Supplement to NOTORNIS, Vol. 40, Part 2 June 1993 ISSN 0111-2686 OSNZ Edited by PAUL SAGAR, 38A Ydrdley Street, Christchurch 4, for the members of the Ornithological Society of (Inc.) Please note that sightings recorded in this Newsletter are subject to confirmation. No. 67 June, 1993 Note Deadline for the September issue will be 10th August. Royal Banding

Marlborough OSNZ members, with the been seen at more than one location. Also, recorded four times between 6 February help of a few outsiders, have just completed many have been seen a number of times; and 13 April 1992; on 20 June 1992 it was the most successful season yet for the the record so far is 13 reports for one . at the Rangaunu Harbour in the Far banding of Royal Spoonbill chicks at the The general trend is that most North; in October 1992 it was at the Wairau Lagoons, Blenheim. We managed drift north in autumn, spend the winter in Mangere Sewage Ponds, Auckland, where to get across to the nesting colony four the Far North and then drift back south it stayed for about a month before times over a six-week period and to band in spring. returning to the Avon-Heathcote Estuary a total of 24 chicks. by 4 November 1992, where it remained For example, WhiteIRed - Metal was until at least 6 February 1993. At the Wairau Lagoons, the Royal banded on 6 February 1991; three months breed on the ground and when later it was at Farewell Spit; exactly a year The above is typical of many birds and a nest is approached the chicks remain after banding it was at the Avon-Heathcote it 's very pleasing to get so many sightings motionless, so it is rather simple to pick the Estuary in Christchurch, where it was of one bird. However, there are still chicks up and take them a short distance to band before returning them to the nest. On our first visit to the colony this year (20 January) some chicks had already fledged and on our last visit there were still a couple of chicks too small to band, so the birds have an .extended breeding period. This year the Royal Spoonbills nested. at just one site, usually they nest at two sites but one of these was flooded out early in the breeding season. At the one site this year there were 28 nests with most nests having three to five eggs. At least 50 chicks would have fledged from these nests. In the past three seasons, 19 chicks have been banded at the Wairau Lagoons - 1 in November 1990, 11 in February 1991, and just 7 in February 1992. The majority of these birds were banded on Waitangi Day (6 February) which has become our traditional day to band at the lagoons. Of these 19 birds, 15 have been sighted elsewhere in the country. That's a 75% return which is an incredible result and proves that OSNZ members are active. To date, over 60 sightings of these birds have been sent in from 24 members. So where have all these spoonbills been seen? Well, to put it simply, everywhere -just look at the map. Some birds have Distribution of sightings of colour banded Royal Spoonbills. The numbers indicate how many birds have been seen in particular areas. Wairau Lagoons is the banding site for all birds.

1 questions to be answered, such as: specialised information such as nest 1. How long are individuals staying in a records, moult, and beach patrols. Wanted particular area? I would ask aIl members to consider - - 2. When do they return to the Wairau how they have enjoyed their bird watching volunteers for Lagoons, if at all? and whether they have done more than pass Chatham Island wader survey 3. How old are Royal Spoonbills before on by word of mouth what they have seen. they breed? That strange bird seen at some estuary, an In November 1993 and June 1994 it is 4. Are there specific resting sites on their unusual aspect of behaviour not seen journey north? before, a group of birds feeding on some planned to conduct wader counts on 5. Do individuals return to the same quite unexpected food - they are all Chatham Island. This information will wintering site year after year? One bird significant observations that deserve more be used to fiH a gap in our long-term spent all the winter of 1991 in the Bay than a casual comment to a friend. Why not project of National Wader Counts. of Plenty, but we have no record of write it down and send it in so that all can Council has made funds available where that bird spent last winter. share in your observation and enjoyment. 6. In the long term, just how long do these from the Projects Assistance Reserve to birds live? While I encourage all to make the subsidise this special Chatham Island effort to record their observations, I can project and OSNZ members are invited To get the answers to these questions assure you that this will not decrease the to volunteer their assistance. It is requires your assistance. This is an OSNZ pleasure of bird watching. Indeed, you will project which relies heavily on members to get more satisfaction from knowing that anticipated that field work will take up provide the bulk of the basic information. you will be adding to the store of to a week during each visit. It is very important that any sighting of a knowledge about birds and' their habitats. Applications should be sent to the banded bird is officialIy recorded. The I ask you to give it a try this year to enhance Hon. Secretary, OSNZ, correct way is through the Banding Office, the publication and recording schemes of P.O. Box 12397, Wellington. Department of Conservation, P.O. Box the society.

