As shared in previous posts, the migrant birds, both local and international, are the real drawcard at Pūkorokoro/Miranda through the spring and summer. Focussing purely on them though, risks missing other opportunities on some more easily seen species.

Since the Stilt ponds have been reopened to tidal flow duck numbers have dropped and they are mostly seen at more permanent ponds a little further north in the reserve if rainfall has been adequate. Grey teal and Australasian shovelers are always nice to see and photograph.

Even some less common species more easily seen closer in other locations offer different opportunities. New Zealand dotterel/Tūturiwhatu, while not common, are easily seen on many beaches in the northern North Island but can get lost in the crowds at Pūkorokoro/Miranda. I find their calls quite useful as they will often call in flight and identify themselves while on the move. This next photo shows one in flight over the smooth tide exposed mudflat in front of the Godwit hide.

Skylarks are a feature of midsummer, singing as the voice of the sky, often hard to pick out at their altitude against the intense blue. At the time of our visit they were quiet and foraging in the vegetation so not great subjects. Welcome swallows on the other hand were bountiful and preying on small midges in the muddy tidal margins.

Positioning myself to look down one of the tidal channels I had repeated passes from birds marauding the margins.

It was one those situations that you just could not appreciate the details at life speed, the images showing the acrobatic athleticism of the avian/insect encounter.

As with many bird photography outings, you see what you see regardless of what you are hoping to see. This range of non-migrants was what I encountered despite hoping for Banded rail/Moho pererū in the mangrove margins late in the day. A subsequent experience will rebalance expectations.

Photos with Nikon Z9 and Nikkor Z 800mm f6.3 VR S