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birding...
New Zealand
To appreciate bird watching in New Zealand one has to understand a little of New Zealand`s background. With the destruction of New Zealand`s lowland bush, dense jungle like forest, which began with the arrival here of the Polynesians a thousand years ago and was accelerated by the arrival of Europeans a couple of hundred years ago, went a good many of New Zealand`s unique birds, such as the Moa and the Huia. Although New Zealand is still a heavily forested country in the remote and mountainous areas, these forests are infested with introduced animals such as goats, deer, rats and the Australian brush tailed possum, that pose a real threat to New Zealand`s remaining endemic birds. Until recently, it was thought that the only way to preserve New Zealand`s unique bird life was to re-establish them on pest free offshore islands. This idea has now been extended to create mainland islands within the vast conservation estate. Hopefully this strategy will reverse the decline. Certainly it is New Zealand`s biodiversity strategy to reverse the decline by the year 2020. As the native birds decline, the ecological niches are being filled by birds that somehow, and not always with human assistance, just arrive here. Few New Zealanders even get to see a Kiwi, let alone a Kokako or Kakapo. In most of the settled areas one sees introduced birds such as blackbirds, thrushes and finches. Local bird watchers, however, do not despise these birds. We have so few birds here compared with, say, Australia. I would I like to say that every one of them is valued but mynas, Acridotheres tristis, and magpies, Gymnorhina tibicen, are not easy to defend. To observe New Zealand`s endemic bird life one has to either visit the offshore islands or visit the Conservation Estate. Information about this is to be found on the New Zealand Department of Conservation web site. The Eastern Bay of Plenty, where I live, has been a virtually unknown and unsung area for bird watching in New Zealand. Te Urewera National Park and Raukumara Forest Park are at our doorstep here with their full compliment of all the North Island forest birds, including the largest population of the North Island Kokako. Ohiwa Harbour is second only to Miranda in the Hauraki Gulf, a short drive southeast of Auckland, for waders and is home to a large flock of godwits, some of which winter over here rather than take the long trek to Alaska. One can also find the rare New Zealand dotterel at Ohiwa and along the coast. We have White Island, an active volcano in the Bay, which is home to one of the largest colonies of gannets. The local branch of the Ornithological Society of New Zealand often takes a trip to the island, not just to see the gannets but all the sea bird life along the way. Whale Island is also worth a visit, if not for the birds, then for the Tuatara lizard, the living fossil. The Toatoa Valley, around the East Coast from Opotiki, is the last remaining mainland refuge for the North Island Weka. Whio, the rare New Zealand blue torrent duck, is also found in the Valley. The area is serviced by two small coastal towns, Whakatane and Opotiki, about a four hour drive south east from Auckland, where New Zealand birds such as the Tui, Korimako, the bellbird, Rirororo, the gray warbler and Kereru, the New Zealand pigeon, are a common sight in urban gardens. Other bush birds, such as the Kaka, are occasional visitors to town. Bird watchers here are particularly interested in sightings or information on our migratory birds such as the bar-tailed godwit, Limosa lapponica, the shining cuckoo, Chrysococcyx lucidas, and the long-tailed cuckoo, Eudynamys taitensis. We are also interested to note some of the differences in behavior of our introduced birds. (UK Visitors will be reminded of home in lots of ways, not least the Celtic landscape only made antipodean by the native trees and weather. Introduced birds, such as skylark, still fill the air with song in a way that is getting ever more rare at home… Fatbirder). Top Sites |
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North Island - Firth of Thames [Miranda]
An hours drive from Auckland, Miranda is the focal point of the seabird coast. Thousands of waders can be encountered from October to March including Wrybill, New Zealand Dotterel, Banded Dotterel, Red-necked Stint, Terek Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper and large numbers of Godwits and Knot. NB A number of Fatbirder correspondents report that their cars have been broken into when visiting this site - please do NOT leave anything on show in your car, such as bags or optics.North Island - Tiritiri Matangi Island
Only a short ferry ride from Auckland city centre this predator free island is a glimpse of the paradise lost when european settlers introduced rats, possums and stoats to the fragile aotearoan ecosystem. Highlights include Takahe, Kokako, Stitchbird, Saddleback and Little Spotted Kiwi. One of the Fatbirder`s most favourite places in the world!South Island - Eglington Valley and Milford Sound
A stunning drive with plenty of opportunities to look for Yellowhead, Kaka, Rifleman, Yellow-crowned Parakeet, Brown Creeper, Kea, Rock Wren, New Zealand Falcon, Blue Duck and Fjordland Crested Penguin.South Island - Haast Pass
Midway between Haast and Wanaka, on the South Island, an early morning visit to this ancient Red Beech forest should reveal Yellowhead, Kaka, Rifleman, Yellow-crowned Parakeet and Brown Creeper.South Island - Kaikoura
Snuggled under a stunning mountain range this coastal town is only 5 km from the continental shelf which means that Albatross, Petrels, Shearwaters and cetaceans are abundant, especially April - August. Get a boat out and seawatching will never be quite the same again, expect nostril to nostril encounters with Royal, Wandering, Shy, Salvins, Bullers and Black-browed Albatross, Westland Black Petrel, Cape Pigeon, Fairy Prion, Giant Petrels and more.South Island - Otago Peninsula
Easily accessible from Dunedin on the South Island the Otago offers colonies of Royal Albatross, Yellow-eyed Penguin, Spotted Shag, Stewart Island Shag and plenty of seabird action offshore.Stewart Island
A gem at the southern tip of New Zealand with abundant birdlife including Blue, Yellow-eyed and Fjordland Crested Penguins, Seabirds galore, Weka, Kaka and the most reliable sites to witness the national icon, Brown Kiwi.contributor |
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Duncan Poyser
Additional Info
duncanpoyser@hotmail.com
Narena Olliver
narena@nzbirds.com
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National Bird - Kiwi
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North Island Brown Kiwi Apteryx mantelli Okarito Brown Kiwi Apteryx mantelli Great Spotted Kiwi Apteryx haastii Little Spotted Kiwi Apteryx owenii Haast Kiwi Apteryx australis Southern Kiwi Apteryx australis New Zealand Dabchick Poliocephalus rufopectus Yellow-eyed Penguin Megadyptes antipodes Fiordland Crested Penguin Eudyptes pachyrhynchus Snares Crested Penguin Eudyptes robustus Erect-crested Penguin Eudyptes sclateri Royal Alabatross Diomedea epomophora Buller`s Albatross Diomedea bulleri Buller`s Shearwater Puffinus bulleri Fluttering Shearwater Puffinus gavia Hutton`s Shearwater Puffinus huttoni Parkinson`s Black Petrel Procellaria parkinsoni Westland Petrel Procelleria westlandica Pycroft`s Petrel Pterodroma pycrofti Cook`s Petrel Pterodroma cookii Chatham Island Petrel Pterodroma axillaris Mottled Petrel Pterodroma inexpectata Magenta Petrel Pterodroma magentae
