News Archive

Over the last several months it has been very enjoyable to be able to visit the night herons at Upokongaro, near Whanganui. Never before have we been able to follow … … Continued

Marsh crakes are a member of the rail family, and are mostly found in the South Island. However, they are a tiny, very cryptic bird, and not easily found and … … Continued

Update - 25 March 2023I have had word back this afternoon from Dr Jesse Conklin, at Foxton, (the godwit researcher from the Netherlands who is there during March working for … … Continued

It has been good to visit the Whanganui River Estuary every couple of days and observe how the godwit flagged AJD has changed his plumage and is now showing the … … Continued

After observing the Nankeen Night Heron for many years at Upokongaro, we have, this year, for the first time, found nests and eggs. They are a very rare bird in … … Continued

The godwits are just starting to show breeding colours and I have especially been watching AJD. The picture below shows smudges of orange on his breast, and they are visibly … … Continued

A forestry friend recently contacted me to tell of a morepork nest he had found in the forest. After an hour's drive into the Whanganui hinterland, and a lengthy drive … … Continued

A little over a month ago I reported that AJD was back on the Whanganui Estuary for the summer, albeit a little earlier than his usual arrival time here. Well, … … Continued

The Whanganui River Estuary is not highly regarded for rare birds, but it is surprising what can turn up when checked often. The best birding spots are those close to … … Continued

Very exciting this afternoon to find that AJD is back home in Whanganui, his summer home for the last 14 years. With binoculars I spotted a flagged bird, and the … … Continued