Embarking on a seven-day pelagic birding expedition to the enchanting Chatham Islands, our group of eight avid bird enthusiasts, led by the seasoned organiser Steve Wood who contracted Owenga Charters, set out for an unforgettable adventure. Nestled near Owenga Wharf, we found our haven in two cozy units provided by Owenga Charters, complete with the convenience of their trusty mini-van.

Over the course of four exhilarating days, we ventured into the vast ocean, exploring The Pyramid, The Forty Fours, Rangatira South-East Island, Mangere Island, and Rekohu Chatham Island. Our primary focus was on spotting the elusive Chatham Petrel, Chatham Taiko/Magenta Petrel, and the recently distinguished Pyramid Prion (formerly Fulmar Prion). Delightfully, both the Pyramid Prion and Chatham Petrel graced us with their presence, allowing us to capture their beauty through our lenses.

The avian wonders continued as Forbes’ Parakeet made a predicted appearance, posing for photographs off Robin Bay at Mangere Island. Between birding sessions, we dedicated our time on Rekohu Chatham Island to seek out and photograph other Chatham endemics, including the Parea Chatham Pigeon and Chatham Warbler at Tuku Reserve. The rugged coast near Owenga treated us to sightings of the Chatham Oystercatcher, Chatham Island Shag, and Pitt Island Shag.

Our birding tally reached an impressive 67 species, with highlights such as a Gould’s Petrel and a Snowy Albatross spotted at sea. Back on the main island, we marveled at the Chatham subspecies of Tui and Red-crowned Parakeet, alongside Yellowhammer, Pūkeko, Pacific Golden Plover, Ruddy Turnstone, and Bar-tailed Godwit.

Beyond the avian wonders, our journey unfolded with enchanting wildlife encounters, including the bustling New Zealand Fur Seal rookery at Point Munning, a Subantarctic Fur Seal, a playful pod of Common Dolphins, and the sleek Blue Sharks. Our adventure also introduced us to the endemic Chatham Red Admiral Butterfly, adding a touch of ethereal beauty to our experience.

A member of our group, with a keen eye for detail, immersed himself in the island’s flora. His botanical exploration unveiled Chatham endemics like Rautini (Chatham Christmas Tree), Keketerehe (Chatham Tree Daisy), Chatham Forget-me-not, Dracophyllum, Pseudopanax, Spear Grass Aciphylla, Mahoe, and Akeake, painting a vibrant tapestry of the islands’ unique biodiversity.

As the sun set on our pelagic odyssey, each day brought new wonders, leaving us with cherished memories and a profound appreciation for the ecological treasures of the Chatham Islands.

Australasian Bittern Trio: A Rare Encounter

My day of birding began with high hopes but little did I know that it would soon turn into a memorable experience. As I trekked through the lush wetlands of the South Island, I stumbled upon not one, but three Australasian Bitterns. These elusive and cryptic birds are known for their remarkable camouflage and elusive nature, making sightings a true rarity. To see three of them together was a remarkable stroke of luck and a testament to the pristine habitats of this region.

Godwits Galore: A Spectacle of Migration

As I continued my birdwatching journey, I found myself surrounded by a breathtaking spectacle of nature – hundreds of Godwits returning from their incredible long-distance migration. These waders, with their long bills and striking plumage, had just completed a journey that spans thousands of kilometers, all the way from their breeding grounds in Alaska to their wintering grounds in New Zealand. Their synchronized flight patterns and melodious calls filled the air, leaving me in awe of the wonders of bird migration.

Pacific Golden Plovers: Recent Arrivals from Alaska

Among the Godwits, I spotted two Pacific Golden Plovers. These dainty and elegant shorebirds had also recently arrived from Alaska, joining the impressive migration wave. Their striking breeding plumage and delicate features made for a captivating sight against the backdrop of the wetlands.