10420, Wellington. So if you happen to P BRIAN D. BELL have any old but unreported records, please President send them in. Do not worry if you know Regional Recorder, who is responsible for that others saw the same bird as the time collating the region's contribution. In order that the bird was in that particular area is - Wanted - to have time to complete this task, Regional valuable information. Recorders need to receive members' Editor for OSNZ news contributions by 31 July. By the way, this year we have changed The CSN year runs from 1 July to 30 our band combinations to include three Because of increased work and family June, so now is the time to extract all those colour bands, all above the tarsus; the rofimitments, Paul Sagar has observations from your notebooks. To metal remains on the tarsus. The single decided to relinquish responsibility assist with the process, below is a list of the colour on the left leg represents the year; for editing OSNZ news following the colour for 1993 is white. Regional Recorders to whom the BILL CASH produaioin of the December 1993 appropriate observations should be sent. -isstte. Far North/Northland: Pauline Smith, 15 Therefore Council seeks a McLintock Street, Whau Valley, volunteer to be Editor of this well Whangarei. Ph. (09) 437-2974. From the President's desk supported and popular OSNZ Auckland: Michael Taylor, 28A Awarua publication. The task includes Crescent, Orakei, Auckland. Ph. (09) We are now well back at work with little editing material submitted for 524-9234. hind thought for our summer vacation. publication, compiling f&ur issues of South Auckland: Pam Agnew, 3 Dianne- Many will recall journeys to exciting bird the newsletter each year, liaising with habitats, but how many will have kept an Louise Drive, Bucklands Beach. Ph. (09) accurate record of what they saw. Even the Society's printers, and 535-4222. fewer will have made use of those corresponding with members to encourage contributions. Waikato: David Riddell, Gordonton Road, observations by providing them for RD 1, Taupiri. Ph. (07) 824-3877. inclusion in one or more of the Society's A PC with word processing is schemes. available to assist with compiling the Bay of Plenty: Paddy Latham, 72 Simpson Road, Paparnoa. Ph. (07) 542-0406. Keeping notes of our observations and newsletter. then passing them on or to a formal data Volcanic Plateau: Keith Owen, 24 Sloane A detailed job description is Avenue, Rotorua. Ph. (07) 347-7134. bank for publication is an important available from the Secretary. discipline for anyone belonging to a ClsborneAVairoa: Geoff. Foreman, 6 Rknu scientific society. OSNZ's objective "to If you are interested in applying Drive, Wairoa. Ph. (06) 838-8370. study birds" implies that some formal for the position, please contact,the record should be made. Not all members Secretary, OSNZ, P.O. Box 12397, Taranaki: Erika Woodger, Egmont Road, are in a position to conduct a detailed study Wellington by 15 September 1993. No. 6 RD, Inglewood. Ph. (06) 752-2524. of or habitats and many never Wanganui: Tom Teasdale, 33 Paterson publish a paper in Notomis. However, in Street, Aramono, Wanganui. Ph. ((06) Notomis there is the opportunity for all to 343-9992. contribute Short Notes about new CSN - a reminder Hawkes Bay: Wayne Twydle, 124 Nelson observations, behaviour, feeding, The deadline for material to be in the hands Street, Napier. Ph. (06) 835-6563. distribution, and many other aspects of of the island collators is 31 August, ornithology. The editor is always looking Wairarapa: Matthew Wong, P.O. Box 90, anything received later will be held over Greytown. for short articles which can make up a page until next year. or less. Wellington: Don Stracey, 14 Fitzwilliam Also, there are the Society's schemes In the first instance members should Terrace, Tawa. Ph (04) 232-7989. which valuable rep6sitories for send their material to the appropriate Nelson: Gail Quayle, 6 Tresillian Avenue, organised patrols for groups of members Powlesland, Gwenda Pulham, A. Randall, Nelson. Ph. (03) 545-0456. and friends, and to dedicated patrollers Peter Reese, Hugh Robertson, Paul Sagar, who carried out regular patrols. My thanks Colin Scadden, Tim Shaw, Rachel Marlborough: Beverley North, P.O. Box to Mary Powlesland for preparing further Shorten, Ross Sinclair, Bill Sloan, Brent 341, Blenheim. Ph. (03) 578-8585. programmes to analyse the data on the Stephenson, Christine Tisdall, Wayne West Coast: Richard Stocker, Iveagh Bay, OSNZ computer during the past year. Twydle, Jill West, Stu Wilson, Erika RD 1, Kumara. Ph. (03) 738-0535. RALPH POWLESLAND Woodger . Canterbury: Andrew Crossland, 46 Convener LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED IN Frensham Crescent, Christchurch. Ph. (03) 1992193: Little Spotted Kiwi 2, Crested 3893964. Grebe 2, Cook's Petrel 25, Chatharn Petrel Otago: Alun Baines, 41 Marton Street, Nest Record Scheme - report 7, Mottled Petrel 16, Little Blue Penguin McAndrew Bay, Dunedin. Ph. (03) for the year ending 30 April 1993 1, Black Shag 5, Pied Shag 1, White-faced 476-1022. Heron 2, Reef Heron 11, Royal Spoonbill Southland: Lloyd Esler, 64 Herriot Street, This year, 42 members and friends 2, Black Swan 1, Canada Goose 1, Feral Invercargill. Ph. (03) 2 17-9060. contributed 577 Nest Record cards Goose 1, Paradise Shelduck 2, Mallard 4, covering 54 species, bringing the grand Harrier 1, California Quail 2, Banded Rail total to 22 470 cards. The number of 2, Pukeko 11, SI Pied Oystercatcher 7, Beach Patrol Scheme 1992 - species covered in the scheme is now 144, Variable Oystercatcher 90, Pied Stilt 37, with the addition of Cook's Petrel and preliminary report NZ Dotterel 63, Banded Dotterel 11, Mottled Petrel. Black-fronted Dotterel 25, Spur-winged This report concerns the results for patrols 18 colonial cards from 7 species are Plover 24, Black-backed Gull 14, Red- carried out in 1992 from 616 cards received included in the total above: Royal billed Gull 2, White-fronted Tern 1, Fairy to 14 April 1993. In 1992, 3527 km were Spoonbill 1, Black Swan 1, Pied Shag 1, Tern 5, Caspian Tern 10, NZ Pigeon 8, travelled. This distance is much less than Black-backed Gull 3, Red-billed Gull 2, Feral Pigeon 3, Morepork 3, Little Owl 1, the average of 41 37 km per year travelled Caspian Tern 9, White-fronted Tern 1. Kingfisher 1, Skylark 3, Welcome Swallow during the period 1971-1991. Dead There was a moderate number of cards 10, Pipit 1, Dumock 3, Blackbird 37, Song seabirds found in 1992 totaled 5195, which submitted and a moderate diversity of Thrush 41, Fernbird 1, Fantail 11, Robin is many fewer than the average of 10 187 species represented. Of note this year was 1, Silvereye 10, Chaffinch 2, Greenfinch found per year for 1971-1991. Of the the high number of cards with very detailed 20, Goldfinch 12, Redpoll 4, House coastal regions covered in 1992, Southland information, especially from Erika Sparrow 1, Starling 13, Magpie 3. had the highest rate of recovery at 3.95 Woodger, Ralph Powlesland and Bruce birds per krn (mainly attributable to Sooty HUGH ROBERTSON Mackereth. The major contributors, in Convener Shearwaters found in May) and East Coast terms of numbers of cards, were: Peter Bull North Island the lowest at 0.5 birds per (63), Ross Sinclair (65) and Pete Graham km. (61) (DOC Northland, watching and Report of the Banding Liaison Unusual finds included a Common protecting Variable Oystercatcher, NZ Officer - 1992 Noddy, the first for the Scheme. It was Dotterel, and Fairy Tern nests under found on an Auckland West beach in June. Richard Parrish's direction), Andrew During the past year I have received six A Black-bellied Storm Petrel was found on Crossland (53), Jill West (48 seabirds), Don applications for banding permits from the an East Coast North Island beach in Hadden (37), Ralph Powlesland (29), and Banding Office for my comment. This of October and is the fifth for the Scheme. A Wayne Twydle (25 Black-fronted course is by no means all the applications Wedge-tailed Sheanvater found on an Dotterel). received by the Banding Office. There is Auckland West beach in October was Information from the Nest Record still a trickle of applications from OSNZ another unusual find. Sixteen Yellow-eyed Scheme has been used by several authors members, which is to be encouraged. Penguins were found mainly in May on of texts for Volumes 2 & 3 of the Handbook There was a slight problem during the Canterbury South beaches. Usually only of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic year concerning incorrect information 5-10 of this species are found each year. Birds. being given for colour band combinations. The following are provisional totals for More progress has been made on This was satisfactorily attended to by the each region of coast patrolled in 1992. computerising Nest Record data. Mary Banding Officer. Powlesland has written a programme to I visited Rod Cossee, the Banding km . input Nest Record card data onto the Officer, several times during the year and Birds covered computer, and is now preparing (with Auckland East 1197 464 he certainly has no complaints about generous financial assistance from the OSNZ banding operations. Auckland West 1718 1522 Science Committee of the Lottery Grants Bay of Plenty 400 122 There was no meeting of the Banding Board) a package to integrate this with the Committee during the year. Canterbury North 236 116 statistical package (SY STAT). Canterbury South 166 78 Many thanks to all of the contributors JENNY HAWKINS East Coast NI 72 133 Banding Liaison Officer North Coast SI 18 18 to the scheme and to those who have Outlying Islands 8 5 encouraged members to take part. Otago 69 100 LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS IN Annual Report of the Field Southland 585 148 1992193: David & Michael Bell, Kerry Taranaki 5 1 56 Brown, Peter Bull, John Chapple, Tony Investigation Officer 1992-1993 Wairarapa 12 43 Crocker, Andrew Crossland, Tenick 1. Overview of the Society's major Westland 1 2 Dennison, Bev Elliott, S. Ellison, Phil national schemes Wellington South 96 76 Garside, Peter Graham, Don Hadden, Wellington West 566 279 Hazel Harty, Peter Howden, Peter The Beach Patrol, Moult Recording and Nest Record Schemes continue to run with TOTAL 5195 3162 Langlands, Paddy Latham, Stewart Lauder, Bruce Mackereth, J. Marsh, K. moderate levels of support, usually with The continued success of the Beach McBreen, David Mudge, Folkert most input from a relatively small number Patrol Scheme was due to the people who Nieuwland, Sheila Petch, Ral.p'h of dedicated individuals or groups. We have upgraded the Beach Patrol Canterbury (40), Otago, Hawkes Bay and 3. Advice on projects computer to a much larger and faster model the Waikato-South Auckland area. Through the year I have been called and the Notornis editor now has the old Ray Pierce has decided to continue the upon to give advice about several local or computer. Mary Powlesland has been project for at least one more breeding individual projects being mooted by eniployed to write programmes to allow the season, with special effort needed in the members, or projects that are nearing the input of Nest Record Scheme data, and South Island lowlands - North analysis phase. now, with Lottery Board money, will be Canterbury and Marlborough in particular. 4. New studies writing programmes to analyse the data. Ray is looking for someone to help with No new projects have been proposed. 