT birdingnz.net> Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:58:19 -0600 Hello BIRDING-NZ, Suzi has posted an important post at BirdingNZ.net. -------------------------------------------- Here's the text of the post: I've seen a lot of Tui doing some aggressive chasing (from Silvereye to Kaka!), but not a Tui being chased before ! This morning our male Blackbird chased our female Tui out of the garden. The male has a female incubating on her nest in a Puka about 20m from the Tui's nest in a Pohutakawa. She (Tui) was soon back busily feeding her chicks this morning which are a week or so off fledging. Last night she could be seen gathering insects on the wing, in and out of the trees, and feeding her chicks. There must be a few and they must be pretty demanding ! Suzi -------------------------------------------- You can use the following link to view and reply to the post: http://www.birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=267&p=1108#p1108 Please note that email sent by reply to this message will not go to BirdingNZ.net. Use the link above instead. -- BirdingNZ.net Subject: Stewart Island Birding From: "Kathy & Erik" <forsythkd AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:38:12 +1300 Hi all a pair of Masked Lapwing have been heard at night at Oban Sewage Ponds while out kiwi searching. The lapwings must only roost here as not seen during the day. a subadult and adult Stewart Island Brown Kiwi were seen on the 9/11 between Hicks and Kaipipi roads, Oban. a subadult Stewart Island Weka was seen foraging in Leask Bay. This species is scarce in the Oban area. Best wishes Erik Forsyth [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Saturday 7 November Hauraki Gulf Pelagic From: Chris Gaskin <kwtl AT xtra.co.nz> Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:05:15 -0800 (PST) Hi all,   Departed at 8.30AM from Leigh Harbour. Weather was fine and clear with little swell.   I was pretty excited - my first pelagic for the season (why should others get all the fun!) and looking forward to seeing our favourite little black and white bird!   Departing from Leigh is great - immediately outside the small harbour we started seeing birds. Small flocks of fluttering shearwaters chasing fish with white fronted terns. Further out these were joined by flesh-footed shearwaters, blue penguins and a couple of sooty shearwaters joining in the feasting.   Then we spotted a pod of common dolphins and they accompanied us for a while beside the boat, sun glistening on their sleek bodies with shearwaters flying along too. A gorgeous sight.   Nearing NW reef a few gannets began appearing mostly sitting some searching, then Cook's petrels were spotted describing their high arcs and fairy prions. Suddenly a NZ stormy shot past and disappeared in our wake - I yelled to the skipper and we stopped over NW Reef. After only a short time we had 3 NZSP's flying around us, with fairy prions, white-faced stormies, a few Cook's passing by and flesh footed shearwaters. It never ceases to amaze me - these seabirds are real and yet they have created very little in the way of ripples NZ. Thank goodness for our seabirds having such a great international reputation!   Continuing on to the Mokohinaus we were in luck - spotting several fantastic work-ups of trevally and kahawai with their companions the Buller's shearwaters - large concentrations of these birds mostly with their heads underwater sharing the krill feast. Also amongst them quite large numbers of fairy prions and some fluttering shearwaters and red-billed gulls. Someone yelled albatross and a young white-capped flew in for a look then headed away...   Feeling quite pleased with ourselves we headed into the arches for a spot of lunch and a chance to enjoy these magnificently scenic islands. One harrier lazily floated over the islands, flocks of welcome swallows swooped over the cliffs and the occasional parakeet darted between trees. Bellbirds and tuis could be heard as we cut the engine for some blissful piece while we ate.   Heading out once more - our target was the surprisingly elusive black petrel a local endemic, which only breeds on Great Barrier and Little Barrier Islands. We soon found a potential source - a recreational fishing charter. We rocked up and were amused by the strange looks from the fishers seriously focused on their quarry - hauling up 'puka and snapper. A large flock of fluttering shearwaters were clustered around them and the laughing skipper created a frenzy by throwing our sharks livers. Despite the spectacle - no black petrels. If there were any for miles around they would have been attracted by this activity! A northern giant petrel did notice and spent some time swooping in for an occasional beakful, before it too disappeared...    Not a bad list for the day!   NZ Storm petrel - final count 7 White-faced storm petrel Fairy prion Cook's petrel Fluttering shearwater Flesh-footed shearwater Buller's shearwater Diving Petrel Sooty shearwater Australasian gannet Red-billed gull Blue penguin white-fronted tern White-capped albatross Northern giant petrel   Karen Baird www.nzseabirds.com   [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: New Zealand birds for ID From: Doug Newman <doug AT simplybirding.com> Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:52:54 +0200 Hi all. Just going through a large amount of photos I was sent from a trip to New Zealand. Can anyone assist with ID? http://www.simplybirding.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=130&t=3893 Regards, Doug Newman Birding made simple http://www.simplybirding.com +27 82 853 2804 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: Long-tailed Cuckoo From: Suzi Phillips <suzi AT dialogue.co.nz> Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:58:54 +1300 Hi Rosemary, Do you take wing and body measurements and wing moult details too ? An LTC in the hand is such a rare thing ! Will you donate it to a museum ? Suzi 8-) On 11/11/2009, at 8:43 AM, Rosemary Tully wrote: > Hi, I had a long-tailed cuckoo in yesterday. It was found in a > ladies garden off Domain Road, Whakatane. Weight 108 g. Broken wing > and internal injuries. Died a couple of hours later. > Rosemary > 'Never frown, even when you are sad, > Because you never know who is > Falling in love with your smile. ' > "Every one smiles in the same language" > Rosemary Tully > 513A Taneatua Road > RD1 Whakatane > 3191 New Zealand > Phone 0064 7 3129475 > Website http://www.nzbirds.com/more/rescue.html > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent StephensonYahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BIRDING-NZ/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BIRDING-NZ/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: BIRDING-NZ-digest AT yahoogroups.com BIRDING-NZ-fullfeatured AT yahoogroups.com <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: BIRDING-NZ-unsubscribe AT yahoogroups.com <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ Subject: Long-tailed Cuckoo From: Rosemary Tully <rosemarytully AT clear.net.nz> Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:43:33 +1300 Hi, I had a long-tailed cuckoo in yesterday. It was found in a ladies garden off Domain Road, Whakatane. Weight 108 g. Broken wing and internal injuries. Died a couple of hours later. Rosemary 'Never frown, even when you are sad, Because you never know who is Falling in love with your smile. ' "Every one smiles in the same language" Rosemary Tully 513A Taneatua Road RD1 Whakatane 3191 New Zealand Phone 0064 7 3129475 Website http://www.nzbirds.com/more/rescue.html [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Geordie Spotting Scopes From: "optikcop" <optikcop AT windowslive.com> Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:08:13 -0000 "Top tip: Don't waste money on an expensive telescope; just stand closer to the birds.