|
Many thanks to everyone who responded to my RFI for Tiritiri
Matangi Island in New Zealand's North Island ... the visit was a great success,
with all target birds duly recorded except Brown Teal, which has disappeared
from the pond near the wharf ... guides suspect they may be breeding, but I
searched all accessible ponds on the island to no avail ... luckily I found a
pair at Waikanae Estuary (opposite Kapiti Island at the south-west end of North
Island) a few days later. Tiritiri is a lovely spot, a great conservation story
and a must for any birder visiting North Island.
I also had superb views of wild Brown Kiwis at Aroha Island in
the Bay of Islands and can supply details for anyone interested. Apart from
Stewart Island, this may be the best place now to see this species.
I looked fruitlessly for the Leopard Seal at Patterson lakes
on the weekend ... if anyone knows of sightings more recent than last week,
please let me know.
Many thanks
| 