2. Review of the Society's special national collating the colour-band sightings, which studies are pouring in at a rate that he is having 5. Contact with New Zealand difficulty keeping up with. organisations Wader census Passerine movements On behalf of OSNZ, I successfully The biannual national wader census applied to Lottery Science for $7,000 + generally continues to operate well. It is The Central Passerine Group ran a series of banding training sessions at GST for the costs of employing a computer pleasing to note that the times that counts programmer to write programmes suitable are being done has tightened up since Masterton, Wellington and Pukepuke Lagoon during the year. The number of for statistical analysis of Nest Record discussion at the last RRs meeting. Paul Scheme data. Sagar has published the 1992 winter and birds banded in 1992193 was a record with summer results in OSNZ news 66, and has over 4700 birds of 20 species being marked. No one responded to the made a start on analysing the data collected Almost 70% of these birds were banded by advertisement for an organiser of a new over the first 10 years of the study. New Myk Davis in and around Hawera. The Distribution Mapping Scheme, but I have Zealand results are being fed into Central Passerine Group has now banded had preliminary discussions with senior international databases on wader numbers over 14 000 passerines since 1987 and a few DOC staff who have indicated an interest in the South East AsiaIOceania region, and medium-distance recoveries have now been in jointly repeating the Distribution data are also being used by authors for reported, most notable of which was a Mapping Scheme. Volumes 2 & # of HANZAB. House Sparrow which travelled 90 km from Ward to Picton. Some useful 6. Contact with overseas organisations Cattle Egret longevity data are now being collected. I contacted the RSPB in England for a copy of their report on the status of Cirl The annual Cattle Egret survey was Kerem display dives done in most regions during August 1992; Buntings in Britain. The report highlights however, a number of regions either did The data collection phase of this study their concerns about the global status of not do their counts or have not reported ended in June 1990 and these data are Cirl Buntings, which is apparently in them to Barrie Heather. For the fifth year awaiting analysis for a paper to be decline in parts of Europe. I distributed in a row the totals were well down on the submitted to Notornis. several copies of the report to members, and suggest that OSNZ might concentrate maximum numbers (1987), but they were Royal Spoon€iii census similar to totals in the previous four years. more on recording Cirl Bunting Very good surveys of the country were distribution and numbers as a prelude to -Banded-Dotkrehvements done-in-winter=-1992-atsthe-time-of-the- -a-more-detailecl-studymthe-nearfuture; Ray Pierce has now completed a winter wader census, and on 6 February 1993; but alas, some regions have been very 7. Applications for funds from the second draft of a paper for Notornis on the Projects Assistance Reserve results of this study. He is waiting for slow getting their results to Peter Australian input to complete the picture. Schweigman. Results of the winter census Grants approved in 1992 were: were published in OSNZ news 65. $376 - Ed Minot; Stitchbirds on Kapiti. Black-fronted Dotterel movements Of the 19 chicks colour banded at $1 100 - Ian Reid & Waikato members; A small number of dedicated people have Vernon Lagoons, Marlborough, in Grey-faced Petrels. been catching and colour banding breeding summers 1989-1992, over half were seen in $135 - Ben Bell; Takahe. birds, but the birds are fairly elusive. 1992 from Parengarenga Harbour to $2 10 - Adrian Riegen & Stephen Davies; Nevertheless, in 1992193 another 10-20 Dunedin. A further 24 chicks were colour Kaipara wader roosts. birds were banded, mainly in the North banded by Bill Cash this season - all with $500 - Hawkes Bay region; canoe. Island. We have yet to get any long distance white on the left tibia, and two colours on The $2,000 for wader counts on the movements (current maximum is 40 km, the right tibia. Chatham Islands was not called upon in from Masterton to Lake Wairarapa). Some Unfortunately, not all sightings of 1992193 because work commitments very good data on mate retention and site colour banded birds were sent to the prevented to principal applicants from fidelity is starting to emerge from the Banding Office. Please send ALL sightings visiting the Chatharns in November 1992. colour banding. of colour banded birds to the Banding Plans are being made for a visit in November 1993. Pied Stilt movements Office, even if you know someone else has This project is going well, with a clearer seen that same bird too. Multiple reports HUGH ROBERTSON picture of the movement patterns starting of sightings of the same bird are valuable Field Investigation Officer to emerge - southern birds heading for to determine the time they move around Northland and Auckland harbours, and the country e.g. the Kaituna Cut juvenile birds from coastal areas and the North spoonbill was later seen at the Waikanae Report of the OSNZ Library Island tending to be relatively sedentary. Estuary. Committee - 1992-93 Some pairs retained their pair bond Caspian Tern colonies through winter, and many birds returned In 1983 and 1984 Council received A nationwide check of Caspian Tern proposals from the Library of the to breed at the same or very close colony; colonies was made in spring-summer 1992. however, many banded birds simply Auckland Institute & Museum to integrate To date, only six or seven regions have the Society's collection of serials and books disappeared as the colonies were not always reported details of their Caspian Tern fured. with the main museum collection and. In colonies and Brian Bell is still waiting for return, for the Auckland Museum staff to Last spring again about 150 birds were details from the other regions. service all the Society's library banded, with especially good samples from requirements. Council originally approved this integration in 1984, and $500 was paid run regular book auctions to members were Long-tailed. These three species breed in towards new shelving. considered and rejected because of the the northern hemisphere and migrate south At their May 1991 meeting Council labour and time inv.olved, and implications after breeding. The second group is the received a discussion paper from Brian Bell for GST and the Society's tax-exempt large Catharacta skuas, with six different suggesting that a Library Committee be set status. It was decided instead that books forms (treated variously as three to five up under Sandy Bade's chairmanship, to gifted to the Society but not needed for the species). The is primarily a Antarctic advise Council on the question of future library should be offered for sale by the and subantarctic group with two species, housing of the library and to draw up Society to a reputable dealer and the funds the Brown Skua (formerly known as the policies on:- thus generated used for the purchase of Southern Skua) C. lonnbergi and the South new journals and books or paid into the Polar Skua C. macconnicki recorded in New (a) the function and operation of the Projects Assistance Reserve, as directed by Zealand. Society's library; Council. (b) to recommend a plan for future So which group are we looking at? The housing, cataloging and servicing of the Thanks are due tot he Hon. Librarian Stercorarius skuas are notoriously variable OSNZ library; (Kathy Barrow) and to the library in their plumage, and do have all-dark (c) to review exchange policy; volunteer (Doug Booth) for their work morphs or phases. The very bulky (d) to decide on new exchanges for Notomis during the year, and to Brian Gill for liaison structure and the broad wings of the bird recommended in recent years; work and hosting the Library Committee in the photograph, however, signals that we (e) to develop a policy for acceptance of meetings. Our debt to the Auckland have a Catharacta skua. South Polar Skua books and serials gifted or bequested; Institute & Museum (Librarian Peter has essentially three morphs (dark, (0 to discuss preparation of a list of serials Hughes) for housing and helping service intermediate and light), although there is and books held in the OSNZ library for our library during the year is gratefully continuous gradation between these. Light members' use. acknowledged. morph South Polar can be ruled out by the J.A. BARTLE all-dark plumage of our bird, as they show Meetings were held at the Auckland Convenor, Libra y Committee relatively pale underparts and head. Museum on 2 1 July 1992 and 13 May 1993. Intermediate morph South Polar Skuas also Members of the committee are:- Kathy are lighter than our bird, usually showing Barrow (Hon. Librarian), Sandy Bade Wanted - information about the (convenor), Brian Bell (ex officio), Doug a contrast between the all dark underwing Booth (library volunteer), Brian Gill foods of parrots & parakeets and the lighter underparts of the body. (Auckland Museum). Over the past year a group (perhaps-3 or Dark morph South Polar Skuas, however, 4) of rosellas has established itself around are more difficult to distinguish from the At the first meeting three draft policy all-dark Brown Skua. documents were prepared for Council my home in Mission Bay, Auckland. At approval on library policy, plan for future present the rosellas are enjoying housing, cataloging and servicing, and particularly the golden delicious apples in exchanges and acquisitions. a neighbour's property. Proposals for the exchange of 18 I would be interested in receiving from additional journals were reviewed and other members any records of parrots or decisions reached. parakeets, both native and introduced, utilising non-native plants as food sources. Before the meeting of 18 July 1992 the Please send reports to G.L. Don, Committee inspected the library and Bioresearches, P.O. Box 2828, Auckland. reviewed its housing, and afterwards members met with Peter Hughes, G.L. DON Librarian, Auckland Institute & Museum, to discuss the Museum's position concerning future housing and servicing of Mystery Bird # 11 the OSNZ Library. The most conspicuous feature of Mystery Doug Booth was asked to prepare a list Bird # 11 is the large white wingflashes of journals and holdings which was duly . formed by the pale inner half of the published in OSNZ news. primary feathers. This will probably bring Lists of new books received will in to mind two main nrouvs of birds - the One feature of dark South Polar Skuas future also be published in OSNZ news skuas and some of the Pterodroma petrels. is the colour of the nape, which frequently from time to time. Of the two contenders in the latter group has pale streaking and may cause this area At the library meeting on 13 May 1993 on the New Zealand list - Providence and to appear pale from a distance, especially progress in establishing new exchanges was Kermadec Petrels - the former can be in the breeding season. Two problems exist reviewed. The following new exchanges eliminated by virtue of the fact that it has here: first, we cannot see this part of the have now been established for Aves dark upper primary shafts (so no wingflash mystery bird, and second Brown Skuas can (Belgium), DOC Science & Research on the upperwing). Kermadec Petrel has also give the appearance of a paler nape. publications (NZ), Dutch Birding a dark morph which appears similar to the Therefore now we try another feature. (Holland), and Seabird (UK),and others mystery bird, but structurally the petrels Many South Polar Skuas show a pale area are pending. are quite different, with long narrow wings. around the base of the lores and forehead, Our bird is also standing upright, a feat forming a "nose-band" around the base of Concerns were expressed that a whole petrels cannot mange too well. Close generation of book-buying NZ the bill. This is obviously lacking on our ornithologists were now disposing of their examination of the bill also reveals the mystery bird and so would point to Brown collections, and the OSNZ Library has nostrils to be holes in the side of the bill, Skua. However, some dark South Polar neither the space nor staff for rather than tubes of the true seabirds Skuas lack this "nose-band" entirely, so this accommodating more than a few volumes (Order Procellariiformes, the tubenoses). feature does not help us either. South Polar from these gifts, nor cataloguing them for So then we are looking at a skua. The Skuas would be expected to show some auction or sale to members or otherwise. skuas are divided into two groups. The first contrast between the underparts and the is the group of three smaller skuas of the darker upperparts, but of course we cannot The detailed proposals of Mike see them. Graham (RR, Auckland) for the Society to genus Stercorarius - Pomarine, Arctic and Page 2