(Sorry, couldn't resist it; Viz is celebrating its fortieth anniversary.)" Why aye, laddie. It cannae be fowtie yurrs, surely to God? Enough to send yuz running back tae Whitley Bay or Trow Quarry for the Eastern Crowned Warbler. I remember birding there. Hundreds of Geordie football fans with binoculars all crowded around a bush wi a Yellow-Browed Warbler and a Red-Flanked Bluetail in it. You couldne hear the bord for the crack and banter! Best bording scene in the planet. I'll awa and celebrate the Viz borthday wi a pack of eight Ace! Subject: Re: Spotting scopes From: Graham charle Saunders <thegooddoctor AT xtra.co.nz> Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 22:59:32 -0800 (PST) Top tip: Don't waste money on an expensive telescope; just stand closer to the birds. (Sorry, couldn't resist it; Viz is celebrating its fortieth anniversary.) A good telescope can be rendered useless by a bad tripod. Aim to spend a substantial amount on the latter, perhaps at the expense of the former. I have a 60 mm scope, which is more than acceptable for NZ lighting conditions; it even worked well in Britain. Straight through is good if you can keep both eyes open, one looks through the scope, the other looks at where you're looking. Angled ones are good if you wish to draw whilst watching. _____ From: BIRDING-NZ AT yahoogro ups.com [mailto:BIRDING-NZ AT yahoogro ups.com] On Behalf Of Bruce McKinlay Sent: 9 November 2009 6:28 p.m. To: BIRDING-NZ AT yahoogro ups.com Subject: [BIRDING-NZ] Spotting scopes Whats the current view on the best all round spotting scope for use in New Zealand? I see some places are suggesting a 65 mm lens is as good as an 80 mm. Any views? Also do people prefer an angle eyepiece or straight view. Thanks Bruce __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4586 (20091108) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset. com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: RE: Spotting scopes From: "Battley, Phil" <P.Battley AT massey.ac.nz> Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:35:19 +1300 Good point on the Pentax scopes. I bought one of the 65 mm ones for the Miranda Shorebird Centre a few years ago (from the States) and it's a great little beast. I also bought a couple of their big PF-80ED scopes with 20-60x zooms for students. These are not particularly compact but they were about half the price of most other top-line scopes, and their colour rendition is dead good. Once I had the odd experience of seeing colourbands better through the Pentax than the Swarovski. :( Phil ___________________________ Dr Phil Battley Ecology Group, PN624 Massey University Private Bag 11-222 Palmerston North New Zealand Phone 64 6 356 9099 ext 2605 Fax 64 6 350 5623 p.battley AT massey.ac.nz From: BIRDING-NZ AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:BIRDING-NZ AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of David Adams Sent: Tuesday, 10 November 2009 11:27 a.m. To: BIRDING-NZ GROUP Subject: Re: [BIRDING-NZ] Spotting scopes On Tue, Nov 10, 2009 at 8:38 AM, Battley, Phil >wrote: > Swarovskis make their scope mounts to fit a Manfrotto quick-release head. I > cannot understand why almost no other manufacturer does so. It eliminates > another layer of attachment and makes for a more stable platform. I agree > with Rob about tripods. It pains me to see the pathetic tripods many birders > in NZ use. It is a waste of money to spend decent $$ on a scope and then > have a flimsy tripod under it. Get a Manfrotto 055 and a fluid video head > and you can then actually use your scope on windy days. It'll cost about > $400 but be worth it. > Agreed, a good head and tripod are critical. The fluid/video-style heads are great for quickly changing views or even tracking a bird in flight. I've got a Pentax PF-65ED AII set up this way. I got an angled style scope because my wife and I are different heights. I think this scope offers very good value for money - much as Pentax's better binoculars do. Are these as good as Swarovskis? Not quite. For (often) 1/3 the price - they're pretty darn close - within a few percentages of quality. Pentax, last I checked, made several eyepieces for this - including two different zooms. One is more expensive, higher quality and heavier. I ended up with the cheaper one. It's fine - but I'd probably go for the more expensive one as, as it turns out, the overall weight of the unit is less than I expected. (I was concerned about the extra weight of the eyepiece but it really came down to some hundreds of grams.) A nice feature of a 65 size scope is that you can take it with you - mine fits comfortably into a backpack. (The tripod is a different matter.) As to selection and price, why not import directly from the US? Things are absurdly cheap there to start with and their $ is weak. People on Birding-Aus regularly report importing directly from the US successfully. You just have to pay shipping and insurance on shipping. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: Spotting scopes From: David Adams <dpadams AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:27:10 +1100 On Tue, Nov 10, 2009 at 8:38 AM, Battley, Phil wrote: > Swarovskis make their scope mounts to fit a Manfrotto quick-release head. I > cannot understand why almost no other manufacturer does so. It eliminates > another layer of attachment and makes for a more stable platform. I agree > with Rob about tripods. It pains me to see the pathetic tripods many birders > in NZ use. It is a waste of money to spend decent $$ on a scope and then > have a flimsy tripod under it. Get a Manfrotto 055 and a fluid video head > and you can then actually use your scope on windy days. It'll cost about > $400 but be worth it. > Agreed, a good head and tripod are critical. The fluid/video-style heads are great for quickly changing views or even tracking a bird in flight. I've got a Pentax PF-65ED AII set up this way. I got an angled style scope because my wife and I are different heights. I think this scope offers very good value for money - much as Pentax's better binoculars do. Are these as good as Swarovskis? Not quite. For (often) 1/3 the price - they're pretty darn close - within a few percentages of quality. Pentax, last I checked, made several eyepieces for this - including two different zooms. One is more expensive, higher quality and heavier. I ended up with the cheaper one. It's fine - but I'd probably go for the more expensive one as, as it turns out, the overall weight of the unit is less than I expected. (I was concerned about the extra weight of the eyepiece but it really came down to some hundreds of grams.) A nice feature of a 65 size scope is that you can take it with you - mine fits comfortably into a backpack. (The tripod is a different matter.) As to selection and price, why not import directly from the US? Things are absurdly cheap there to start with and their $ is weak. People on Birding-Aus regularly report importing directly from the US successfully. You just have to pay shipping and insurance on shipping. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: RE: Spotting scopes From: "Battley, Phil" <P.Battley AT massey.ac.nz> Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:38:38 +1300 Hi Bruce, Budget is paramount in this discussion. The best all-round use spotting scope is likely to be a top-quality 60 or 65 mm scope, as it is more portable and therefore more likely to be used. The Nikon Fieldscope ED III lead this field in the early 2000s. I have one and it's very handy, especially once they brought out a decent 20-60 x zoom (that you could read bands with). The Swarovski 65 mm is probably fantastic - their 80 mm sure is. But I have only seen the ED or HD versions of those scopes and don't know how a standard glass version compares. For those brands, however, the difference between ED and normal glassware may not be as great as the difference between less high-end optics and these brands. My optics use is decidedly non-traditional, as about the only excuse I have to get out is to read colour-bands or flags. I hardly use binocs at all, and often don't even take them out of my bag. I need a top-line scope that I can use at maximum zoom. I managed to get an 80 mm HD Swarovski through work and until Kowa came and bettered it, I was convinced that this was the best spotting scope available. (It still has the best case though!). But your needs may be quite different and you may not need to spend the ridiculous money these things cost. The problem