After showcasing the Bar-tailed Godwits, New Zealand Dotterels and Fairy Terns from Waipu Cove and estuary, I though I would round out this series of posts with some  images of a few other birds seen on our visit. Variable Oystercatchers as shown in the top image are numerous and vocal with plenty of opportunity to photograph them feeding and in flight on both the beach side and estuary. They are quite territorial and defensive of their nest sites and this gave some opportunities on them chasing off avian predators. I managed a sequence of a pair chasing off a Harrier and offloading a faecal spray in front of it in flight.

While my main target had been New Zealands smallest tern, there were also regular opportunities on the largest. Caspian Terns were regularly seen on both sides of the spit and the size difference is remarkable.

Ruddy Turnstones were another opportunity. There were not many but I found a small group in decent light on the beach side of the spit. The occasional one would fly past in the estuary and I managed a few flight shots there too. I don’t have any previous decent photos of this species so it was a bonus to get some usable Turnstone photos for my archive. 

As always Pied Shags are regularly passing and a nice flight subject with their steady, direct flight. There is a breeding colony at the top of the estuary so regular traffic of birds back and forth.

The final bonus species was from the garden of a property that we stayed at on the edge of the estuary. I have shared a photo of this Leucistic Fantail in a previous post from shortly after the trip.

Our visit to Waipu was full of unexpected surprises and was so enjoyable that I have booked leave to visit again later this year if all works to plan. 

All photos with Nikon D500, Nikon 500mm f4VR +-TC14 teleconverter or Nikon 300mm f4PF lens.