TEE ORNITflOWGiCAL SOCIETY OF NEW ZEALAND (MC.)

ANNUAL REPORT OF HONORARY TREASURER TO MEMBERS FUR YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 1992 FIN+NCUL STATEMENTS YEARENDED 31 DECEMBER 1992 Alterations have ban made to the pramtation of the Annual Accounts and the Balance Shat and Inwme Ild Expcndtturc Statemat summarise the mallpition and d&kd meslnghlight both rhe mmmaJ Md ratrind hdsacunuft movements.

The Balance Shkt inchtdcs the purchase of teleswpq tripods md equiprnau together with provision made for a Plant Purchax &placement and Uainte~nceRaerve to ensure equipmat required can be fWcd in tk CONTENTS

In res* of the inwme major grants 6am the New Zealand Lottery Board have been received Md while cxpmdifure in several iram has inorarcd Notornis printing was have dd.To mcct regioml ne& an Report of the Auditors Page 1 krcase in the allowance paid togcdrr with auistance with petrol voucherr for nntionnl wunts and regional projeas is worthy of note. TreasurersRepon Page 2 Apart from the project nssiQmce bd,which was a.ssisrcd by a gmcrous grant by BP New Zealand, dxre is Balance Shcct Page 3 Meto note, but the project assistance fund has a large credit balance wuld assist members more.

Inwme and ExpendiNre Statmml Page 4 The wuncils work in obtaining grants and in panicuiar Dr Hugh Robcrtsonrassinance with thew and in wing BP is acknowledged with thanks. Notes to the 1992 FidalStarannr Page 5-6

M.P.Nee. 6 Com, ACA

BALANCE SEEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 1992 Mrmben Funds 1992 THE ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIEIY Mmbas Funds Orote2) BLPea Total 8 1.098 OF NEW ZEALAND (INC) Current Liabilities . AmsPayaMe- (N* 3) 16,196 Subsuiptiom Paid in Adnnce 19.5% Goods and Smice. Tax - Total 36,392

Other Lhbilitiu REPORT OFTHE AUDITORS M lSE MEMBERS Rcsrrictcd Funds (Note 4) 97.542 Total -97,542 Ibc rtateo~em~set out on pager 3 to 6 are h ageemem with the accountin Totnl Members Funds and Liabilities -215@32 rcarrds whcb, ip ow optnian, have been properly kept we obtained the informanon an! - cqlana~~we l quircd. Library & AssLtr (Note 5) Library & Assets We were not appointed auditors of the Soaeiy until after the Sodcry's balance dqe. As a rdtwe were unable to attend the Sodeb's ohvsical count of inventow. Aecordmgly we Total 32,742 were unable to satisfy omelvcs of the ccist?;lcnd&d valuation of the yeaiend inventory. Invatmenta Shon Term BNZ Subject to fkc matter desmbcd in the preceding parapph m our opinion. the kanaal Total stauments give, under rhe h~storicalmt mmenaon. a meand fair mew of tbe 6nannal maon of the Sonetv at 31 December 1992 aod of the results for the vcar ended on that Current Ascts Bank 1.423 Accaunts Receivable (Note 6) 6.573 Society Materials Stock (Nole 7) 47.874 Goods & Smices Tax Due x Total 57,290

Restricted Asstb Shon Term EM (Notes 4) Total

The attached notes form pM of and arc to be read in conjunction with this Balance Sheet