King Shag Leucocarbo carunculatus Stewart Island Shag Leucocarbo chalconotus Chatham Island Shag Leucocarbo onslowi Bounty Island Shag Leucocarbo ranfurlyi Auckland Island Shag Leucocarbo colensoi Campbell Island Shag Leucocarbo campbelli Spotted Shag Stictocarbo punctatus Pitt Island Shag Stictocarbo featherstoni Paradise shelduck Tadorna variegata Blue Duck Hymenolaimus malacorhynchus Brown Teal Anas aucklandica New Zealand Scaup Aythya novaeseelandiae New Zealand Falcon Falco novaeseelandiae Weka Gallirallus australis Takahe Porphyrio mantelli New Zealand Dotterel Charadrius obscurus Banded Dotterel Charadrius bicinctus Shore Plover Thinornis novaeseelandiae Wrybill Anarchynchus frontalis Variable Oystercatcher Haematopus unicolor Chatham Island Oystercatcher Haematopus chathamensis Black-billed Gull Larus bulleri Black-fronted Tern Sterna albostriata Fairy Tern Sterna nereis
Black Stilt Himantopus novaezelandiae New Zealand Snipe Coenocorypha aucklandica Chatham Island Snipe Coenocorypha pusilla New Zealand Pigeon Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae Kakapo Strigops habroptilus Kaka Nestor meridionalis Kea Nestor notabilis Antipodes Island Parakeet Cyanoramphus unicolor Long-tailed Cuckoo Eudynamys taitensis Grey warbler Gerygone igata Chatham Island warbler Gerygone albofrontata Kokako Callaeas cinerea Saddleback Philesturnus carunculatus Tomtit Petroica macrocephala New Zealand Robin Petroica australis Black Robin Petroica traversi Stitchbird Notiomystis cincta Bellbird Anthornis melanura Tui Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae Whitehead Mohoua albicilla Yellowhead Mohoua ochrocephala Brown Creeper Mohoua novaeseelandiae Fernbird Bowdleria punctata
useful reading |
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Atlas of Bird Distribution in New Zealand 1999-2004
CJR Robertson, P Hyvonen, MJ Fraser and CR Pickard; 533 pages, 2100 maps, figs. Ornithological Society of NZISBN: 170842
Buy this book from NHBS.com
Birds of New Zealand: Locality Guide
Stuart Chambers 408 pages, col photos, illus. Arun Books Distributed by NHBSISBN: 0473073277
Buy this book from NHBS.com
Checklist of the Birds of New Zealand
...and the Ross Dependency, Antarctica Edited by EG Turbott 247 pages, 4 maps. New Zealand Ornithological SocietyISBN: 1869410823
Buy this book from NHBS.com
Field Guide to New Zealand Seabirds
Brian Parkinson. Paperback - 136 pages (31 August, 2000) New Holland Publishers (NZ)ISBN: 9781869661502
Buy this book from NHBS.com
Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand
Barrie Heather & Hugh Robertson. Paperback - 168 pages (11 January, 2001) Oxford University Press See the Fatbirder ReviewISBN: 019850831X
Buy this book from NHBS.com
Flight of the Huia
Ecology and Conservation of New Zealand's Frogs, Reptiles, Birds and Mammals Kerry-Jayne Wilson 411 pages, col photos, illus. Canterbury University PressISBN: 0908812523
Buy this book from NHBS.com
Photographic Guide to Birds of New Zealand
Geoff Moon Series: PHOTOGRAPHIC GUIDES SERIES (NEW HOLLAND NATURAL HISTORY) 140 pages, 210 col photos. New Holland PublishersISBN: 1877246581
Buy this book from NHBS.com
Pukaha
CD of NZ bird songs produced by the Mount Bruce Captive Breeding Project with all proceeds going to them. See: http://www.mtbruce.org.nz/buy_cd.htmThe Reed Field Guide to New Zealand Birds
Geoff Moon Series: REED FIELD GUIDE SERIES 256 pages, col photos throughout. Reed PublishingISBN: 0790005042
Buy this book from NHBS.com
useful information |
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Proact
Coordinator: none (why not apply?) see http://www.proact-campaigns.net/coordinators
Members: 2
Join us at http://www.proact-campaigns.net/team
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New Zealand Rare Birds Committee
http://osnz.org.nz/rarebirds.htmThe Society`s Rare Birds Committee has been in existence for about 25 years – the first published report was for 1974-75. The Committee then consisted of four members. In that year it received only six submissions for consideration. Published annual reports of the Committee for the next few years show that only a few sightings were considered by the Committee in each of those years...
Ecological Restoration Network
http://www.bush.org.nzWelcome to information about restoring the natural ecosystems of Aotearoa New Zealand...
Kakapo Recovery Project
http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/science-and-technical/TSRP21a.pdfImagine you wake up one day and are told to look after the last 62 kakapo in the world! What would you do? Well, that is the challenge facing the Kakapo Recovery Programme every day. It sounds daunting, but it is all about doing some fairly simple things over and over again, and doing them well. We manage the birds in the wild to ensure they are healthy and ready for breeding. We research new ideas that might help ensure a future for the kakapo. We develop new technology that helps us in our daily work...
Kiwi Conservation Club
http://www.kcc.org.nz/The Kiwi Conservation Club is a Forest and Bird project for children.
Kiwi Recovery Project
http://www.savethekiwi.org.nz/Home/Welcome to the Kiwi Recovery Programme web site. Saving our national bird is a full time occupation. The kiwi is canny, strong and stroppy, but it`s vanishing from New Zealand at a rate of 5.8 percent every year. In 1991 the Bank of New Zealand became a partner in the Kiwi Recovery Programme with the Department of Conservation and Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society because we wanted to do something about this decline...
New Zealand Ecological Society
http://www.nzes.org.nzThe New Zealand Ecological Society was formed in 1951 to promote the study of ecology and the application of ecological knowledge in all its aspects. Through its activities, the society attempts to encourage ecological research, increase awareness and understanding of ecological principles, promote sound ecological planning and management of the natural and human environment and promote high standards both within the profession of ecology by those practicing it, and by those bodies employing ecologists.
Ornithological Society of New Zealand
http://www.osnz.org.nz/General information about who the Ornithological Society of New Zealand are and what they do. Founded in 1939 the OSNZ was incorporated in 1953 and now has about 1000 financial members world-wide. A feature of OSNZ is the diversity of its membership, which ranges from professional ornithologists and government institutions in New Zealand and overseas through secondary and tertiary students and experienced amateur observers to learners and beginners. No special qualifications are required for admission and membership is open to all who are interested in birds.
Parrot Society
http://www.parrot.co.nz/The primary objectives of the Society are to encourage the breeding of every parrot in New Zealand whether it be in the wild or captivity and to produce a high quality magazine devoted entirely to parrots. Pet owners are also catered for.
Pukaha-Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre
http://www.mtbruce.org.nz/Pukaha Mount Bruce is New Zealand's National Wildlife Centre for conservation of some of our most endangered wildlife. We are also a centre for environmental education and an eco tourism destination. Kiwi, kokako, kaka and other wildlife are now being restored to the forest with the support of the local community...
Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project
http://www.doc.govt.nz/Conservation/Showcase-Areas/Rotoiti-Nature-Recovery-Project.aspThe Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project aims to restore approximately 5000 hectares of beech forest on the shores of Lake Rotoiti, in Nelson Lakes National Park. This is being achieved through an extensive predator trapping programme and the area is managed as a "mainland island"...
Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society
http://www.forest-bird.org.nzP0 Box 631, Wellington. +64 4 3857374 l.bates@wn.forest-bird.org.nz
NZ`s equivalent of the RSPB etc. are an active, successful New Zealand based conservation organisation. Since 1923 we have worked for the protection of New Zealand`s native forests, threatened species, marine heritage and for a healthier environment.
Tiritiri Matangi Supporters
http://www.tiritirimatangi.org.nzLocated 30km north east of central Auckland and just 4km from the end of Whangaparaoa Peninsula, Tiritiri Matangi Island is one of New Zealand`s most important and exciting conservation projects. 120 years of farming saw this 230-hectare island stripped of 94% of its native bush but between 1984 and 1994, volunteers planted between 250,000 and 300,000 trees. The island is now 60% forested. The remaining 40% will be left as grassland for species such as the Takahe. In conjunction with this planting programme, all mammalian predators have been eradicated and a number of species of threatened and endangered birds have been successfully introduced. Nowhere else in New Zealand can you readily walk amongst so many species in such significant quantities. Tiritiri Matangi is one of only 2 Open Scientific Reserves in New Zealand, the other being the Albatross colony at Taiaroa Heads near Dunedin. Ferries depart from both Gulf Harbour and downtown Auckland allowing 150 visitors per day to visit the island. This is in addition to any private craft that may land. For ornithologically minded people, no visit to Auckland would be complete without a trip to Tiritiri Matangi. This gets such a large entry as it happens to be one of the Fat Birder`s most favourite places on earth!
Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre
http://www.whangareinativebirdrecovery.org.nz/For more than 12 years the award-winning Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre has cared for and treated thousands of injured birds...
Wingspan - Birds of Prey Trust
http://www.wingspan.co.nz/raptors.htmlThe Trust is a voluntary and charitable trust which has the approval of the Department of Conservation of the New Zealand government to care for sick, injured and orphaned raptors.
Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust
http://www.yellow-eyedpenguin.org.nz/The Yellow-eyed Penguin, or hoiho as it was known to Maori, is a rather remarkable bird. Please take some time to discover this wonderful but threatened Penguin.
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Massey - NZ
http://inr.massey.ac.nz/To advance knowledge of biophysical systems and understanding of their management, to enable sustainable production and conservation of natural resources...
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Aroha Island Ecological Centre
A peaceful and tranquil place to visit and stay. A place aimed at encouraging awareness and wise use of the environment. A place where the Brown Kiwi live and where the emphasis is placed on its protection and preservation.
Farewell Spit
http://www.farewellspit.comFarewell Spit is the longest natural sandbar in the world. Maori people named the spit Onetahua, meaning heaped up sand - the long sandbar stretches out 35km from the very tip of the South Island of New Zealand
Gannet Colony - Cape Kidnappers, Hawkes Bay
http://www.hb.co.nz/gannets/The Cape Kidnapper Gannet Reserve is rare in ornithological circles as it contains the largest and most accessible mainland gannet colony in the world. By this very rarity, many visitors from both within New Zealand and from overseas, have been drawn to Hawke`s Bay to visit the reserve and experience for themselves the gannets in their natural environment.
Gannet Colony - Muriwai
http://www.richard-seaman.com/Birds/NewZealand/Gannets/TheColonies/Muriwai is one of Auckland`s so-called West Coast beaches, with good fishing, strong winds and rough waves. These conditions attract not only the gannets...
Karori Sanctuary
http://www.sanctuary.org.nz/Imagine a secret valley only three kilometres from the City: 252 steep-sided hectares, clothed in a regenerating native hardwood forest. The forest teems with life: skinks, geckos and native frogs abound, but most noticeable of all is the bird life. Like the forests of old, this forest rings with the songs of species once lost to Wellington.
Kiwi & Birdlife Park - Queenstown
http://www.kiwibird.co.nzSet in 8 acres of beautifully landscaped native bush the Kiwi & Birdlife Park in the centre of Queenstown is a truly magical place to visit. Discover the nocturnal world of the Kiwi at home amongst the tree ferns. Follow the trail to aviaries nestling amongst the bush where birdsong mongles with the soft sound of the flowing streams...
Kuaotunu Kiwi Sanctuary
http://www.forestandbird.org.nz/publications/magazine/1998/november/MiniFeatures1.aspThe long-term prospects for the Peninsula without predator control intervention are not good. Numbers would be expected to decline until inevitable extinction. On the other hand, survival prospects are much improved with the Society`s implementation of its sanctuary plan.
Miranda Shorebird Centre
http://www.miranda-shorebird.org.nz/The Miranda Shorebird Centre is located in New Zealand on the Firth of Thames, one hour south east of Auckland and half an hour west of the Coromandel Peninsula. The Miranda coast is a world-renowned destination for birdwatchers. Thousands of wading birds from the Arctic tundra, along with similar numbers of New Zealand breeding shorebirds gather at Miranda each year. The Miranda Shorebird Centre is both a lodge as well as an information/education centre. It features extensive displays and dioramas on the natural history of Miranda and its international significance.
Mt. Bruce National Wildlife Centre
http://mtbruce.org.nzConservation hope for New Zealand`s threatened and unique forest parrot, the kaka, has soared following a breeding success at the Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre. The kaka reintroduction programme at Mount Bruce has exceeded conservation expectations with at least two kaka pairs nesting and raising chicks a year before expected said conservation officer Doug Mende.
Nga Manu Nature Reserve
http://www.ngamanu.co.nzNga Manu Nature Reserve offers you a unique opportunity to have a hands on experience related to the natural history of New Zealand. We hope that by visiting the Reserve you will gain an understanding of the ecosystems by using examples of plants and animals that can be observed within the different habitats that make up the Reserves ecosystems...
Oamaru Blue Penguine Colony
http://www.penguins.co.nzThe Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony is situated in the former Oamaru harbour quarry. Once worked to provide rock for the construction of the Oamaru harbour, the quarry was turned over to the penguins in 1992, however the penguins have been present in small numbers since the early 1980s... this site has a webvcam too...
Royal Albatross Centre - Taiaroa Head
http://www.albatross.org.nzThe Royal Albatross Colony at Taiaroa Head, on the tip of the Peninsula, is the only mainland breeding colony of albatross in the world...
Tiri Tiri Matangi
http://www.nzbirds.com/TiriTiriMatangi.htmlFor anyone passing through Auckland wanting to do some birdwatching but with limited time to spare, then Tiritiri Matangi Island is the place to go. Located 30 kilometres (20 miles) north east of central Auckland in the Hauraki Gulf, the island lies 4km off the coast of the Whangaparaoa Peninsula...
