I always love visiting Pūkorokoro/Miranda. Every day is different and if you stay over in the area each visit has it’s own rewards. I had hoped to visit in August but plans were not coming together until a last minute option arose. I was concerned that a short notice booking for accommodation would be overoptimistic but it we were in luck getting us 2 nights, one of which Edin joined us for.
Conditions started windy and freezing cold but bird numbers were good with a decent number of overwintering Bar-tailed Godwits.
With a location named Stilt pond you can be assured of plenty of opportunities with Poaka/Pied Stilts. Different lighting conditions during the day create a variety of options.
A good flock of wrybill were flying regularly to build up their fitness prior to migration south.
There are always decent numbers of Kōtare/Sacred kingfishers which can offer opportunities despite being very wary
The mangrove edges are excellent habit for other more widespread birds too.
Common introduced species can also offer some nice opportunities.
When visiting Pūkorokoro/Miranda it is worth the short trip up to Ray’s Rest as well as this gives access to the shellbank.
Photos with Nikon Z9 and Nikkor Z 800mm f6.3 VR S (some with 1.4x teleconverter)