M.P. Nee, 3 Corn. ACA Honorav Treasurer The Dmithologieol Sociay of New Zedand (Inr] Page 6. 5 LIBRARY.ASSETS d DCPRECUTlON INCOME AND EXPENDmRE STATEMENT FOR YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 1992 Asset Pwdud Balm% Addition8 Dcpnxbtion Dcpnxbtim Dcprrd.tion Tad tllluDc Olm1192 1992 scidnm mDZ1*mba atmmus Dep~h 1992 1991 m01101R2 m0lm1192 1992 U llnr 3111zi92

locome Members Funds Annual Subwn'ptionr New Zedland Annual Subscriptions Ovencar Life Mtmhhip Transfer Donatiam Profits 'om Sala (Note 8) Grants (Note9) Notomis & N~JRefunds (Note 10) Interst Total Membenhip Income Restricted Funds

Gross Inmme

Expenditurt Printing & Distributing Notarnis Prinmg & Distributing OSNZ News Printing & Stationary Printing Annual General Mating General Expams Travel Exprnsu Postage and ToL Audit Regional Representatives Allowances Regional Petrol GRm lnsurancc Publicity Library Expenses Depreciation (Note 5) Transfer to Plant. Purchase, Rplc & Mtce Reserve Total Membership Expenditure Total Restricted Funds

Gross Expenditure Excess Income Ova Expendirure Total

Allocated as follows: Life Membership Restricted Funds All Orher llm~ I0 NOTORNIS 6 OSNZ NEWS REFUNDS Thcw amvalurd L con lo allcarer. greeting urdr whxh mnunue Accumulated Funds 81 mluauon awlledin 1989. 1992 1991 Excess lncome over Expenditure Ardclc 900 Lpx 1.037 Advemsmg 437 1.OSO Ioumal Exchanges s!!z 6.ll4 ntrs statement rs ro be redrrr conjrinctraI w~ththe lrores orr pages 5 and 6 and the oudir report OII pap 2 This stotrment is to be read k co~rjutrctionwiih the L,, ~~i~~dlo L~~~ - 317 notes olrpgcs 5 a11d 6 orrd lhc mid11 repon on page 2 =rids 6.247 1.080 Thr,Or~ridologicalSociety of New Zealond (7x4 Page 5

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FORTHE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 1992

Gemd Ac-ling Prirlpla Ths general lcmunliq principles mognkdas #tcfor Ihc ~tudr~~~rUryoltamin~~~fmarci.lprm~andcr Donations for the Fleming Memorial Issue bcen applrcd as follow. In May 1988, Council decided that a special issue of Notornis be devoted (a) Subscriouonr Inmm Subrcnptionr in mhave mlbun incl~~kdin inmmc. to papers on the birds of the Subrcnpuonr in ldvancs hare tan 01clvDsd fmm iKom Chatham Islands as part of a memorial to Sir Charles Fleming. At the May 1993 meeting Council learnt that preparations for the'supplement'

~~nsorncaad~l~d1~~~alar~lcol62J9.k were well underway, with several mr rate solcdalcd 4 appomomq me toul tntncw -14 papers having been submitted. mr rcmctcd and AdWfwdc If the expected number of papers ksGnm rmdc (Pan 3) are forthcoming the supplement will be twice the size of an issue of 1 MEMBERS FUNDS Bal- Rccexpir Payments B.Lamx Notornis. 01101142 3111202 hkrl Three Armmulatd Funds 42.641 88.617 68S2 62.696 The problem is that insufficient Lik Mcmbcnbp Fund 11.864 737 1.340 ll.261 Rel. 89 03 Nu1 CldRewrdr Amlablc lor Sacific Pumorcr funds are available, and therefore 92.0 1 Sulchbacks Kapw .02 Wahto Gray FadFnrds donations towards funding of the .24 Chak WzdcrsKaipars .OS "BrdsdNcl~ln" supplement would be much .09 Canoe Hawkc's Bay appreciated. Please send donations To Accumulalcd Funds 92 04 Tclcyopc BDxa to: 92.07 Tckcnr to Regma1 Treasurer Ornithological Society fwd up on !hc bmr d 10% 0thorrgrnal mn lo mcel pvchac ~pl~crrnenland larger malnrcnsnoecaN of New Zealand PO. Box 12397 3 ACCOU?ITS PAYABLE 1992 1991 Wellington TERau Prcss - 9.54 I Projccl Ars~nanccGrants Unpald 10.5% 6.551 PmkDnrlrqmenl an4 Conun.atmTrus1 5.W Audll FN Accrued SM) BM -16.7% -16.892