Tiritiri Matangi Island
http://www.tiritirimatangi.org.nzLocated 30km north east of central Auckland and just 4km from the end of Whangaparaoa Peninsula, Tiritiri Matangi Island is one of New Zealand`s most important and exciting conservation projects. 120 years of farming saw this 220-hectare island stripped of 94% of its native bush but between 1984 and 1994, volunteers planted between 250,000 and 300,000 trees. The island is now 60% forested. The remaining 40% will be left as grassland for species such as the Takahe.
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Christchurch
http://www.willowbank.co.nzView New Zealand Kiwi & other native birds & animals up close at our wildlife park near Christchurch Airport, open daily. Nocturnal kiwi bird viewing in an open and natural enclosure. Guided tours available. Willowbank is actively involved in the breeding and conservation of a variety of Kiwi and other endangered species...
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Travelling Birder
http://www.travellingbirder.com
The Travellingbirder.com birding trip report search engine guides you to 7,000+ birding trip reports on the Internet. You can search for trip reports from a specific country and time of year. Not all these reports are in English. So, if you can’t find the trip report you want on this Fatbirder page… give them a try!
1996 [August] - Richard Fairbank & Nick Preston
http://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/new-zealand/nz2/nz96.htmThe following report relates to a visit to New Zealand by Richard Fairbank and Nick Preston. Nick arrived in New Zealand the day before me, having been in Queensland, Australia for the previous two weeks. We used my sister and brother-in-law`s house, conveniently located in Titirangi, Auckland as a base and borrowed one of their cars for a nominal charge. We covered much of New Zealand and thought it a brilliant country. So much so that, ignoring birds, it is the only place I have visited where I`d probably prefer to live than in England...
1998 [December] - David Mason
http://www.realbirder.com/NewZealand.htmEarly in 1998 Amanda and I decided to treat ourselves to a holiday of a lifetime in New Zealand. We had no relatives or friends over there and consequently, once there, we were on our own with lots of sights to see and birds to find...
1998 [May] - Justin Jansen
http://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/new-zealand/nz7/nz-98.htmI spent between 28 April to 3 May 1998 in New Zealand and from 2 to 7 May I spent some time at Oahu at Hawaii. This after 6 months spending time in Australia. I have to keep the trip low-budget and I was very tired and I resulted in less bird watching for example at Hawaii...
1999 [November] - Neva Pruess - Land and Pelagic Birding
http://www.camacdonald.com/birding/tripreports/NewZealand99.htmlThis trip was the third New Zealand birding excursion organized by Ross Silcock, a New Zealand native currently residing in Tabor, Iowa. Previous trips went down under in November 1995 and November 1997.
2000 [November] - Helen Baines
http://helensbirds.homestead.com/NZ00.htmlIn October and November of 2000 we visited New Zealand to see friends and bird as much of the country as we could in two weeks. We began our trip in the Auckland area, then flew down to Queenstown in South Island, hiring a car and driving back up the west coast to catch the ferry back to Wellington, where we spent our last few days.
2001 [November] - Steve Bird
http://www.birdtours.co.uk/birdseekers/may2002/new-zealand-nov2001.htmA short walk to the edge of the bay soon found us a small tidal pool, which amazingly held 20 plus Pied stilts and our first Wrybills, a species everyone was really keen to see. Amongst the waders we found several Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, a Red-necked Stint... ...Within seconds we were surrounded by Westland and White-chinned Petrels, Flesh-footed Shearwaters and numerous Cape Pigeons....Steve Bird reports....a BIG report, a hugely successful tour, with lots of superb photo`s...
2002 [November] - Philip Maher
http://www.philipmaher.com/main.htmMore a list of dates and species...
2003 [April] Tim Barnard - Tolaga Bay Pelagic
http://www.wrybill-tours.com/tripreports/030427.htmFor a time it was touch and go whether we were going to get out at all. A deepening low was moving up the east coast from the south and expected off Tolaga at about midday on Sunday bringing with it some strong winds and sloppy seas. The morning broke with clear skies and light winds so at 8.20 we set off down the river and out into the relative calm of Tolaga Bay. Small flocks of red-billed gulls and black-backed gulls sat around the mouth of the estuary as we passed through light surf. Unfortunately the calm seas weren`t to stay with us for long and we soon hit some interesting swells...
2003 [December] - Tommy Pedersen
http://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/new-zealand/nz8/nz-nov-03.htmThis trip was to be my first to New Zealand, after having visited Australia on six occations 1997 - 2003...
2003 [July] Ian Saville - Wanganui Pelagic
http://www.wrybill-tours.com/tripreports/030713.htmBrent and I (and a few others) were lucky enough to accompany Richard Norman from Massey Vet School out to sea off Wanganui this morning, to release a white-capped albatross which had been brought in 2 weeks ago with a dodgy eye. The Albatross release seemed to go well enough - about 20 miles off Wanganui, in a calm sea with virtually no wind...
2003 [November] - Brent Stephenson & Sav Saville - Miranda
http://www.wrybill-tours.com/tripreports/031105.htmOn the late afternoon/early evening of the 5th we spent most time overlooking the Stilt Ponds from beside the road, at high tide on the Wed evening. Most of the godwit and knot flock came to roost on the ponds and we have fantastic light and viewing conditions. Four sharp-tailed sands had been reported for the area, but we managed to count 8 in total, some still sporting lovely traces of breeding plumage...
2003 [November] - Brent Stephenson & Sav Saville - Whitianga pelagic
http://www.wrybill-tours.com/tripreports/031106.htmWe headed out in a fairly straight line from Whitianga Harbour, out past Ohinau Island towards the 100m mark...
2003 [November] Sav Saville & Brent Stephenson - Manawatu Estuary
http://www.wrybill-tours.com/tripreports/031111.htmI made a quick lunch-time visit to the Manawatu Estuary today, and found Roger Slack and Lindsay Davies just setting up their scopes at the sandspit. Lindsay quickly located a whimbrel (didn`t see it fly, so don`t know what subspecies) but it might be a different bird to that seen previously - last seen on 12 October 2003.
2004 [December] - Simon Plat & Maaike Poppinga
http://www.splatzone.nl/newzealand/newzealand.htmOnce completely dominated by birds, New Zealand proved to be a natural experiment in the evolution of birds. Consequently some of the weirdest birds live in New Zealand. Unfortunately things have changed since the last 400/500 years and this fragile ecosystem is taken over by all kinds of introduced species. Dozens of bird species became extinct and a lot more became threatened of which some are at present among the rarest birds in the world. Introduced birds took over the landscape and at present they are more common than the natives...
2004 [February] - Sav Saville - Hauraki Gulf
http://www.wrybill-tours.com/tripreports/040208.htmThe trip was organised solely to look for NEW ZEALAND STORM-PETREL (NZSP), with any other birds looked upon as a bonus. Brett took us straight out to a point north of Little Barrier, virtually ignoring (at our behest) 3 Arctic Skuas, several Buller`s and Flesh-footed Shearwaters, 50+ Cook`s Petrels, a Short-tailed Shearwater and many White-faced Storm-petrels...
