Where are all the bar tailed godwits ?
The Parengarenga Harbour had 15k in the 1980's and last year some 700.
From the end of Te Pua Road on Saturday, looking across the mud flats towards Kokota Spit, none were seen. From the same spot Sunday am, 141 were counted - a long way off and in a low tide area where no boats could pass close.
The afternoon boat trip to Walker Island, Rangaunu Harbour, approximately 3500 were seen and photographed. A great end to the weekend.
Sightings on Walker Island -
580 w f tern
12 VOC
90 caspian tern
2 NZ dotterel
3500 godwit
5 pied shag
400 black swan
3 whimbrel
map for locations - https://www.topomap.co.nz/NZTopoMap/nz12261/Houhora-Harbour/