Well documented locations for waders, Horticultural Research Centre orchards such as Jordan's Farm on the south-east and Flock House parks. Especially fruitful and Tapora Bank and Journey's End on the were the banding sessions at Levin and an Mystery Bird Quiz eastern side produced the largest abandoned kiwifruit orchard became a concentrations, with waders numbering in standard mist-netting site. the thousands. Hundreds of birds were also Over the three seasons, 1025 birds of present at Papakanui Spit (South Head), 12 species were caught (including Hokorako Creek (to the north-east), Rat recaptures); the large majority of them Island (between Shell Beach and Jordan's were Silvereyes. On more than 90% of Farm), and Okaro Creek (the eastern side these birds wing measurements, fat reserve of North Head). Rat Island is known for estimation, and body mass data were taken. its colony of Caspian Terns, and this could be seen from the air, but the number of The most remarkable finding is the waders present - 5009 Pied Oystercatchers wintering site fidelity, demonstrated by - was surprising. On 30 March 1976 a Silvereyes, Chaffinches and Blackbirds, Lesser Knot banded at Perth, West both within and between years. This , was recovered at Okaro Creek, phenomenon is known from Europe and so we suspected that migrant waders would North America, but is not well be present there. In fact, some 500 + , documented in New Zealand. Silvereyes mainly godwits and knots, were noted at are the most significant in this respect as this very isolated and seldom visited roost. they do not breed in the study orchard yet Groups of 20-30 birds, usually Pied Stilts return to it every winter in large numbers. or Pied Oystercatchers, were scattered on The average time between the first and last river banks and small shelly beaches, capture in wintering Silvereyes was 13 mainly on the eastern side of the harbour. days; the longest record was 41 days. Only one site that has been known to Applying a population size estimate hold large numbers of waders (5000 + ) allowing for residents as well as "floaters", sometimes, Te Karaka Creek (near Glorit it was estimated that at the Levin study on the southeast), was unoccupied. area, the resident Silvereye population is However, more than 100 Black Swans and about 83 birds, while more than 270 were 50 Paradise Shelducks west of the banded in one winter. mangroves there were noteworthy. Also of The study has now entered its 4th interest was the prev~ouslyunrecorded shag winter. Several papers are in preparation colony at Awakohukohu Creek (to the on the population size estimation, the fat south-west). reserve and body mass variation, as well as We were able to pinpoint on 1: 50 000 on the morphology of the species topographical maps of the harbour all likely concerned. sites however small or isolated which we I am grateful for the support OSNZ will endeavor to get to on census days. This has given me to start this study. should ensure that in future counts are GABOR LOVE1 much closer to the actual numbers of birds present. It is known that many more sites come Where have our Kingfishers Thank you to those who entered the into use during the winter, particularly first Mystery Bird Quiz. And thank waterlogged paddocks, with the arrival of gone? you to those who in addition to your large numbers of Pied Stilts and Pied During the first week of April 1993, seven guesses wrote indicating that you Oystercatchers. We hope that it might be Wairarapa OSNZ members journeyed thought this quiz was a good idea that possible to repeat the survey at that time from Masterton to Waikaremoana to added extra interest to OSNZ news. of year. Opotiki to Coromandel to Miranda and Someone also asked if the birds were STEPHEN DAVIES then back to Masterton via the Volcanic all in New Zealand. Yes, they will all & ADRIAN RIEGEN Plateau. During this trip they saw only 11 be from the New Zealand list. Kingfishers. There was just a small response Do other members have any which may have meant the pictures I Passerine wintering in the information about trends in Kingfisher chose were too difficult. On the other Manawatu populations around the country? hand more of you may have entered if HELEN COOK you had known the prize that was This passerine banding study started available - one year's free subscription during the 1990 winter and continued in to OSNZ. 1991 and 1992. This is definitely something worth The scope of the project is to band trying for, so it has been decided to passerines wintering in the Manawatu, with allow those of you who didn't enter the emphasis on birds in native vegetation first quiz to do so along with this fragments, taking morphological second quiz. So at this stage all I can measurements and fat condition evaluation. give you is a progress report. Nobody The native forest fragments do not has all three correct and just one has seem to support a large number of birds in two correct. Good luck this time. the Manawatu; several banding sessions By the way, sorry about bird C resulted in very few captures, and these being printed upside down in the last were Fantails, Silvereyes and Blackbirds. issue - a printer's error! Two other locations were tried, the DON HADDEN Recent Reports and Waikato area they were present at the the Auckland Harbours around 20 Mar., This report covers the months of February usual sites- Aka Aka, Piako, and but the smaller waders stayed later and to mid May and is compiled from records Rangiriri - by mid Apr., with a maximum there were still 50 Curlew Sandpipers at from Auckland, South Auckland, Waikato, of 509 at Rangiriri on 19 Apr. On the West Karaka and 550 Turnstones at Tapora on Hawkes Bay, Wellington, West Coast and Coast, small numbers were seen at Arahua 27 Mar. Otago. Note that these records have yet to and Mananui by late Apr. and there were Some of the rarer waders stayed long be confirmed by the Rare Birds 20 at Westport by 3 May. enough to assume breeding plumage - a Committee. 15 Bitterns at L. Waahi (Waikato) on Mongolian Dotterel at Karaka on 12 Apr., Please send any records for the 24 Apr. was the highest number so far a Greenshank in Hawkes Bay on 10 Apr. September OSNZ news to Derek Onley, recorded and 10 were present in a small (possibly the same bird as in spring?), 1 of C/O Post Office, Karitane, Otago. The area of the Whangamarino Swamp the 2 Siberian Tattlers at Aramoana deadline for the next issue is 14 August. (Waikato) on 9 Apr. Birds were also (Otago) on 19 Apr. and a Black-tailed reported from Mangatawhiri Swamp (S. Godwit at Miranda on 9 Apr. Also of note Auckland), Pukepuke Lagoon was a Greenshank at Miranda on 7 Feb. Seabirds (Manawatu), the Arahura Valley and (surprisingly the first record from there), The usual winter flock of c200 Little Black Greymouth (West Coast). Also in 3 Marsh Sandpipers at Mangere on 24 Shags returned to Hobson Bay (Auckland) Greymouth, a Little Egret was present on Apr., Pectoral Sandpipers at Mangere, L. by early May. In Hawkes Bay some of 4 May and the bud in Hawkes Bay was still Whangape and the Manawatu Est. in Mar. about 40 nests at Lake Hurimoana were at Clive during the autumn. Other records and Apr., 4 Terek Sandpipers at still occupied in April and a further 103 came fro the upper Manukau Harbour and Pakuranga Creek on 5 Mar. and 1 still at birds were roosting. Way south of their Lake Whangape (S. Auckland) in late Apr. Kidd's, Karaka on 12 Apr., an American usual range the single bird at Greymouth The Little Egret at L. Whangape provided Whimbrel at Ahuriri on 13 Feb., and an was still present in May. convenient comparison with an Asiatic Black-tailed Godwit at Mangere on 16 Little Terns at Kidd's, Karaka (S. Intermediate Egret on 22-24 Apr.. Only 16 Mar. The Broad-billed Sandpiper at the Auckland) were seen on 26 Feb., a usual one Glossy was reported, from Manawatu Estuary was still there on 13 date but 8 at Kaipara Harbour (Auckland) Westport on 5 May and a Reef Heron was Mar., but the bird at Kidd's, Karaka, was on 25 Apr. were quite late. Also rather late seen in Otago at Karitane on 28 Feb. last seen on 20 Mar. in the season were 10 iuvenile Gannets off Green Island (Otagoj on 12 May and 2 Waterfowl and the rest Arctic Skuas at Moeraki (Otago) on 16 Apr. A huge number of White-fronted Wintering Dabchicks had arrived at the If confirmed, a Kiwi heard at Mt Pirongia Terns, possibly as many as 20 000, were Ahuriri Est. by 15 Apr. Elsewhere in (Waikato) will be the first record for roosting at Aramoana Mole (Otago) on 17 Hawkes Bay an increase over last year was decades. None was found in an extensive Apr., so perhaps the skuas were not that noted at L. Hurimoana. At Wattle Down survey last year. At least one Nankeen late! Aramoana also had a large number of Ponds, a new breeding site in S. Auckland, Kestrel is still hanging around Te Mata Black-fronted Terns, 240 + on 19 Apr. 2 adults and a juvenile were still present on Peak (Hawkes Bay). 