New Zealand 14-20Jun17

From KH

As we have been to the North Island last year and saw many of the local birds, this trip is more targeted at specific birds, such as Black stilt and Kea. We saw a dozen or so of the stilt at the known wintering ground beside Glentanner Airport, while two friendly Keas were seen at Arthur's Pass Village. We also ended up with 4 other endemic lifers: Weka, Black-fronted tern, Spotted shag and Pipipi. Our Kaikoura trip was cancelled, so no pelagic birding his time.

Adult Black-fronted terns at Kaikoura

Juvenile Black-fronted tern at Kaikoura

Adult White-fronted tern at Kaikoura for comparison

Variable oystercatchers at Kaikoura

Preening Spotted shags at Kaikoura

Lazy New Zealand fur seal at Kaikoura

Friendly Kea at Arthur's Pass

Pipipi at Arthur's Pass

Confiding Weka at Lake Mapourika

Introduced Common brush-tailed possum at Franz Josef Glacier

Male Tomtit feeding on earthworm at Franz Josef Glacier

Melanic New Zealand fantail at Lake Matheson

Black stilts with lapwings and ducks at Lake Pukaki near Glentanner Airport

Adult Paradise shelducks (female left, male right) at Lake Pukaki

Swamp harriers fighting over possum roadkill