The flight of the godwits

Anew additional Ōmokoroa bird trail sign to tell the amazing migration story of our local godwits is to be placed on new boardwalk/cycle way, at Lynley Park end. It’s a great spot to view the godwits on the Tinopai sandbar, where these astonishing birds rest and feed as the tide comes in. They can be seen feeding in many estuaries around the harbour at low tide. You’ll most likely notice the godwits in the sky over our peninsula, moving back and forth each day in large ‘V’ formation during spring and summer. Their fourmonth-old fledglings that have returned with them, flying non-stop for eight days from Alaska, will remain in New Zealand until they are four years-old and ready to breed. It is estimated they can migrate from NZ to Alaska up to 20 times in their lifetime. Their incredible story of how ‘small can be huge’ is truly inspirational.

Our local estuaries and bush reserves are abundant with bird life. If you’d like to explore more, Ōmokoroa bird trail booklets are available at the local library for a $5 donation. All proceeds go back into community projects. It is a great idea for visitors, locals and school holidays.

Thank you to Steven White from Western Bay of Plenty District Council, local estuaries manager, for organizing the site for the sign; Murray Grainger Ōmokoroa Environmental Manamgers Inc for funding for project; Allan Fox, local photographer; and Colin Pettigrew, art work. What a fantastic team.

Friends say Christina Cleaver has brought fantastic enthusiasm as a new member of Ōmokoroa Environmental Managers’ Bird Group and is often to be seen out and about, spying on the wonderful bird life on the peninsula. PHOTO: Supplied.

Christina instigated this new godwit sign, soon to be erected along the walkway. PHOTO: Supplied.

The return of the kuaka, or godwits. PHOTO: Andrew McWilliam.