Spoonbills to get ball rolling.

[Ian McHenry]

Last year there was a flock of over 30 Royal Spoonbills @ McCormick's Bay on the road to Sumner in Christchurch.
Fabulous sight when they take to the air.
Would be interested to hear of post breeding flocks in New Zealand returning to their winter quarters.
Ian McHenry

[Ian McHenry]

Here is a picture taken early June last year.
Fortunately visit to the area arranged so sun behind me.
Just lucky birds decided to fly !!!
Ian Mc

[Gerald Kelberg]

Does McCormacks Bay put these guys on the Estuary? It is too many years since I was there. Does the Estuary still have that characteristic smell?

Gerald

[Ian McHenry]

Hi Gerald I understand that the most spoonbills are @ the oxydising treatment ponds acroos the estuary from McCormicks Bay.
Yes the sea lettuce still pongs particularly at this time of year (late summer) which can spoil a day to the beach at Sumner.
There is currently an ocean waste disposal pipe being constructed which hopefully will improve estuary water.
The Bar Tailed Godwits will be leaving shortly for the Northern Hemisphere.
Good to hear from you.
Ian Mc

[Paul Davey]

Hi Ian, and thanks for the welcome

Agreed, would be a fabulous sight to see. I understand they roost on the artificial islands in the Bay. I wonder if they are continuing to prospect breeding on Lake Ellesmere. Will be up that way tomorrow; hopefully checking in at Lakeside for some Mute Swan spotting. From there, catching a flight to Australia for a few weeks. What birds await me?!