in NZ is that we have a poor selection of scopes to try out before buying. Nikon have a mid-line series that has a good reputation - RAIII Spotting Scope. They may be stocked locally, but it would pay to try to view them with both zoom and fixed lenses (e.g. 30 X wide if one exists). Optical quality of the fixed lens will be superior to a zoom unless it's a scope of truly top quality. That may be fine for general birding and survey work, but when you get those colour-banded godwits at Aramoana you'll wish you had a zoom (or maybe I'll wish you did...). Angled scopes are easier for people of different height to view, and you don't have to have a tripod extended fully to look through them. If you use a window mount in a car, then straight-through is better. Swarovskis make their scope mounts to fit a Manfrotto quick-release head. I cannot understand why almost no other manufacturer does so. It eliminates another layer of attachment and makes for a more stable platform. I agree with Rob about tripods. It pains me to see the pathetic tripods many birders in NZ use. It is a waste of money to spend decent $$ on a scope and then have a flimsy tripod under it. Get a Manfrotto 055 and a fluid video head and you can then actually use your scope on windy days. It'll cost about $400 but be worth it. Waterproofing is something that may be lacking in cheaper models but will be standard in more expensive ones. So my take - a 60 or 65 mm top-line scope may be the equal of a lower-quality 80 mm scope. A top-line 80 or 85 or 88 will beat all others optically. Something to seriously consider is never to look through a top-line scope if you are not actually in the market. Once you do you will crave one. And then you will crave the next one, even if you already have the one you dreamed of initially. So aim low and stick with it... Yours from experience, Phil ___________________________ Dr Phil Battley Ecology Group, PN624 Massey University Private Bag 11-222 Palmerston North New Zealand Phone 64 6 356 9099 ext 2605 Fax 64 6 350 5623 p.battley AT massey.ac.nz From: BIRDING-NZ AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:BIRDING-NZ AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Bruce McKinlay Sent: Monday, 9 November 2009 6:28 p.m. To: BIRDING-NZ AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [BIRDING-NZ] Spotting scopes Whats the current view on the best all round spotting scope for use in New Zealand? I see some places are suggesting a 65 mm lens is as good as an 80 mm. Any views? Also do people prefer an angle eyepiece or straight view. Thanks Bruce [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Pelagic from Whangaroa, Sunday 22 November From: "detlefdavies" <detlefdavies AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:30:18 -0000 Hey guys, We have 6 people for this trip and really need 7 to make it cost-effective. Surely someone out there in birding land can make up the numbers? Maximum is 9 so 3 more would be just great. Accommodation available here if you need it. Detlef 09 407 3874 Subject: RE: Spotting scopes From: "Rob Lawrence" <birdman22 AT xtra.co.nz> Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 20:54:10 +1300 Hi Bruce The bigger the objective lens. usually means the more light therefore a brighter image however the bigger can mean a heavier weight and that is a factor if you are packing scope and tripod all day I use A Nikon ED 60 mm (small light and very bright for a 60 MM objective scope) I prefer in a straight configuration I think it is easier to locate the objects being viewed You are going to get a million views from others but the best advice is to get the best features that you seek for the best price. Some the high end (price) units are good but.. Careful seeking and testing will find something nearly as good for less. Trial several test the features what works for you is best not what works for another person * Such as eye cup adjustment ( I wear glasses) * ease of operation of the focus ring . * Lens caps attached (these can flap but harder to loose ) * Weather tight can be a good feature, * Ease of tripod mount and security of the mount it can be a bummer to drop the scope off the tripod if the plate loosens as it will nearly always occur over water, mud or hard surfaces * I think the zoom features are interesting but.. there is a brightness penalty. In an earlier scope B&L Discoverer 15-60X I stayed 99% at 15X brighter and wider field of vision Currently my Nikon has a 20-45X eye piece, but rarely use the higher setting. * A good tripod is nearly as important ...as the wind can reek havoc. so stability verse weight is another issue to resolve and I would ignore cost there...(with in reason) as jiggley expensive scope is useless compared to a stable less powerful scope. Remember linking your binos is also factor . I use 8x42 also Nikon Looked pretty hard at a 10x42 but opted for the bright lens wider view. It provides a good mix Scope adaption to a camera is generally a falsely cheap and frustrating experience.. if you intend to get a big lens just get the big lens. If you pack a camera and lens the smaller brighter scope eases your weight burden.. Are you good a sneaking ? ... A scope brings far things close but a better strategy is making near things. bigger ...so you can really hone in on the features but as often many viewing spots are wide open and it still pays to be able to bring far objects closer All the best I have had good results with Nikon and B & Scopes but there are plenty good ones about and you will hear them in detail given this lot .. but what works for you at a price you can afford is the best scope for you Cheers _____ From: BIRDING-NZ AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:BIRDING-NZ AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Bruce McKinlay Sent: 9 November 2009 6:28 p.m. To: BIRDING-NZ AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [BIRDING-NZ] Spotting scopes Whats the current view on the best all round spotting scope for use in New Zealand? I see some places are suggesting a 65 mm lens is as good as an 80 mm. Any views? Also do people prefer an angle eyepiece or straight view. Thanks Bruce __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4586 (20091108) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Miranda From: Duncan Watson <watson_duncan AT xtra.co.nz> Date: Sun, 8 Nov 2009 23:31:58 -0800 (PST) High tide today around noon at Miranda. Amongst the usual Godwit, Knot, SIPO, VOC, Pied Stilt, White Fronted Tern, RBG and BBG were some other birds of interest. 1 Red Necked Stint (too far away to get a good photo) 2 Curlew Sandpiper in the pool just behind the hide 4 Sharp Tailed Sandpiper (in the pools near the road at the hide entrance) 3 Wrybill Couple of Turnstone 1 Caspian Tern 1 Pied Stilt displaying slight hybrid characteristics (black collar all round neck) A couple of English birders spotted a Skua flying miles away across the sea (visible against the Coromandel). Searched and searched for the Hudsonian Godwit. Was reported yesterday, but could not find it today. Had a drive up Falls Road to Whangamarino wetlands. Blowing and raining so I didn't spend much time viewing the swamp from the lookout and didn't see anything other than a Pukeko and a couple of Grey Teal. Nice looking wetlands. There is access down a riverbank from Falls Road but after about 500 metres the track ends and it gets ... swampy. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: Spotting scopes From: "Michael Szabo" <millsszabo AT xtra.co.nz> Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 19:02:43 +1300 If you're going to look at waders at a distance then the larger the lens the better. I am quite tall and find angled better because otherwise I'd need to mount my scope even higher off the ground to see through it. Whatever you plan to do I recommend testing out some of the models on the market before you buy one so you find the one that suits your needs - ie price, size, weight, optical quality. You should also consider what tripod or other mounting options you want to use with the scope as these add to the weight you carry around and the cost. Happy birding! Michael ----- Original Message ----- From: Bruce McKinlay To: BIRDING-NZ AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, November 09, 2009 6:28 PM Subject: [BIRDING-NZ] Spotting scopes Whats the current view on the best all round spotting scope for use in New Zealand? I see some places are suggesting a 65 mm lens is as good as an 80 mm. Any views? Also do people prefer an angle eyepiece or straight view. Thanks Bruce [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Spotting scopes From: "Bruce McKinlay" <bruce896387 AT yahoo.com.au> Date: Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:28:25 -0000 Whats the current view on the best all round spotting scope for use in New Zealand? I see some places are suggesting a 65 mm lens is as good as an 80 mm. Any views? Also do people prefer an angle eyepiece or straight view. Thanks Bruce Subject: Interesting observations at Porirua today From: "Ian Armitage" <ian.armitage AT xtra.co.nz> Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 11:47:44 +1300 Three significant observations this morning in and near the Porirua Scenic Reserve (1 km from Porirua City centre). Although bellbirds have been regularly seen and heard in the Porirua SR since 2004 (and were also present today) I was pleasantly surprised this morning to see and hear 3 bellbirds (at only a 10 metre range) in roadside trees and in suburban gardens, nearby to the reserve. They were very vocal and were easily seen from the roadside footpath. None were banded. These observations reinforce other evidence of the steady and recent spread of bellbirds in Porirua and in the northern suburbs of Wellington City. Two whiteheads and one red-crowned parakeet were heard and seen in the Porirua SR this morning. A small kakariki population has been present for some time but whiteheads have not been seen here since 2007. Many tui, grey warblers and kereru were also seen and heard in the same general locality - always common now. Cheers. Ian [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: RE: cuckoo calls; eastbourne birds From: Sam Brown <s_d_J_brown AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 10:07:45 +1300 Andy, http://www.whatbird.co.nz/index.php has got heaps of NZ bird calls, including Long-tailed Cuckoo. Enjoy! Sam To: BIRDING-NZ AT yahoogroups.com From: arfalshaw AT xtra.co.nz Date: Sun, 8 Nov 2009 21:44:44 +1300 Subject: [BIRDING-NZ] cuckoo calls; eastbourne birds The shining cuckoos have been calling away here the last couple of weeks. Last week I was surprised to hear birds do the first part, 15-20 "wheet" sounds, then a long pause, I counted up to 20s, then the "chew, chew" part. This week about half and half - some with a long gap between the two parts, others with little or no gap. This is something I've not noticed before - is it regular behaviour? Can anyone point me to a recording of long tailed cuckoo calls? I haven't been able to find any on the net. I'm pretty sure I'm hearing them but want to be sure. In the bush on the Eastbourne hills yesterday I heard then saw two falcons. One sighting was of one bird perched on a dead tree near the junction of the Mackenzie and Muritai park tracks; the second sighting was of two birds flying over houses on kowhai street. I also saw a female tomtit feeding a chick. This is the first time I can remember seeing tomtits behind Eastbourne. The atlas suggests they are known from there. Finally, tonight I saw a pair of Californian quail by burdan's gate, again a first for me on this side of the harbour. Andy [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] _________________________________________________________________ New Windows 7: Find the right PC for you. Learn more. http://windows.microsoft.com/shop [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent StephensonYahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BIRDING-NZ/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BIRDING-NZ/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: BIRDING-NZ-digest AT yahoogroups.com BIRDING-NZ-fullfeatured AT yahoogroups.com <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: BIRDING-NZ-unsubscribe AT yahoogroups.com <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ Subject: request fro info re rifleman sightings; Tauranga pelagic results From: "Lawton" <elawton AT actrix.co.nz> Date: Sun, 8 Nov 2009 22:40:09 +1300 Question from Peter Maddison of Forest & Bird's Kaimai Mamaku Campaign Has anyone recent records of rifleman (titipounamu) in Kaimai or Mamaku areas ? Please reply direct to Peter - maddisonpa AT yahoo.com.au For those who took part in the campaign's recent 5 Minute Bird Counts, remember the preliminary analysis of this will be announced at the campaign launch on Saturday 14th in Tauranga, 2 pm. Interesting to compare these results with OSNZ Atlas - seem to have more spp than the Atlas. Also still time to do an Everybirdy survey - see www.kaimaimamaku.org.nz . Speaker at the launch is Alan Saunders , one of our best in the field of restoration/conservation , etc Seabirds seen on OSNZ pelagic, Saturday 7 November Godwit at Sulphur Point Blue penguin Flesh footed shearwater - most numerous Aust Gannet- numerous Diving petrel - numerous Fluttering shearwater Bullers Shearwater White faced storm petrel White fronted tern - at Tuhua Red billed gull - Tuhua Black backed gull Pied shag - Tuhua and Moauo Welcome swallow - Tuhua Starling - Tuhua Salvin's mollymawk - 2 Northern giant petrel -1 Eila [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: BirdingNZ.net Alert: Mini pelagic Tauranga Harbour 7 November From: <noreply AT birdingnz.net> Date: Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:33:38 -0600 Hello BIRDING-NZ, Eila has posted an important post at BirdingNZ.net. -------------------------------------------- Here's the text of the post: Seabirds seen on OSNZ pelagic, Saturday 7 November (18 of us, 11 BOP members plus, 2 from Waikato, and 5 friends, ; motored/sailed in direction of Tuhua/Mayor Island, including circular navigation in attempt to collect someone's lunch and then a binocular case. The captain rightly felt the potential plastic garbage the more important to retrieve than the finally-deserted binocular case! Lunch at anchor in South East Bay at Tuhua, below roosting gulls and tara - or were they really distant tropicbirds? - seemed to have even more beautiful long tails than usual when flying above the boat.) Godwit at Sulphur Point Blue penguin Flesh footed shearwater - most numerous Aust Gannet- numerous Diving petrel - numerous Fluttering shearwater Bullers Shearwater White faced storm petrel White fronted tern - at Tuhua Red billed gull - Tuhua Black backed gull Pied shag - Tuhua and Moauo Welcome swallow - Tuhua Starling - Tuhua Salvin's mollymawk - 2 Northern giant petrel -1 Eila -------------------------------------------- You can use the following link to view and reply to the post: http://www.birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=262&p=1071#p1071 Please note that email sent by reply to this message will not go to BirdingNZ.net. Use the link above instead. -- BirdingNZ.net Subject: BirdingNZ.net Alert: Port Albert - Kiapara From: <noreply AT birdingnz.net> Date: Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:53:07 -0600 Hello BIRDING-NZ, iain johnson has posted an important post at BirdingNZ.net. -------------------------------------------- Here's the text of the post: Phil Hammond and myself stopped off at Port Albert on the Kiapara harbour on the way back from the wader surveys on Saturday, essentially to see if we could spot banded rail, but got a pleasant surprise in 170 (ish) godwits hiding in amongst the mangroves with 100 stilts and a stoat! Stoat looked quite dark, did wonder whether it was a ferret, which I'm kind of leaning towards having sen another stoat todat whilst driving home from the south manukau wader census - classic rufous orange tones with the black tip to the tail. I initially served to dodge it (my excuse being that I'm from the UK and old habits die hard!) and then remembered it was a pest over here and tried to hit but no such luck. -------------------------------------------- You can use the following link to view and