2004 [January] - Brent Stephenson - Hauraki Gulf
http://www.wrybill-tours.com/idproblems/stormpet4.htmOn 18 January 2004 we headed out from Sandspit (near Warkworth), into the Hauraki Gulf onboard the Assassin. Brent had organised a trip with 8 birders and two TV3 crew, as well as Skipper Brett Rathe. New Zealand storm-petrels had been seen on several trips into the Gulf, since the amazing trip during which Bob Flood and Bryan Thomas made the second sighting of this bird...
2004 [June] - Sav Saville - South Island Tour
http://www.wrybill-tours.com/tripreports/040603.htm...We went to look at the recently reported Black Kite site near Blenheim without success, but were only able to spend about 45 mins there before running for the ferry. There were several Harriers in the area and it look a pretty likely sort of spot. Anyone wanting full directions can ask me direct...
2004 [May] - Brent Stephenson - Tolaga Bay Pelagic
http://www.wrybill-tours.com/tripreports/040502.htmWe left the Tolaga Bay beach at 0820 and headed straight out. On the way out we saw fluttering and Buller`s shearwaters, and a bit further the out the first grey-faced petrels were seen. Not long after that several common diving-petrels and sooty and flesh-footed shearwaters were seen. We stopped and anchored about 15 kilometres offshore...
2004 [November] - Tim Barnard - Hick`s Bay Ranfurly Banks Pelagic
http://www.wrybill-tours.com/tripreports/041010.htmThis was the fourth attempt by Tim Barnard and Steve Wood to do a pelagic out of Hick`s Bay, with weather stopping all previous attempts. For once, it fell rightfor us and we found what we had suspected, an area rich in oceanic birdlife...
2004 [October] - Brent Stepenson & Sav Saville - Tolaga Bay Pelagic
http://www.wrybill-tours.com/tripreports/041009.htmThe trip to the sea from the boat-ramp saw us off to a good start with NZ dotterel, banded dotterel and variable oystercatcher at the rivermouth. We chummed at two primary locations. Birds on the sea were the expected mix of summer and winter species, with the most notable occurrences being the large number of wandering albatross (at least 8 birds) with most appearing to be Antipodean birds...
2004 [October] - Nigel Kendall
http://www.naturalbreak.co.uk/trips/04nz.htmlBirding logs...
2005 [December] - Georges Olioso
http://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/new-zealand/New-Zealand-11/new-zealand-dec-05.htmSearching for the endemic birds of New Zealand...
2005 [December] - Ray Wilson
http://www.raywilsonbirdphotography.co.uk/Foreign%20Trips/New%20Zealand/NZ-intro.htmlIf you are planning on visiting New Zealand and want to see as much of the endemic wildlife as possible, I would recommend spending at least a month on your tour. The distances involved and the slow, twisty nature of the roads means that a large amount of your time will be spent driving between places. I had tried to plan as efficient a route as possible, but still ended up driving about 7000km in my circumnavigation of both islands. Despite the often rushed nature of my tour, I still managed to see all bar one of the endemic landbirds, including 4 species of Kiwi, and most of the numerous seabirds that are present in New Zealand waters in early summer. I even managed to get decent photographs of most of them...
2005 [May] - Colin Reid
http://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/new-zealand/nz9/New-zealand-may-2005.htm...Tiritiri Matangi – island in the Haruki Gulf off Auckland. Fuller’s ferry provides daily transport ($45 return from Gulf Harbour on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula north of the city.) The ferry leaves from Auckland itself and stops off at Gulf Harbour to and fro. The island has been replanted by a group of volunteers (not all birders) and most of the North Island endemics have been re-introduced to the pest free island. Purists may prefer to seek these species elsewhere on the mainland as most of the birds are ringed and relatively tame, but for travelling birders this may be the only opportunity, realistically, of seeing any of these endemics...
2006 [December] - Steve Arlow
http://www.travellingbirder.com/tripreports/reports/new_zealand_birding_trip_report_nov-dec-06.pdfDay on Tiritiri Matangi, overnighting at the island bunkhouse. Days highlights were Saddlebacks, Stitchbirds, 3 Kokakos, a couple of Takahe, New Zealand Robin, Red-crowed Parakeet, cute Whiteheads, Spotless Crake, Brown Teal, numerous Purple Gallinules, Tuis, Bellbirds and Fantails, Little Blue Penguins and Little Spotted Kiwi...
2006 [March] - Steve & Ann Newman
http://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/new-zealand/New-zealand-12/nz-2006.htmNew Zealand’s birds are a strange mixture of endemics, seabirds, and introductions. The balance of nature has been badly upset by the arrival of man (especially Europeans) and the animals and plants he has brought with him...
2006 [October] - David Shackelford
http://www.rockjumper.co.za/02_destination_b_reports_newzealand_2006_oct.htm...The secretive Fernbird eventually gave its position away from dense scrub and parasitic Long-tailed Cuckoos called raucously from the forest interior. From the pinnacle of a stilted tower in the heart of the tropical forest canopy we watched spectacular large parrots locally called the Kaka feeding from the moss-laden branches and bromeliads while below us the almost imperceptible calls of the diminutive Rifleman were drowned into the orchestra of forest sounds...
2007 [January] - Greg Baker
http://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/new-zealand/new-zealand-14/new-zealand-jan-07.htmThis report covers a four week holiday in New Zealand leaving the UK on December 8th 2006 and returning on January 8th 2007. The holiday was not wholly birding related and my wife and I also found time for some horse riding, white-water rafting, jet-boating and walking in the mountains. Rather than provide details on all the birds seen, this report is intended to provide an update on already published material related to finding endemic and other scarce bird species on the main islands...
Bren & Ruth McCartney - Quality not quantity
http://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/new-zealand/nz1/nzart.htmRuth has two sisters in New Zealand so we had been before, along with our young sons, for family get-togethers. This time we were there on our own for a month and determined to get stuck into birding, once we had spent the compulsory couple of days with relatives. The outward trip had been via Los Angeles where two days visiting Bolsa Chica, Oak Canyon and Huntington Central Park had produced 52 lifers and truly whetted our appetites...
Glen Holland - Codfish Island New Zealand
http://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/new-zealand/codfish-island/CODFISHISLAND.htm...Project Leader, Ron Moorhouse, is currently studying the success of predator control around kaka nest sites in relation to fledging success and required the females to boost his mainland study population of 5 breeding pairs and numerous spare males...
local guides |
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Akaroa Harbour Cruises
http://www.canterburycat.co.nz/Some of the wildlife you will see on the cruise include: Sea Birds usually seen: Little Blue Penguin, Spotted Shag, Black Back Gull, Red Bill Gull, White Fronted Tern. Often seen: Great Cormorant, Little Black Shag, White Throated Little Black Shag, Pied Little Black Shag. Birds sometimes seen: Gannet, Fluttering Shearwater, Hutton`s Shearwater, Northern Giant Petrel, Cape Pigeon, Yellow Eyed Penguin, Mollymawk.