6 Sulphur Crested Movement .northwards was indicated by 21 Mar., but only one bird was found at Cockatoos were seen at Piopio (Waikato) records from Manawatu in late Feb. and Mangatawhiri Swamp on 3 May. Coots in Mar., well south of their usual range and Waikanae (Wellington) on 2 Apr., and the now appear to be scarce on Hamilton Lake another at Manurewa (S. Auckland) on 7 first birds (8 adults) arrived at Napier (Waikato) - 1 on 10 Apr. was exceptional Feb. was also a bit out of place. The odd (Hawkes Bay) on 22 Apr. but at L. Hatuma (Hawkes Bay) 41 on 10 combination of Galahs and Spotless Crakes Apr. was the first record for that site. continues to do well on Ponui I. 15 + Fairy Terns at Kaipara Harbour Scaup also seem to be increasing in Hawkes (Auckland) - 18 Galahs were present on on 25 Apr. included some colour banded Bay. L. Hurimoana was colonised recently 23 Apr. and crakes were reported in "good chicks from the breeding colonies at and 26 + birds were there in Apr. A further numbers". Mangawhai and Waipu. A White-winged indication that Scaup disperse widely came Migrating Long-tailed Cuckoos were Black Tern was at the Waikanae Est. on from Hawkesbury Lagoon (Otago), 3 males heard at Mt Victoria (Wellington) on 1 17 Apr. and the Hawkes Bay Gull-billed and an immature on 26 Feb. were the first Feb., Hamilton on 22 Feb. and 17 Mar., Tern came back to the Ahuriri Estuary yet recorded there. again. and Oratia (W. Auckland) between 23 Feb. 785 Canada Geese at L. Waahi on 24 and 1 Mar. Several Bellbirds, a rare species Apr. suggest a continued increase in the in the north-west, were reported from the Herons etc north, but numbers on the West Coast have Hunua Ranges on 3 Apr. Cirl Buntings still Most of the Otago Royal Spoonbills had remained very low for over 10 years and survive in North Otago at Kakanui and left by the end of Apr. but there were still 2 at Hokitika Oxidation Ponds on 26 Apr. Moeraki, but records from other parts of 5 at Hawkesbury Lagoon on 9 May, almost were worth noting. A surprise at Fernhill the province were few and far between this a month later than last year. Birds arrived (Hawkes Bay) was an immature Mute year. The Tawa Myna still survives and in the North Island from Apr. onwards. 16 Swan on 27 Apr. possibly took a trip to Pukerua Bay at the Manawatu Est. on 2 Apr. included (Wellington), and the Auckland City Rook 5 colour banded birds from the Wairau Waders took up with a Magpie at Green Bay on 13 Lagoons in Marlborough. Hawkes Bay Apr . birds arrived at the Ahuriri Est. on 22 Apr. Wrybill numbers around Auckland were Compiled by DEREK ONLEY and there were 32 by 29 Apr. 10 reached much the same as usual with 600 at Kawhia (Waikato) by 15 Apr. and the Mangere on 24 Apr. and c1500 at Miranda highest numbers yet (14) were recorded on on 14 Feb. 600 were counted on 5 Mar. at Regional Roundup 26 Apr. At Mangere, the usual Auckland Pakuranga Creek, a newly discovered roost wintering site, 2 returned by 4 Apr. and site on the Firth of Thames. The odd Northland 13 were there by 4 May. Black-fronted Dotterel strayed north to The most interesting and exciting Mangere on 9 Apr., L. Waahi on 24 Apr. The first reports of Cattle Egrets came development in our region was the and another reached L. Hinemaiaia discovery of 2-3 pairs of Rifleman by Ray from opposite ends of the country on 9 (Volcanic Plateau) on 29-30 Apr. Apr. -2 were at Henley (Otago) and 5 at Pierce and a DOC survey party in the Mercer (S. Auckland). In the Auckland The main godwit and Knot flocks left difficult terrain of the remote Warawara Forest, North Hokianga. The Rifleman is visitors. Being the principle point of arrival Ray Clough and others have been considered to have lived in Northland last for most overseas visitors we are working keeping a close watch on the waders this century, but'to have disappeared from the on a number of ways to encourage bird year around the sewage works and region. Before this latest sighting, the enthusiasts to make contact. Mangere, and have kept filing in reports northern limit of the species was thought At the meetings members continue to on the Royal Spoonbills, stilts, and a to be the Kairnai Ranges, about 300 km to support the stamp collection run by Betty Broad-billed Sandpiper which stayed with' the south of Warawara. Binning, and most evenings see a huddle us for some time. The reports from East and west coast beach patrols have of members around the album trying to Ambury, along with details of the new continued as usual with the only significant identify some obscure species from hide, have been taken by Sarah Lowe to find being 3-4 ?Arctic Skuas - awaiting Bratislavia, or other equally little known our counterparts in sister city Fukuoku, confirmation. countries. Michael Taylor runs the "blue Japan. We hope they can emulate the ARC book" and is now well versed in extracting example at the opposite end of our waders' Counts of NZ Dotterels were carried migration route. out on 27/28 February, 27/28 March and interesting records from our seemingly 24/25 April by Richard Parrish and his secret notebooks. Other activities include good work by team. The results are still being analysed. On the subject of note takers. Gillian Gwenda Pulham studying Fairy and Consistent numbers of birds were found in Eller managed to get Dick Sibson out to Caspian Terns, and NZ Dotterels with smaller estuaries but more movement look at birds on the Manukau recently. Simon Chamberlin and others. Ken Bond occ,urred in larger areas where the birds had Dick is well and working on a study of now organises the beach patrols which moie choices. Pipits, so any reader with interesting started to get more interesting again in April with the collection of White-chinned The Whangarei Harbour survey was records of Pipits please feed them into the system. and Westland Petrels and a Black-browed carried out on 27 February in beautiful Mollymawk. weather. The highest number of Royal We have had two particularly good (Mike Graham) Spoonbills seen to date is 17, including 4 guest speakers this year. Firstly, Tony banded birds. There were also 49 Royal Mansfield spoke about the birds of Central South Auckland Spoonbills (2 banded) seen at Unahi, and Africa. In February, a small group of members Richard Parrish counted a further 25 at Tony had an extended business stayed at Peter & Pat Chamberlin's farm Parengarenga Harbour. experience in countries such as Zimbabwe, on Ponui Island. With Pat as guide we saw We also had pleasant weather for the Zambia, Zaire, Tanzania, and Kenya, and 7 Galahs - in early May the Charnberlins survey of the lakes at Pouto on 20 in the process became an undoubted counted up to 30 again. No Galahs were February. Good numbers of Dabchicks authority on the birds of that region. His reported from the Mangatawhiri area were counted - over 100. The first sighting superb slides presented with many of the during late spring and summer. Not far of Cattle Egrets for this year was also at bird calls and often human anecdotes made from the Chamberlin's homestead Spotless Pouto, with 30 egrets there on 11 April. an excellent evening. Crake answered the tape and kiwis were We were fortunate to have Graeme The second guest speaker was Alison out feeding. we hope to visit the island Wragg return to show us slides of his trip Henry of DOC, who gave a presentation on again at Queen's Birthday Weekend to help through the Middle East to Africa at our the pest eradication programme on check the kiwi population, but from all April meeting. Rangitoto and Motutapu Islands, and DOC accounts they seem to be doing well. During Easter, 10 fortunate members plans to revegetate Motutapu. Having done Although we have not had any went over to Little Barrier Island for 3 days our 15th survey of Tiritiri Matangi in organised field trips, a lot of work has been and 2 nights and enjoyed a close look at the March, the plans are of much interest to going on e.g. checking for colour bands, birdlife on this unique island. us and a similar survey regime to the beach patrols, helping with cannon netting, popular Tiritiri visits is planned for the and keeping an eye on waders and the Our annual survey of Motukawanui much closer islands. returning flocks of Cattle Egrets. 1skdin the Cavalli Group was carried out The Tiritiri surveys on the surface, are At our March meeting, Pam Agnew on 24 April. It is becoming very overgrown producing interesting results as in places which makes travel difficult, but treated us to some beautiful slides from the Saddlebacks and Whiteheads increase in 11 moths she and Des spent in Australia bird numbers are fairly stable. No Indian tandem with the revegetation. To take the Mynas were seen this year and finch last year. In April, Anthea Goodwin and guesswork out of such assumptions, Dick Norah and Robert Peachrnan recalled some numbers were down. Two Reef Herons Veitch has kindly offered to put our and 2 Moreporks were unusual sightings. of their experiences during recent, and accumulated raw data onto his computer separate, holidays in Tasmania. We hope to be involved in the future later this year, and we will report on the development of the island, helping DOCto results in a future issue. (Anthea Goodwin) plant areas and to remove the few exotic pines etc before they become too This welcome liaison with DOCfollows Waikato numerous. the initiative led by Brenda Green to bring Our summer bird sightings came from us closer to the Regional Parks Department home and abroad. Finally, a tale of 2 members who shall of the Auckland Regional Council (ARC). remain nameless, who crept ste~lthilyup Reports from Wenderholm Reserve, where Long-tailed Cuckoos were seen in to an owl in a garden, sneaked away and possum poisoning has taken place, show Hamilton gardens; Kaka and Bellbird were got a camera, held whispered discussions good success with nesting NZ Pigeons. reported from Whirinaki and Kokako at about feather fluffing and eye movements Kokako surveys have taken place in the Mapara; Robins were seen and heard in full only to find when they got really close that Hunua Ranges, but most attention has song at New Year in the upper Whakatane it was a ceramic garden ornament - Ninox been on Arnbury Farm Park next to the River catchment. Banded Rails were seen novaeseelandiae cerarnica perhaps? sewage works. 