reply to the post: http://birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=260&p=1066#p1066 Please note that email sent by reply to this message will not go to BirdingNZ.net. Use the link above instead. -- BirdingNZ.net Subject: BirdingNZ.net Alert: Port Albert - Kiapara From: <noreply AT birdingnz.net> Date: Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:53:06 -0600 Hello BIRDING-NZ, iain johnson has posted an important post at BirdingNZ.net. -------------------------------------------- Here's the text of the post: Phil Hammond and myself stopped off at Port Albert on the Kiapara harbour on the way back from the wader surveys on Saturday, essentially to see if we could spot banded rail, but got a pleasant surprise in 170 (ish) godwits hiding in amongst the mangroves with 100 stilts and a stoat! Stoat looked quite dark, did wonder whether it was a ferret, which I'm kind of leaning towards having sen another stoat todat whilist driving home from the south manukau wader census - classic rufous orange tones with the black tip to the tail. I initially served to dodge it (my excuse being that I'm from the UK and old habits die hard!) and then remembered it was a pest over here and tried to hit but no such luck. -------------------------------------------- You can use the following link to view and reply to the post: http://birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=259&p=1065#p1065 Please note that email sent by reply to this message will not go to BirdingNZ.net. Use the link above instead. -- BirdingNZ.net Subject: Farewell spit Highlights. From: "Steve Wood" <sawood AT clear.net.nz> Date: Sun, 8 Nov 2009 20:45:35 +1200 Hi Folks, I Grey Plover. & 15 Red necked Stints seen on Sat. on Spit. Steve. Subject: cuckoo calls; eastbourne birds From: "Andy Falshaw" <arfalshaw AT xtra.co.nz> Date: Sun, 8 Nov 2009 21:44:44 +1300 The shining cuckoos have been calling away here the last couple of weeks. Last week I was surprised to hear birds do the first part, 15-20 "wheet" sounds, then a long pause, I counted up to 20s, then the "chew, chew" part. This week about half and half - some with a long gap between the two parts, others with little or no gap. This is something I've not noticed before - is it regular behaviour? Can anyone point me to a recording of long tailed cuckoo calls? I haven't been able to find any on the net. I'm pretty sure I'm hearing them but want to be sure. In the bush on the Eastbourne hills yesterday I heard then saw two falcons. One sighting was of one bird perched on a dead tree near the junction of the Mackenzie and Muritai park tracks; the second sighting was of two birds flying over houses on kowhai street. I also saw a female tomtit feeding a chick. This is the first time I can remember seeing tomtits behind Eastbourne. The atlas suggests they are known from there. Finally, tonight I saw a pair of Californian quail by burdan's gate, again a first for me on this side of the harbour. Andy [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Stewart Island From: "Kathy & Erik" <forsythkd AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 8 Nov 2009 21:25:03 +1300 Hi all Just watched 5 Fiordland Crested Penguin for an hour as the fished and then entered a cave in Halfmoon Bay, Stewart Island about 400m from where I am staying. 8 Little Blue Penguin, 2 NZ White-capped Albatross and 500+ Sooty Shearwater also in the bay. Best wishes Erik Forsyth [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Foxton Sharpies From: Adrian Riegen <riegen AT xtra.co.nz> Date: Sun, 8 Nov 2009 20:20:00 +1300 Two sharpies were caught at Foxton last Tuesday and both turned out to be juveniles. I am very interested to know what date they were first seen there. If anyone can help please let me know. Thanks Adrian Riegen Subject: Mangawhai Spit From: Duncan Watson <watson_duncan AT xtra.co.nz> Date: Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:08:58 +1300 Went in search of the Fairy Tern on Mangawhai Spit east of Wellsford today, and was rewarded with some good photos of the rare bird. Also on the spit: 12+ NZ Dotterel 1 Banded Dotterel ~220 Godwit + separate hungry group of 8 feeding up the beach (may be fresh arrivals) ~80 Knot 8 Turnstone 8 SIPO 20+ VOC 1 Pied Shag 80 Caspian Terns with chicks 80 RB Gull 12 White Fronted Tern Gannets 1 dead Blue Penguin on beach I wasn't expecting to find so many waders on the sand. Saw at least 2 Fairy Tern, possibly 3 but may have seen the same one twice. Best views from the beach rather than in the fence off areas. Then had a look a Manukuapa island from Journeys End. Quite a few birds there, including possibly a large number of oystercatchers. Opposite there was the Albino VOC with some small waders - possibly knot but even through the scope I couldn't really tell. I had a look for the track to Manukuapa Island and I would appreciate some advice from a local - the instructions I had said look for the DOC sign on Okahakura Road - I found Te Ngaio Pt Rd but no DOC sign. I don't want to trespass - has access to the island been removed by the farmer? 3 Spotted Dove near Port Albert. -- duncanw AT inthelight.co.nz Subject: Hauraki Pelagic From: Duncan Watson <watson_duncan AT xtra.co.nz> Date: Sat, 7 Nov 2009 00:44:52 -0800 (PST) A good day out in the sunny Hauraki gulf with NZ Storm Petrel so numerous it was good to see some White Faced for variety! Took over 1000 photos which I am now going through. Rough summary: 7 NZ Storm Petrel 12+ White Faced Storm Petrel 30+ Flesh Footed Shearwater 2 Sooty Shearwater 30+ Fairy Prion 50+ Bullers Shearwater 30+ Cooks Petrel 1 Juvenile White Capped Mollymawk 1 Northern Giant Petrel Fluttering Shearwater Diving Petrel 1 Blue Penguin (brief head above water) Gannets White Fronted Tern Mokohinau Islands: Pied Shag 1 Harrier Several Tui Bellbird 4+ Red Crowned Parakeet Dolphins, and 1 Orca near harbour entrance to Leigh. Too early for Grey Ternlets, and surprisingly no Black Petrel. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Around Christchurch From: Jan Walker <shesagreen AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 7 Nov 2009 17:53:55 +1300 Hi All, Bunked off the Waihora/Ellesmere Trust 'Living Lake Syposium 2' with Sheila on Wednesday around 4.30pm to go birding. BBilled Gulls look like nesting at Selwyn Huts [lower] on the far side of the river mouth. A few groups, mainly roosting, but some look more settled. 5 Cattle Egrets at Drain Rd towards the lake from Lower Lake Rd. Lots of Cormorants at nesting colony on Willow island, out from Timberyard Pt. We learnt at the Syposium that this Island is due to be cleared of willows by Doc and Ecan in a programme to combat the spread of weed trees around the lake. Yesterday, FRIDAY, went with Chris Challies, Sheila and Bev to look at White Flippered Penguin Colony in Harris Bay, near Godley Head with view to having some evening trips there for OSNZ members followed by dinner in Sumner. Neat penguin sightings, how they squirm and kick! In the bag of course. Also Gannet and a REEF HERON. Chris told us there are usually several gannet around , and the Heron has a mate but if these are the Port Levy birds isn't known. 