Aurora Charters - Stewart Island
http://www.auroracharters.co.nzBirding Pal
http://www.birdingpal.org/newzealand.htmLocal birders willing to show visiting birders their area...
Catlins Wildlife Trackers
http://www.catlins-ecotours.co.nzWe live in The Catlins, New Zealand, and run in-depth natural history and wildlife ecotours and offer accommodation options. We also offer both guided and unguided overnight walks on private tracks and creative workshops and conservation work opportunities. Our ecotourism tours emphasise rare wildlife viewing and nature education...
Dunedin Marine Charters
http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~Snelson/dbmc/Some nice photos of birds which could be seen if you organise a pelagic charter with this company.
EcoTours
http://www.ecotours.co.nzA roundup of different options form different companies...
Elm Wildlife Tours
http://www.elmwildlifetours.co.nzElm Wildlife Tours is based in Dunedin and offers Nature and Wildlife Tours of the South-eastern Coast of New Zealand. Our tours guide visitors to some of the most spectacular wildlife spots in the area including our private conservation areas, where close-up viewing of some of the World`s rarest wildlife is achieved...
Farewell Spit Eco-tours
http://www.farewellspit.com/Welcome to Farewell Spit Eco Tours - Tour Operators to the world famous Farewell Spit. Gannet Colony, Wader Watch, Cape Farewell and many other eco tours in Golden Bay, Nelson, New Zealand.
Fiordlands Ecology Holidays
http://www.fiordland.gen.nzOur southern ocean sailing can include these areas - The New Zealand South Island World Heritage Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, George Sound, Doubtful Sound, Breaksea and Dusky Sounds and Preservation Inlet...
French Pass Sea Safaris
http://www.seasafaris.co.nzWelcome to the ultimate nature adventure. Wild and naturally beautiful French Pass and d`Urville Island are the jewel in the crown of the Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand. Rich in wildlife and steeped in history, the area inspires all who visit. A spectacular and breathtaking drive or scenic flight will bring you to our door...
Gannet Safaris
http://www.gannetsafaris.comGannet Safari has been guiding visitors over Summerlee to the gannets for over 30 years. The only way of being driven right to within a few feet of these remarkable birds - there is NO WALKING. The coach traverses riverbeds, broad rolling pastures, through stands of native bush, steep gullies and breathtaking inclines. There is a stop on the way at a spectacular cliff top with panoramic views of Hawke`s Bay right to Mahia Peninsula. The amazing geology of the area can also be taken in. The 3 hour trip includes a commentary by the tour guide on the farming operation on Summerlee and an introduction to the gannets...
Kapiti Island Alive
http://www.kapitiislandalive.co.nzKapiti Island: A Place of Beauty, A Place of Legend, A Place for Wildlife. To the North of this famous conservation island operates a locally owned Nature Lodge at Waiorua Bay. Here people can relax for the evening, take in the beautiful surroundings, and enjoy the close views and antics of the many unusual birds...
Kapiti Tours
http://www.kapititours.co.nz/Guided walks on Guided walks on Kapiti Island (1 hour easy and relaxed bushwalks) allow our guides to really make the Island Come Alive. Let our guides educate and entertain you with the story of Kapiti Island Nature Reserve....one of New Zealand`s premier conservation treasures.]
Kiwi Wildlife Tours
http://www.kiwi-wildlife.co.nz/Birds are our business! We know what they look like and sound like, and of course where to find them. Come with us in a small group and we will show you the secrets of New Zealand`s unique birds, bats and marine mammals. At the same time, you will see some of the most wild and beautiful places on earth. And in comfort and style! Our tours are an opportunity to learn about our native fauna, especially for wildlife enthusiasts or people with little knowledge who would like to learn. We teach natural history skills, photography and sound recording. Tours are particularly suited to people already involved in bird watching in their own countries but who would like to travel outside their area of knowledge with a group of like-minded people.
Monarch Wildlife Cruises
http://www.wildlife.co.nz/m.v. Monarch cruises to Taiaroa Head at the entrance to Dunedin`s harbour, where nine species of seabirds and New Zealand Fur Seals breed. Taiaroa is the only place on earth where the Royal Albatross, the world`s largest seabird, nest on a mainland but only from Monarch can all the habitats be seen.
Myths & Legends Eco-Tours
http://www.eco-tours.co.nz/Come and enjoy the sights, the bird song and the amazing bio-diversity that the Sounds has to offer - the Dolphins, seals, fish, birds, and beautiful podacarp forests...
Nature Quest
http://www.naturequest.co.nzNature Quest New Zealand Ltd is celebrating. We are entering our second decade in natural history, birdwatching and educational travel - in designing and guiding birding, botanical, general nature, and educational study programmes in New Zealand for individuals, groups, colleges, societies, universities, and special interest operators... Fatbirder Recommended I spent a few days in 2004 being guided in the South Island by one of their excellent guides - Fatbirder.
Nature Travel Specialists
http://www.naturetravelspecialists.comNature Travel Specialists believes that travel is most enjoyable when it expands the horizons of both visitor and visited, when both give and receive from each other. With this in mind we design itineraries that enable our travelers to explore the natural areas of the world, in the company of English-speaking local tour guides who know their country and region intimately...
New Zealand Land and Pelagic Trips
http://www.rosssilcock.comI am a Kiwi by birth and inclination, and, as an excuse to get back home and to show New Zealand and its birds to others, I run a birding tour to New Zealand in November of alternating years. I charge enough to cover costs; making money on these tours is not my priority. I like to keep the group to 8-10 in size. We stay at quality accommodations and the food is outstanding; the trips have been described more than once as culinary tours of New Zealand with some birding thrown in, or as eating our way around New Zealand. But seriously, the quality of New Zealand restaurant food and wines is outstanding these days. The tours are not physically strenuous, but we do keep moving, and so you must be reasonably active and in fairly good shape.
Ocean Wings (Pelagics)
http://www.jasons.co.nz/brochure_rack/albatross_encounter/index.cfmOcean Wings is situated in Kaikoura, New Zealand, famous for whales and Dolphins and argubly one of the world`s most exciting arenas for pelagic (ocean going) birds. Within close proximity of the beautiful Kaikoura Peninsula, range a considerable array of albatross, petrels, shearwaters, terns, shags and gulls. Peter Langlands, an authority on Kaikoura`s seabirds, writes Kaikoura has one of the largest number of different types of seabirds within a small area than anywhere along the New Zealand coastline.
Ohiwa Harbour Tours
mailto:ohiwaharbourtours@xtra.co.nzOkarito Boat Tours
http://www.okarito.bizAll around the world estuaries have suffered from human development and pollution. Here at Okarito is New Zealand`s largest lagoon that remains in its original natural condition. It contains over 5000 hectares of salt-marsh wetlands and is surrounded by the lowland podocarp rainforests of Westland National Park. On a clear day there are truly magnificent panoramas of the Southern Alps...
