This was our second full day at Miranda.
Armed with yesterday’s experience, things should have gone better and to some extent they did. On the other hand, the wind ruffled the water, and there were less than half the number of birds compared with the previous day. Still, we were blessed with more expert knowledge by way of guides and experienced “twitchers” to fill gaps in our knowledge. My first shot of the day is of a flock of wrybills. These are apparently unique to New Zealand, and for some reason, their bills are curved sideways, but always to the right.
A solitary bird was browsing in front of the hide, and I was informed that this is a Pectoral Sandpiper.
Next, a flight of banded dotterels filled our view. It’s amazing that such delicate and endangered little birds can make such an impression.
As on the previous day, the godwits were by far the majority presence, and I am struck by their sleek appearance in flight. If you are going to fly 12,000 km non-stop you had better have no drag.
On the way out, we paused at one of the ponds where a mixed group was sitting. Something startled them and they took to flight. This shot has many birds, most of them are Pacific Golden Plover so I am told.
My last shot was almost not a bird shot, but a sunset. How could I resist the heron in the tree?
The homeward journey tomorrow.
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2 replies on “27 January, 2015 … almost done with the shorebirds”
The sun has gone … so Oriental, just lovely
Thank you that’s very kind.