2 Right Whales also came by recently, he said. cheers, Jan [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: Wellington seabirds From: "Michael Szabo" <millsszabo AT xtra.co.nz> Date: Sat, 7 Nov 2009 12:04:21 +1300 Thanks for posting on this, Colin. I'll keep an eye out for King Shags in the Island Bay area. Michael ----- Original Message ----- From: Colin To: BIRDING-NZ AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, November 07, 2009 11:58 AM Subject: [BIRDING-NZ] Wellington seabirds Biked out to Pencarrow Head (eastern side of entrance to Wellington Harbour) this morning, looking for the 3-4 king shags reported by Sheelagh Leary at Seaview Marina on 1 Nov. No sign of those, but from Pencarrow lighthouse watched the fishing vessel Rowallan come into the harbour about 9:30 am, followed by quite a flock of petrel and albatrosses. Mainly Westland petrels (c.40) and Salvin's mollymawks (c.30), plus one each of southern royal albatross (immature) and white-capped/shy mollymawk. Most turned back level with the lighthouse, but one Salvin's mollymawk and 3 Westland petrels continued further up the entrance until about level with Point Dorset. Colin Miskelly [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Wellington seabirds From: Colin <hakawai AT paradise.net.nz> Date: Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:58:59 +1300 Biked out to Pencarrow Head (eastern side of entrance to Wellington Harbour) this morning, looking for the 3-4 king shags reported by Sheelagh Leary at Seaview Marina on 1 Nov. No sign of those, but from Pencarrow lighthouse watched the fishing vessel Rowallan come into the harbour about 9:30 am, followed by quite a flock of petrel and albatrosses. Mainly Westland petrels (c.40) and Salvin's mollymawks (c.30), plus one each of southern royal albatross (immature) and white-capped/shy mollymawk. Most turned back level with the lighthouse, but one Salvin's mollymawk and 3 Westland petrels continued further up the entrance until about level with Point Dorset. Colin Miskelly [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Stewart Island Birding From: "Kathy & Erik" <forsythkd AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2009 11:27:04 +1300 Hi All Here is a round up bird sightings since arriving on Stewart Island. 31/10/09 Bluff to Oban Ferry, Fovoeux Straits 4 NZ White-capped Albatross 2 Southern Buller's Albatross 30 Sooty Shearwater 8 Fairy Prion 2 Stewart Island Shag 1/11/09 Oban Reef Egret- a brief sighting at Butterfield Beach Shining Cuckoo in song and heard subsequently on several days 2/11/09 Oban SIPO a singleton at Halfmoon Bay 4/11/09 Oban 2 Stewart Island Brown Kiwi - a pair at dusk on Hicks road near the village. One of the birds came right up to me, smelt my boots and carried on. AWESOME! Stewart Island Weka- heard calling at dusk on Hicks Road 5/11/09 Oban NZ White-capped Albatross - 2 birds following boats in the harbour. 1000+ Sooty Shearwater- between Horshoe Bay and Halfmoon Bay feeding close to shore due to gale force winds. 3 pairs Grey Duck at Oban Sewage ponds with uo to 15 chicks amongst them. These birds look genuine and good to see they are still around. Skylark - a single bird recorded at the ponds Swamp Harrier- singleton hunting low scrub areas near the ponds. The rare Yellowhead appears to be thriving on the predator free Ulva Island with regular sightings of small groups often in company with Brown Creeper and Yellow-crowned Parakeet. Best wishes Erik Forsyth Ruggedy Range Wilderness Experience [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Kaka's on Tinakori Hill From: Duncan Watson <watson_duncan AT xtra.co.nz> Date: Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:16:00 +1300 As I sat waiting for fireworks to start on Wellington harbour around 8.30 pm this evening on Tinakori Hill there were several Kaka flying round and probably settling for the night at the southern end of the pine trees (Northland end) on Tinakori Hill. Duncan. -- duncanw AT inthelight.co.nz Subject: Bitterns booming at Harts Creek or anywhere in Canterbury ? From: "albertlaysan" <langlands AT xtra.co.nz> Date: Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:55:51 -0000 Just wandering if anyone has been out Harts Creek way in the evening, and if so if any bitterns have been heard ? Harts Creek is lowland Canterbury's bittern stronghold. I plan to head out on Sat night, weather permitting and have a listen. If anyone else has heard any bitterns booming in Canterbury in last month- keen to know. Thanks Peter Subject: mana island - shore plover trip From: Iain Johnson <juiceblue AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 23:16:54 +0000 Hi everyone, The proposed trip to Mana island is definitely going ahead - December 6th (Sunday) leaving the wharf (exact location to be confirmed) at 10.30am and returning at 3.30pm, so about 4 ish hours on the island. The cost will be no more than $110 per person, but largely depends on total numbers (i.e. more people = lower cost). Currently space for six more people. If interested then please let me know. Thanks Iain _________________________________________________________________ Download Messenger onto your mobile for free http://clk.atdmt.com/UKM/go/174426567/direct/01/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: RE: Birds of Grassmere From: "Battley, Phil" <P.Battley AT massey.ac.nz> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 23:26:09 +1300 Yep you got it. :-) Phil ________________________________ From: BIRDING-NZ AT yahoogroups.com [BIRDING-NZ AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Driftwood Eco Tours [will AT driftwoodecotours.co.nz] Sent: Friday, 6 November 2009 12:20 a.m. To: BIRDING-NZ AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [BIRDING-NZ] Birds of Grassmere Hi all, Have just posted a couple of poor shots on my blog site of what we thought were Golden Plover, but now I'm not sure. It was very cold so we din't linger but it would be interesting to return and get some better photos. Will DRIFTWOOD ECO-TOURS LIMITED R.D.3. Dillon's Point Road Marlborough, New Zealand 64 3 5777 651 Cell Ph: 0274 483 133 will AT driftwoodecotours.co.nz CHECK OUT WILL'S BLOG AT THE WEB SITE www.driftwoodecotours.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: RE: Harriers From: "Stuart Chambers" <as_chambers AT xtra.co.nz> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 16:09:43 +1300 Ian Very well put. I agree totally. That debate needs to end. Regards Stuart Chambers ----- Original Message ----- From: Ian Southey To: Birding New Zealand Sent: Tuesday, November 03, 2009 4:39 PM Subject: Re: [BIRDING-NZ] RE: Harriers I'm away from my computer for a few days and people are trying to rename everything again. Just think about who you want to talk to. The more you change the names of birds the fewer people you can talk to about them and then you'll just end up with pedantic twitchers as a possible audience. But wrong? None of the bird names are wrong as long as people understand what is being talked about. There is a rich and often evocative cultural heritage behind the bird names we use. Not only are there names grafted from Great Britain but if these are "wrong" many of the maori names have been recycled from Polynesia and we'd have to replace most of them too including birds like kiwi and moa. Save the pedantry for the scientific names and learn them if that kind of thing is to your liking. Ian > >From: Tom and Mandy Wilson >To: Birding New Zealand ; Graham charle Saunders >Sent: Sun, 1 November, 2009 1:54:11 PM >Subject: Re: [BIRDING-NZ] RE: Harriers > > >The European Robin is also a member of the turdidae family, so is to all intents and purposes a thrush of sorts. As for "local" names, don't blame the locals, blame the early settlers in the late 1700s/early 1800s when the details of the various bird groupings was pretty slim and the settlers themselves were not scientists - thus small bird with red breast = robin, irrespective of phylogenics. >Tom Wilson > >----- Original Message ----- >From: Graham charle Saunders >To: Birding New Zealand >Sent: Sunday, November 01, 2009 10:00 AM >Subject: Re: [BIRDING-NZ] RE: Harriers > >But Shane, the Americans call their 'new world warblers' warblers when they are not. And what about their sparrows? And half their martins and called 'swallow'. And as for their Robin - it's a ***** thrush! ... And anyway isn't the fact that a practice is adopted by the Australians reason enough for Kiwis to reject it? > >____________ _________ _________ __ >From: Shane McPherson >To: Birding New Zealand >Sent: Sat, 31 October, 2009 11:25:26 PM >Subject: Re: [BIRDING-NZ] RE: Harriers > >Janie, I totally agree. It is just one of New Zealand's ingrained naming >atrocities. One (I) could go on for a long time about the misnaming of >species in New Zealand. > >The Harrier is definitely among the top ranked, and I believe "Harrier Hawk" >is a link that is being used to bridge the layperson gap between 'hawk' and >'harrier'. Hawk being a general term for raptors - specifically Buteo and >Accipiter in the USA, although British go a bit further to seperate the * >Accipiter* 'Hawks' from the *Buteo* 'Buzzards'. Seeing theres such a paucity >of raptors in NZ there has been little need to be more specific. I had often >got blank stares from people when trying to describe some behavior or >feature about the Harrier ... whats that? Hopefully one day I can drop the >Hawk bit and folks will understand. > >Other species I find irritatingly misnamed include > >High country farmers often refer to the falcon as Sparrowhawk. Grrr. >Grey Warbler ... its not an Old world Warbler. The aussies properly name the >many species of the group by its genus: Gerygone. (say *geri-gone-ee) ...