Okarito Nature Tours
http://www.okarito.co.nzOkarito Lagoon is New Zealand`s largest unmodified wetland covering 3240 hectares of shallow open water surrounded by magnificent Kahikatea & Rimu rainforests. Kayaks are the best way to explore the Okarito river delta and paddle deep into the heart of the forest. A clear day will provide awe-inspiring views of Mt. Cook, Mt. Tasman and the Southern Alps. We have Kayaks and trips to suit everyone...
Pure NZ
http://www.purenz.com/?981E5E44-3126-4F4E-8447-9D1303A18CC7Marketing team at Tourism New Zealand. 32 entries on birding in NZ with tours and places to stay.
Ruggedy Range
http://www.ruggedyrange.comRuggedy Range™ Wilderness Experience is a small ecotourism business based on Stewart Island, in New Zealand`s deep south. We specialise in eco-friendly guided nature walks/tramps, kiwi spotting trips and bird watching trips on Stewart Island, Ulva Island and Rakiura National Park. We will soon be introducing guided sea kayaking options, further information will be shown on this website as details are finalised...
Talisker Charters
http://www.taliskercharter.co.nz/We can offer birders a variety of charters to suit interests, budgets and time, Please feel free to contact us as we are happy to discuss your birding visit to Stewart Island or the smaller islands such s Ulva Island which is now mammal free and home to an increasing population of threatened forest species relocated from other places. We can assist with all local details including transport, accommodation, places to visit and also Kiwi watching as well as pelagics offering two, or possibly three species of penguin plus petrels, shearwaters, prions and albatrosses.
Tussock & Beech Ecotours
http://www.nature.net.nzOur guided nature tours provide an unforgettable experience of a clean, green, pure New Zealand landscape. They enter three different conservation areas in a remote and beautiful part of Canterbury, New Zealand. See nature at its best...
Ulva`s Guided Walks
http://www.ulva.co.nzWhat better introduction to Rakiura (Stewart Island) could you wish for than a guided walk with a direct descendant of the first peoples of this beautiful Island?
White Heron Tours
http://www.whiteherontours.co.nzThe Waitangi Roto Nature Reserve is a sanctuary to most of the bird life that you will see in the South West Heritage Area. The pristine rainforest, predominantly Kahikatea, stands tall, and shos off it`s untouched beauty. During the summer months, the majestic Kotuku (White Heron) can be viewed, in all it`s pluming glory as it nests in the swamp forests on the banks of the Waitangi Roto Stream. The Kotuku Ngutu Papa (Royal Spoonbill) and the Kawapaka (Little Black Shag) also take advantage of this prime spot to rear their young...
Wrybill Birding Tours
http://www.wrybill-tours.comWrybill Birding Tours, NZ started out as a couple of birding mates, deciding that there was a gaping hole in the bird-guiding market in New Zealand. What was need was a group that was really keen, knew their New Zealand birds and birding sites inside out, and was based in New Zealand, with access to up to date information on the New Zealand birding scene.
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Birdhaven B&B
http://www.solarsystem.co.nz/bbc/birdha.htmShare the tranquility and space of our tasteful home. Relax in the garden or on the patios overlooking beautiful native bush, birdlife, woodlands and farmlets.
Bushy Point Fernbirds
http://www.fernbirds.co.nz/Bushy Point Fernbirds offers the most reliable views of South Island fernbird Megalurus punctatus in New Zealand and in a unique habitat. Only 5 minute walk from car. This private reserve is minutes from Invercargill. Jenny and Ian Gamble`s residence is on site and they have B&B accommodation available. The reserve is 13 acres of forest, with progression to jointed rush meadows, and the New River Estuary. This is the ideal place to stay overnight before or after a trip to Stewart Island Fiordland or the Catlins coast...
Kakapo Cottage - Stewart Island
http://kakapocottage.co.nzFabulous views of Half Moon Bay and native forest reserve. 5 minutes walk to Oban town centre and main attractions. 5 minutes walk to Golden Bay and the water taxi to Ulva Island - the only place in the world you can view the rare Kakapo parrot and many other rare native flora and fauna. Many native birds coming right up to the house and close by in Native Forest. Wake up to the sea glistening in the bay and the birds singing. Views from master bedroom, lounge, bunk room and sunny deck. Stewart Island is home to our newest national park...
St Arnaud House - Nelson Lakes
http://www.st-arnaudhouse.co.nz/Native NZ birds such as the Tui & Bellbird sing throughout the beech forest; stay still in one spot for a while and watch for the friendly South Island Robin. Guests have St. Arnaud House to themselves as we live in the small classic kiwi bach (cottage) which is adjacent to the main house. Our focus is providing a friendly, relaxed and flexible high level of service to our guests...
Stewart Island Lodge
http://www.stewartislandlodge.co.nz/An unspoiled Island retreat nestled in the natural beauty of a bush setting in Halfmoon Bay, Stewart Island Lodge has unsurpassed views of the bay and surrounding hills. The large garden is host to many native birds, including native parrots, and many birds can be viewed right from our terrace.
Te Kauri Birding Lodge
http://www.kiwi-wildlife.co.nz/accommodation.phpTe Kauri Birding Lodge caters for up to 2 couples at the home of Karen Baird and Chris Gaskin, operators of Kiwi Wildlife Tours NZ. Te Kauri is located 45 minutes north of Auckland, and three kilometres along a quiet ridge top road off State Highway One. We are within easy travelling of all Auckland and northern New Zealand`s top birding locations, the ideal introduction to your New Zealand bird-watching holiday. The lodge is set into a large block of regenerating kauri forest...
Wilderness Lodge - Lake Moeraki & Arthur`s Pass
http://www.wildernesslodge.co.nzSet in the tranquil South Pacific, away from the world`s trouble spots, are New Zealand`s only two Wilderness Lodges. They are located in the most wild and natural parts of the South Island; at Lake Moeraki in the rainforest and the Tasman sea coast, and at Arthur`s Pass in the heart of the Southern Alps.
mailing lists |
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Birding NZ
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BIRDING-NZTo post to list:BIRDING-NZ@yahoogroups.com
List contact:eco-vista@paradise.net.nz
To subscribe to list:BIRDING-NZ-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Discussion Group Sightings etc. of NZ birds.
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Archipelago (Hiking Org. of NZ) Bird Page
http://www.hike.org/Currently (June 2002) being re-jigged.
Birders Totals
http://www.wrybill-tours.com/birderstotals.htmA new site which lists birders totals for NZ...
BLOG - Blackbirdblog
http://crumb-blackbirdblog.blogspot.comDiary of a blackbird called crumb – an Auckland, NZ resident…
Brown Teal Recovery Programme
http://www.brownteal.comPromoting the recovery of the endangered Brown Teal...