Greater Sand Dotterel and Curlew Sandpiper: A Diversity of Shorebirds

As I ventured further into the wetlands, my eyes were treated to a diverse array of shorebirds. Breeding and non-breeding Greater Sand Dotterels moved gracefully along the water’s edge, their plumage a testament to the seasonal changes. Among them, a Curlew Sandpiper stood out, its curved bill and distinct markings making it a true highlight of the day. Ruddy Turnstones, also migratory, with their striking black and white plumage, were busy foraging along the shoreline.

Southern New Zealand Dotterels: The Local Residents

The wetlands also played host to a community of endemic and resident birds. The Southern New Zealand Dotterels were in full breeding plumage were showcasing their vibrant colours and distinct markings. South Island Pied oystercatchers and variable oystercatchers, gulls, swans , pipits and fernbirds were also nearby.

The Journey: A Blend of Walking and 4-Wheel Driving

This incredible day of birding adventure involved both physical trekking and some thrilling 4-wheel driving. The rugged terrain and diverse ecosystems of the South Island demanded a mix of exploration methods, adding an extra layer of excitement to the experience.

Closing Thoughts: A Day to Remember

My South Island birding adventure was nothing short of extraordinary. The chance encounter with three Australasian Bitterns, the mesmerizing sight of Godwits returning from Alaska, and the diverse range of shorebirds I encountered left me with a profound appreciation for the beauty and diversity of our natural world.

This experience reinforced the importance of preserving these pristine habitats and protecting the incredible birdlife that calls the South Island home. It also served as a reminder of the need for responsible birdwatching practices to ensure that future generations can enjoy these avian wonders in their full splendor.

As I left the wetlands that day, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to witness such a remarkable display of nature’s beauty. South Island birding adventures like these are a testament to the magic of the outdoors and the untold stories that await those who explore them.

Besides my usual birdwatching adventures in my hometown, there isn’t much else to share except for some personal experiences. Unfortunately, I suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon right before embarking on my Far North Queensland Adventure and subsequent two-week trip to the Marquesas. As a result, I had to wear a plaster cast for three weeks, followed by a moonboot for another three weeks. I was taken aback by the muscle wasting that occurred in the front part of my leg. However, with the help of physiotherapy and pool exercises, things are slowly improving. On the bright side, I have exciting plans ahead, including exploring the Chatham Islands and later Papua New Guinea to observe the captivating birds of paradise. I will share more about these upcoming adventures in a future post.

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Are you a bird lover looking for a new adventure? Have you ever heard of the Asiatic Gull-billed Tern? It’s a rare bird that has been evading human eyes in New Zealand/Aotearoa for too long, but we knew it had recently been seen there by the Master Birder Dave Howes (New Zealands’s Big Year record holder) and a few others. So, we headed to Big Sand Island in New Zealand.

As we approached the island, we were filled with excitement at the thought of spotting this elusive bird. We knew it wouldn’t be easy, but we were up for the challenge. We waded through murky flood water and sand, hoping to catch a glimpse of this beautiful creature.

After hours of searching, we finally saw it! The Asiatic Gull-billed Tern was a sight to behold, with its striking white plumage and distinctive black cap. We quickly snapped very distant photos and watched it through the spotting scope as it soared into the sky. It was a magical moment that we’ll never forget.

Twitching this rare bird on Big Sand Island was an unforgettable adventure. The trek was tough, but the thrill of the hunt and the satisfaction of finally spotting the bird made it all worth it. If you’re a birdwatching enthusiast or adventure traveler, we highly recommend adding Big Sand Island to your bucket list. You never know what kind of rare birds you’ll spot on your journey.

So, are you ready to embark on your own birdwatching adventure? Grab your binoculars and talk to us in your search for the elusive Asiatic Gull-billed Tern. You’d better be quick though. Just don’t forget to pack plenty of sunscreen and a good sense of humor. Who knows what kind of obstacles we’ll face on our next birdwatching adventure.