On two recent visits to the Koitiata Lagoon, at Turakina Beach (25 kms south of Whanganui), we have found Pectoral sandpipers, one bird on the first visit, then two on a visit 10 days later. These are rare birds for these parts, and really, very uncommon anywhere in NZ. A small lagoon, and a strong hold for banded and black-fronted dotterel, it was a thrill to find this rare bird on two occasions.