* >**Hmmm, but we both handle the *Petrocia*'s as Robins (or Pied Tit/Tomtit) >(although to be fair on the aussies, they have to lump several similar >robin-like genera together)... > >I understand some species have New Zealand specific names to avoid >confusion. Of particular example is not calling out Red-billed Gull a Silver >Gull because of the similarities with, and more silvery appearance of, the >Black-billed Gull (current debate on species/sub- species status >notwithstanding? ?). Also I prefer Pacific Black Duck to Grey Duck, but >someone recently alerted me to how the layperson would confuse this with a >Scaup - what with it being black and all. > >Probably what grates me the most is Spur-winged Plover. Afraid the Aussies >have it again. Being in the *Vanellus* genus its (some would say properly) >called Masked Lapwing (sorry Spur-winged Lapwing is taken - its an african >species *Vanellus spinosus*). Definitely far more straighfoward, especially >considering all the problems we get into when trying to figure out what a >'plover' is. Internationally, plover refer to the *Charadrius* group, and >therefore, again when a Banded Dotterel turns up on an Australian beach it >is named Double-banded Plover. Cousin to Mongolian and Greater Sand Plover. >Could our NZ Dotterel become NZ Plover? > >I do hope the new checklist will incorporate many of these international >naming systems. Kiwis trying to be different while the world laughs at us >being 'cute' and 'isolated' all the way down there in the bottom of the >pacific. Ahhh, finally an opening to go on one of my nomenclature rants. >Apologies to all, comments appreciated. > >Shane > >On Sat, Oct 31, 2009 at 9:52 PM, J & K Vaughan wrote: > >> >> >> Further confusion. >> Why are Australasian harriers referred to as harrier hawks in NZ? Its >> happened in this group, last week on Birdland and on a checklist of NZ >> birds >> I received this week. >> I don't think we want harrier hawks, their "double jointed" legs can reach >> in and pull out cavity nesters and their chicks eg hihi. They live in >> Africa and Madagascar and South Africans used to call them gymnogenes. >> >> >> Janie Vaughan >> >> >> _____ >> >> < >> http://geo.yahoo. com/serv? s=97359714/ grpId=4387433/ grpspId=17050657 87/msgId >> =9109/stime= 1256946801/ nc1=4507179/ nc2=5689658/ nc3=5807838> >> >> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] >> >> >> > >[Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > >[Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > >[Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: Re: North American field guide From: "Michael Szabo" <millsszabo AT xtra.co.nz> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 17:29:35 +1300 Hi Todd, Some of my birding contacts in the States use iPod Touch to ID bird calls in the field. Another useful attribute is the ability dial up a species' call and play it back in the field.Using this I've seen them successfully "call-in" species in this way, such as as great horned owl and canyon wren. As you say, there are similar guides coming on the market for other regions of the world, although I'm not aware of one yet that includes New Zealand bird species. Happy birding Michael ----- Original Message ----- From: todd nachowitz To: BIRDING-NZ AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Tuesday, November 03, 2009 3:58 AM Subject: [BIRDING-NZ] Re: North American field guide Hi listies, Shane had originally asked about "field guide" suggestions, and i do prefer the Nat Geo simply because it's easier to lug around in the field. The Sibley books are indeed excellent and i would definitely suggest the Western & Eastern editions if one was to be visiting only one part of North America. But if you plan to bird all over the continent, and want to travel light, you can't go wrong with the Nat Geo. On the "traveling light" bit, There's a new entrant in the field guide market in North America. I have an iPod Touch (just like an iPhone without the phone) and i've downloaded "iBird Explorer Pro" from Apple's iTunes Store (US$29). It's an interactive digital field guide to 920 North American species with photos, lustrations, range information, key identifying marks, a list of similar species, and audio of each bird's call. It's actually a database that you carry around with you in your shirt pocket (no need for an internet connection to use it), and you can limit searches to everything from State and Region to colour, shape, size, bill length, etc. I'm just trying it out now, so haven't yet formed an opinion, but it would be interesting to hear of others' experiences with this new technology. The "iBird" series of field guides comes in many flavours (e.g. backyard birder, eastern and western editions), and newer guides to other regions of the world are just now becoming available. It's an intriguing technology which can only improve with time. And there's some new competition, with the Peterson guides now also coming out with new iPhone/iPod Touch apps. I'm assuming that these will also eventually include other topics for field guides, (e.g. trees, butterflies, reptiles), with continual updated information (new photos or illustrations, conservation priorities, taxonomic changes, etc.). Many possibilities here. So far, "iBird Pro" is missing a checklist feature, but i've emailed the developer and they say that they're working on this, and other, features for the next version. todd [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: RE: Harriers From: Ian Southey <iansouthey AT yahoo.co.nz> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 19:39:09 -0800 (PST) I'm away from my computer for a few days and people are trying to rename everything again. Just think about who you want to talk to. The more you change the names of birds the fewer people you can talk to about them and then you'll just end up with pedantic twitchers as a possible audience. But wrong? None of the bird names are wrong as long as people understand what is being talked about. There is a rich and often evocative cultural heritage behind the bird names we use. Not only are there names grafted from Great Britain but if these are "wrong" many of the maori names have been recycled from Polynesia and we'd have to replace most of them too including birds like kiwi and moa. Save the pedantry for the scientific names and learn them if that kind of thing is to your liking. Ian   > >From: Tom and Mandy Wilson >To: Birding New Zealand ; Graham charle Saunders >Sent: Sun, 1 November, 2009 1:54:11 PM >Subject: Re: [BIRDING-NZ] RE: Harriers > >  >The European Robin is also a member of the turdidae family, so is to all intents and purposes a thrush of sorts. As for "local" names, don't blame the locals, blame the early settlers in the late 1700s/early 1800s when the details of the various bird groupings was pretty slim and the settlers themselves were not scientists - thus small bird with red breast = robin, irrespective of phylogenics. >Tom Wilson > >----- Original Message ----- >From: Graham charle Saunders >To: Birding New Zealand >Sent: Sunday, November 01, 2009 10:00 AM >Subject: Re: [BIRDING-NZ] RE: Harriers > >But Shane, the Americans call their 'new world warblers' warblers when they are not. And what about their sparrows? And half their martins and called 'swallow'. And as for their Robin - it's a ***** thrush! ... And anyway isn't the fact that a practice is adopted by the Australians reason enough for Kiwis to reject it? > >____________ _________ _________ __ >From: Shane McPherson >To: Birding New Zealand >Sent: Sat, 31 October, 2009 11:25:26 PM >Subject: Re: [BIRDING-NZ] RE: Harriers > >Janie, I totally agree. It is just one of New Zealand's ingrained naming >atrocities. One (I) could go on for a long time about the misnaming of >species in New Zealand. > >The Harrier is definitely among the top ranked, and I believe "Harrier Hawk" >is a link that is being used to bridge the layperson gap between 'hawk' and >'harrier'. Hawk being a general term for raptors - specifically Buteo and >Accipiter in the USA, although British go a bit further to seperate the * >Accipiter* 'Hawks' from the *Buteo* 'Buzzards'. Seeing theres such a paucity >of raptors in NZ there has been little need to be more specific. I had often >got blank stares from people when trying to describe some behavior or >feature about the Harrier ... whats that? Hopefully one day I can drop the >Hawk bit and folks will understand. > >Other species I find irritatingly misnamed include > >High country farmers often refer to the falcon as Sparrowhawk. Grrr. >Grey Warbler ... its not an Old world Warbler. The aussies properly name the >many species of the group by its genus: Gerygone. (say *geri-gone-ee) .