Extinct Birds of New Zealand
http://www.kcc.org.nz/birds/extinct.aspThe list is broken down into three sections: Species that became extinct before people were in New Zealand. Species that became extinct after Polynesians arrived in New Zealand - before Europeans. Recent extinctions - since Europeans have been in New Zealand.
Fabulous Kakapo
http://www.kakapo.net/The ancient, flightless Kakapo is the world`s rarest and strangest parrot. It the only flightless and nocturnal parrot, as well as being the heaviest in the world, weighing up to 3.5 kilograms (8 lbs). The birds live in New Zealand, an island country which had virtually no mammals living on it for millions of years. It was a place inhabited by birds and reptiles. The only types of mammal were two species of bats. The Kakapo did not learn the defense mechanisms to combat or escape mammalian predators. This made the parrot very vulnerable when new animals started showing up.
Kids for Birds
http://www.janetemarshall.co.nz/kids/This website is for all children. On it you can learn about new zealand birds, read stories about birds and print out pictures to colour. There are also pages for your art and stories...
Kokako 2000
http://www.nznature.co.nz/nwatch.htmA new search for a native bird that has been missing in action for more than 30 years is to get under way in October. If successful, the Kokako 2000 campaign will confirm the continued existence of the South Island kokako, a forest bird that has not been officially recorded since the 1960s. The search for the South Island kokako will be led by nationally-recognised wildlife ecologist Rhys Buckingham, and is being jointly funded by Nelson mail-order company, Maruia Nature Catalogue, and environmental lobby group, Ecologic Foundation.
Moa Pages
http://www.duke.edu/~mrd6/moa/This is the place to find out all you could possibly want to know about New Zealand`s giant extinct bird. Half of these pages are an introduction to the moa, and include pictures, a bibliography, and the famous top ten list. If you want more depth, visit the moa science section for the latest on publications and research.
Native Species
http://www.doc.govt.nz/Conservation/001~Plants-and-Animals/Native-Species-Management.aspNew Zealand`s plants and animals have developed during 80 million years of isolation. These islands, fragments from the supercontinent of Gondwana, have witnessed the evolution of species so distinctive that scientists have described New Zealand as the closest one can get to studying life on another planet...
Nature and Co
http://www.natureandco.comNatureandco.com specializes in New Zealand`s nature. Our online directory supplies, among other things, information about the New Zealand native birds and there is plenty of information about where to see birds in New Zealand, including maps. Our New Zealand Nature Store presents a comprehensive collection of books about NZ birds (fieldguides and otherwise); as well as a variety of quality sound recordings, videos and posters/ wallcharts.
New Zealand Birding Directory
http://www.birdingnz.co.nzNew Zealand was a land of birds. A remote Island, which became an experiment in bird evolution. Birds evolved to fill niches that on other lands were filled by mammals. Moa were the equivalent of giraffes and millions of takahe grazed like sheep. Lack of mammalian competition and predation resulted in birds becoming large and flightless. Although New Zealand has changed significantly since humans arrived through loss of habitat and introduction of mammals, there are still many opportunities to experience New Zealand`s unique wildlife.
New Zealand Birding Sites
http://atschool.eduweb.co.uk/jblincow/nz/nz.htmThis page contains a list of sites where endemic or difficult to see birds can be found. It is aimed at people planning a birdwatching trip to New Zealand.
New Zealand Birds
http://www.nzbirds.comThis is a good place to start looking for links to other NZ sites with an eye to the birds. It also has rather nice gallery of NZ bird illustrations.
New Zealand Seabirds
http://www.natureandco.co.nz/land_and_wildlife/wildlife/seabirds/idx_seabirds.phpNew Zealand is the seabird centre of the world. Because of its extensive coastline and many inshore and offshore islands, as well as its well developed logistics, it is possible for the interested observer to see more seabirds here than in any other country. Three-quarters of the world`s albatrosses, penguins, petrels and half the shearwaters and shags are to be found here along with numerous representatives of a number of other groups and, in addition, a good proportion of these can be viewed without going far offshore...
NZ Song
http://www.kmpmusic.co.nz/heritagetrk.htmlSome bird song tapes etc.
Penguins in New Zealand
http://www.penguin.net.nz/Blue penguins are found right around the coast of New Zealand and southern Australia, but none closer to human activity than in Oamaru, New Zealand. The birds nest right around the harbour area and the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony offers a unique opportunity for you to observe the world`s smallest penguin arriving home from their day at sea and returning to their nests.
Seabirds of New Zealand
http://www.seafriends.org.nz/Welcome to the Seafriends home page for saving New Zealand seas, learning about our oceans and seeing what can be found when diving. Enjoy the underwater photos of our shores. You can help us with our marine conservation and discovery projects.
Spatial patterns of New Zealand bird diversity
http://www.rem.sfu.ca/Measurements of land-bird diversity were calculated from distribution maps in The Atlas of Bird Distribution in New Zealand (P.C. Bull, P.D. Gaze, and C.J.R. Robertson, 1985. Wellington: Ornithological Society of New Zealand); the most geographically comprehensive survey of New Zealand birds. The presence/absence grid maps (1,614 10,000 yard grid squares for North Island and 2,061 for South Island) for almost 150 bird taxa are based on field observations by 800 naturalists from 1969-79. Details of the original mapping scheme are described in the atlas.
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Gallery - Birds of New Zealand
http://www.pbase.com/philinnz/birdsnzShow casing some of the birds in New Zealand. Locations have been: 1. Mt Bruce reserve, about 30km north of Masterton has bush walks, nature reserve, and is dedicated to the preservation of some of New Zealand’s endangered species…
Gallery - New Zealand Birds
http://www.accommodationinnewzealand.co.nz/soundbytes/Images & Sounds of NZ birds...
Gallery - New Zealand Birds' Store & Gift Shop
http://www.nzbirds.com/NZBirdstore.htmlEverything birdy in the arts & crafts line...
Photographer - Brent Stephenson
http://www.eco-vista.comAs well as having an intense enthusiasm for birding and birds, I have had a love for photography since taking my first bird pics at about the age of 8 with my Mum`s old point and shoot 35mm Kodak...
Photographer - Jason Elsworth
http://www.jasonelsworth.co.nz/I am a freelance photographer living in New Zealand and specialising in photographing and writing about New Zealand natural history, landscape and outdoor pursuits. Currently I am focusing my efforts almost exclusively on photographing New Zealand birds. My aim is to create images which go far beyond being merely record shots, and show the viewer just how beautiful New Zealand birds are...
Photographer - Mike Dazenbaker
http://www.avesphoto.com/website/NZ/home.htmNice pictures of some of NZ`s excellent birds from this US photographer...
Photographer - Neil Fitzgerald
http://www.neilfitzgeraldphoto.co.nz/gallery/index.php?cat=17My photographs have been used in books, presentations, websites and magazines including New Zealand Geographic. I hope the images I capture are able to convey some of the beauty in nature, in even the least likely of subjects, and ultimately instill in the viewer a greater appreciation of the need to conserve what we can of our environment...
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