Mysticete
Well-known member
Hey folk,
I have been tentatively selected to participate in a NSF research fellowship in New Zealand from about June 10 to August 8th. During that time, I will be mostly at the University of Otago working on a couple of different projects relating to seal evolution. Might also spend two weeks in collections in Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, although this is more up in the air
I have never been to New Zealand before, and am hoping to get a bunch of lifers, particularly the 6 endemic families.
That said, I have found very few trip reports for winter, which generally appears to not be the best time for birding. I have some questions regarding birding during this time (and will probably post more questions as time goes by).
1. First off, how is the winter birding? I know the south island gets snow in the interior, so weather seems like an issue. What species are really difficult (or just can't be accessed) at this time of year and not worth going after.
2. Also, from what I have read, Kiwi's are less vocal at this time of year. Are my odds significantly worsened for this group of species?
3. Where are the endemic/australasian shorebirds at this time of year? I know a lot of species breed in the interior, but I assume they move to the coast during winter. Are there good shorebird sites near Dunedin?
4. Are there any "don't miss highlights" of austral winter New Zealand birding? I know NZ gets vagrant seals and penguins at this time of year, but how regular are they, and are there any key locations for them?
Thanks for any help with these questions
I have been tentatively selected to participate in a NSF research fellowship in New Zealand from about June 10 to August 8th. During that time, I will be mostly at the University of Otago working on a couple of different projects relating to seal evolution. Might also spend two weeks in collections in Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, although this is more up in the air
I have never been to New Zealand before, and am hoping to get a bunch of lifers, particularly the 6 endemic families.
That said, I have found very few trip reports for winter, which generally appears to not be the best time for birding. I have some questions regarding birding during this time (and will probably post more questions as time goes by).
1. First off, how is the winter birding? I know the south island gets snow in the interior, so weather seems like an issue. What species are really difficult (or just can't be accessed) at this time of year and not worth going after.
2. Also, from what I have read, Kiwi's are less vocal at this time of year. Are my odds significantly worsened for this group of species?
3. Where are the endemic/australasian shorebirds at this time of year? I know a lot of species breed in the interior, but I assume they move to the coast during winter. Are there good shorebird sites near Dunedin?
4. Are there any "don't miss highlights" of austral winter New Zealand birding? I know NZ gets vagrant seals and penguins at this time of year, but how regular are they, and are there any key locations for them?
Thanks for any help with these questions