* >**Hmmm, but we both handle the *Petrocia*'s as Robins (or Pied Tit/Tomtit) >(although to be fair on the aussies, they have to lump several similar >robin-like genera together)... > >I understand some species have New Zealand specific names to avoid >confusion. Of particular example is not calling out Red-billed Gull a Silver >Gull because of the similarities with, and more silvery appearance of, the >Black-billed Gull (current debate on species/sub- species status >notwithstanding? ?). Also I prefer Pacific Black Duck to Grey Duck, but >someone recently alerted me to how the layperson would confuse this with a >Scaup - what with it being black and all. > >Probably what grates me the most is Spur-winged Plover. Afraid the Aussies >have it again. Being in the *Vanellus* genus its (some would say properly) >called Masked Lapwing (sorry Spur-winged Lapwing is taken - its an african >species *Vanellus spinosus*). Definitely far more straighfoward, especially >considering all the problems we get into when trying to figure out what a >'plover' is. Internationally, plover refer to the *Charadrius* group, and >therefore, again when a Banded Dotterel turns up on an Australian beach it >is named Double-banded Plover. Cousin to Mongolian and Greater Sand Plover. >Could our NZ Dotterel become NZ Plover? > >I do hope the new checklist will incorporate many of these international >naming systems. Kiwis trying to be different while the world laughs at us >being 'cute' and 'isolated' all the way down there in the bottom of the >pacific. Ahhh, finally an opening to go on one of my nomenclature rants. >Apologies to all, comments appreciated. > >Shane > >On Sat, Oct 31, 2009 at 9:52 PM, J & K Vaughan wrote: > >> >> >> Further confusion. >> Why are Australasian harriers referred to as harrier hawks in NZ? Its >> happened in this group, last week on Birdland and on a checklist of NZ >> birds >> I received this week. >> I don't think we want harrier hawks, their "double jointed" legs can reach >> in and pull out cavity nesters and their chicks eg hihi. They live in >> Africa and Madagascar and South Africans used to call them gymnogenes. >> >> >> Janie Vaughan >> >> >> _____ >> >> < >> http://geo.yahoo. com/serv? s=97359714/ grpId=4387433/ grpspId=17050657 87/msgId >> =9109/stime= 1256946801/ nc1=4507179/ nc2=5689658/ nc3=5807838> >> >> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] >> >> >> > >[Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > >[Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > >[Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: North American field guide From: todd nachowitz <toddnach AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 09:58:55 -0500 Hi listies, Shane had originally asked about "field guide" suggestions, and i do prefer the Nat Geo simply because it's easier to lug around in the field. The Sibley books are indeed excellent and i would definitely suggest the Western & Eastern editions if one was to be visiting only one part of North America. But if you plan to bird all over the continent, and want to travel light, you can't go wrong with the Nat Geo. On the "traveling light" bit, There's a new entrant in the field guide market in North America. I have an iPod Touch (just like an iPhone without the phone) and i've downloaded "iBird Explorer Pro" from Apple's iTunes Store (US$29). It's an interactive digital field guide to 920 North American species with photos, lustrations, range information, key identifying marks, a list of similar species, and audio of each bird's call. It's actually a database that you carry around with you in your shirt pocket (no need for an internet connection to use it), and you can limit searches to everything from State and Region to colour, shape, size, bill length, etc. I'm just trying it out now, so haven't yet formed an opinion, but it would be interesting to hear of others' experiences with this new technology. The "iBird" series of field guides comes in many flavours (e.g. backyard birder, eastern and western editions), and newer guides to other regions of the world are just now becoming available. It's an intriguing technology which can only improve with time. And there's some new competition, with the Peterson guides now also coming out with new iPhone/iPod Touch apps. I'm assuming that these will also eventually include other topics for field guides, (e.g. trees, butterflies, reptiles), with continual updated information (new photos or illustrations, conservation priorities, taxonomic changes, etc.). Many possibilities here. So far, "iBird Pro" is missing a checklist feature, but i've emailed the developer and they say that they're working on this, and other, features for the next version. todd Subject: Fwd: [Birding-Aus] Visiting the Mercury Islands (offshore only) for Pycroft's Petrel From: Chris Sanderson <chris.sanderson AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 21:16:57 +1000 Hi guys, a friend of mine is heading to NZ and has this RFI if anyone can help him. Please reply to Rob directly. Regards, Chris ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: robert morris Date: Mon, Nov 2, 2009 at 5:26 PM Subject: [Birding-Aus] Visiting the Mercury Islands (offshore only) for Pycroft's Petrel To: birding aus Dear All on Satuday 12th December I am going to try and arrange a trip out to the Mercury Islands hopefully to see and photograph Pycroft's Petrel at sea. Has anyone done this recently? Any details about boat owners and the best times of day, where to go etc. would be greatly appreciated. Also - if any Aussie or NZ birders are interested in teaming up to do this - please let me know. I'd like to contact a boat owner and organise something in advance rather than turning up on the day and seeing what can be arranged. I'm not even sure at present the best base to go from? Thanks Rob Morris Brisbane, Australia _________________________________________________________________ Use Messenger in your Hotmail inbox Find out how here http://windowslive.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=823454www.birding-aus.org birding-aus.blogspot.com To unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message: unsubscribe (in the body of the message, with no Subject line) to: birding-aus-request AT vicnet.net.au [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Mana Island visit From: Iain Johnson <juiceblue AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 07:37:45 +0000 Hi everyone, Apologies for the double posting in case you have already read this via the forum. I'm looking at organising a trip to Mana Island in the next couple of months and am speaking to a boat operator who runs trips over to the island. Is anyone else interested in taking a trip over to the island? At the moment I'm looking at December 6th (a sunday) but would consider other dates depending on interest. Cheers Iain _________________________________________________________________ New Windows 7: Find the right PC for you. Learn more. http://www.microsoft.com/uk/windows/buy/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]