23 Mar 2024

Birding paradise at the Bay of Islands

This morning, we awoke in the small hamlet of Russell, New Zealand. The birders boarded a specially chartered catamaran for a scenic tour through the Bay of Islands to Urupukapuka Island. As we departed the harbour, rain showers from partly cloudy skies resulted in a brightly luminous rainbow arcing over the entire bay.

Upon arrival at Otehei Bay, on Urupukapuka Island, we found the beach teeming with birdlife. We had great views of Variable Oystercatcher and New Zealand Dotterel right from the pier. Once ashore, we were greeted by more Banded Rails than any of us had seen in one place before. As these birds are typically elusive and rare across their New Zealand range, we were delighted to find them so abundant here.

Some of us explored the island’s network of scenic trails through a variety of great birding habitats, including a wetland where multiple rare Brown Teals were spotted. Many of us were content to spend the day birding in the very productive meadows and forests near the café at Otehei Bay. All of us came away with great sightings of Whitehead, North Island Saddleback, Red-crowned Parakeet, and even a Morepork or two, as well as many of the more common but equally charming New Zealand native birds.

Those not birding spent the day at Waitangi Treaty Grounds embarking on a guided tour. The stories combined with the history, all put together at the iconic grounds, helped us better understand the rich Māori history of the area. We explored the treaty house, the Waka war canoe and the flagstaff at the end of the sacred house. At the sacred house, we enjoyed a cultural performance which gave us more detail and knowledge of Māori traditions.

After the performance, we explored the charming town of Russell at our own pace, including a visit to the museum, or taking a short walk to the Flagstaff Hill lookout.

Images © Heritage Expeditions