20 members and friends at Opoutere. Several members saw (Lorna Simpkin) visited a new hide built by the ARC at Saddlebacks and Red-crowned Parakeets Arnbury, and were rewarded with some on a day trip to Stanley Island. Yellowhead, Auckland good waders including 4 Marsh Brown Creeper, Robins and Yellow-eyed The evening meetings in Auckland are held Sandpipers, 1 A~iatic~Black-tailedGodwit, Penguins were observed during a South at the Museum, where the good facilities Sharp-tailed and Pectoral Sandpipers, and Island tour, while one adventurous sailor continue to attract a reasonable attendance, many Wrybills. survived seasickness to enjoy sightings of including a welcome number of overseas Southern Ocean birds. Recent surveys of Hamilton Lake On 17 April we checked 3 lakes for the Vet. Science Department at Massey show Coot numbers at zero with the lake Dabchicks. At Easter last year we carried University, gave a talk in March about her water in very dirty condition. On a pre- out a full survey to count Dabchicks and trip back to NZ via Africa, where she went duck shooting survey of Lake Waahi a this year we checked Lakes Oingo, on a 6-month safari. She also talked about surprise sighting was that of a Banded Hurimoana and Roto-o-kiwa as a her experiences banding birds to study Dotterel feeding on a narrow sandy beach comparison. The numbers of Dabchicks "Yetsinia" in wild bird populations. Our backed by willows. This lake is a great 'counted this year (with 1992 figures in second meeting was on 24 April. This was place to see Bittern at close range, with 15 brackets) were L. Oingo 27 (21), L. a pot luck dinner to farewell Sybil Creswell being noted on the day. Canada Geese have Hurimoana 33 (7), and L. Roto-o-kiwa 22 on her trip to the UK, to see her family increased in number to the displeasure of (1 1). after 18 years, and also to welcome the local farmers. A post-shooting survey (Christine McRae) Christine Reed who is back at Massey for would be an interesting comparison. After Manawatu 5 months. Christine gave us an update on being alerted by South Auckland members Almost 6 months have gone by since the the work she is involved with in Twizel on to the presence on L. Whangape of a Little Manawatu branch reported in. the endangered Black Stilt. Egret, an Intermediate Egret, 3 Royal We have had a fairly good summer, In co-operation with DOC, we have Spoonbills and 2 Pectoral Sandpipers with a wide variety of species and good produced 2 informative display boards for several Waikato members were lucky to see numbers of Bar-tailed Godwits and Lesser use at the manawatu Estuary. The boards all but the spoonbills before 1 May! The Knots. Much to our amazement the Broad- are being paid for by the Horowhenua Kawhia Harbour flock of Royal Spoonbills billed Sandpiper returned and spent the District Council and are being built by the created excitement when the 10 birds entire summer with us - almost certainly Heritage Trail Trust. One board will be reported by the local farmer increased to the same bird as last year. It was last seen erected near the sandspit wader roost, and 14 two days later. The 14 being seen on the doing circles of the high tide roost in the other near the motel at the end of same day as the 3 at L. Whangape. company with 4 Golden Plovers, on 4 Dawick Street. It is hoped that the boards Cattle Egrets began arriving in the April. will provide information about the internal migrants, resident birds, and Arctic region around Easter with numbers There have been the usual small increasing over the following weeks. No migrants to the general public. The numbers of waders other than godwits and numbers of trail bikes being ridden along wing tagged birds have been seen so far. knots. These included one each of Siberian Folkert and Shirley Nieuwland spoke the sandspit is quite a worry, and the local Tattler, Curlew Sandpiper, Pectoral council is also going to ask these people not at our March meeting of their experiences Sandpiper, Terek Sandpiper, and on Red Mercury Island, where Folkert to disturb the birds. Turnstone, 4 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, and (Pam Slack) monitored the health of the Little Spotted 30 Golden Plovers. An Asiatic Whimbrel Kiwis during the eradication of the island's was seen in late September but did not stay, Marlborough kiore. After our local AGM in April, Hugh and Jim Moore saw a Far Eastern Curlew January saw the Fluttering Shearwater Clifford gave a fascinating account of his on several occasions. transfer from Long Island, with 100 chicks tour of the Southern Oceans which The arrival and departure of the Arctic near fledging successfully transferred to included close encounters with Hooker's waders were monitored again, on a weekly Maud Island. In early Februaqc helpers Sealions, nesting albatross, and inquisitive basis. The results were very similar to the were at Motuara Island - this island is now shags that ignored the "keep 5 m distance" previous year. The buildup of godwit free of kiore-traps were removed and rule to nibble the book of the visitors trying numbers started before that of the knots, nesting and roosting boxes were placed in to photograph them. and the knots started to depart before the trees. It is hoped to transfer South island With the aid of our OSNZ telescope, godwits. Most of the sandpiper species Saddlebacks here from Stewart island next Bryan and I set out recently to search for arrived and departed later than the larger summer. colour banded NZ Dotterel and were waders. (Bev. North) surprised to find that as well, we recorded Walter Cheeley continues to educate Otago banded Caspian Terns, Pied Stilts, SIPO, schools, CWA, bowling clubs, professional At the April indoor meeting, Malcolm Wrybill, a Curlew Sandpiper, and a Reef retired business persons, in fact anyone Foord gave a large audience a very Heron! It really does pay to look closely at who ventures into the Foxton Beach interesting talk about the Yellowheads of all the legs every time doesn't it? enclave. Well done Walter and I know he Beaumont Forest, South Otago. The beech (Bev. Woolley) is making good use of the OSNZ side forest holds a good populations of Hawkes Bay collection to pass on information to the Yellowhead and Brown Creeper, but the In February we visited Lake Hurimoana. general public. adjacent exotic forest holds only Brown There were plenty of waterfowl on the lake, Cattle Egrets appear to be later than Creeper, and no Yellowheads. The good including a large number of paradise usual appearing in our region this year. news was that the Yellowheads are holding Shelducks, Black Swans, Shovelers, Grey Malcolm Olsen and Walter Jackson had their own and are not declining in Teal, and Mallards. Some 23 Dabchicks seen 5 near Levin in mid April. Pam & numbers. and 3 Scaup were also present. There was Roger Slack saw 2 at Whitakino on 19 The bush bird survey of the exotic and a nesting colony on the islands in the lake, April, but none the following week. native forests in the outskirts of Dunedin made up largely of Little Black Shags but Royal Spoonbills have been fairly is to continue for another year. with a few Black Shags as well. About 50 difficult to find at the Manawatu Estuary The Cirl Bunting survey during the nests (both new and old) could be seen. of late, but at high tide on 1 May we saw breeding season was not very successful. Other buds seen included Pied Stilts and 46 on a sand bar in the river. They had Known small breeding colonies did not Pukekos. probably come down river, away from the show any signs of the species. It is assumed In March we had a trip to the Ahuriri guns and were very restless. No banded that the breeding season was just too cold Estuary. From the Embankment Bridge we birds have been noted so far. and wet for Cirl Buntings. It is hoped to could see 34 Golden Plovers, c250 Bar- We have had two evening meetings do a winter survey, checking flocks of tailed Godwits, 1 Gull-billed Tern, 30 since January and both were very well finches and Yellowhammers for these Banded Dotterels, 6 Caspian Terns, plus attended. Susan Cork, a Ph.D student in elusive Cirl Buntings. Little Shags, White-faced Herons and Pied (Peter Schweigman) Stilts. At the Southern Marsh there were 4 Red-necked Stints. Some of the Golden Plovers were showing breeding plumage. 1 DEADLINE FOR SEPTEMBER ISSUE IS 10 AUGUST I