The three chicks are alive and doing well. Already roaming outside the fenced area, which makes me a bit uncomfortable. Parents around but a bit distracted chasing two other dotterels, possibly the ones that have been here all season but for some reason haven't nest (two males maybe?). They were not threatening the chicks. It looked to me as they wanted to be a part of the group, take care of the chicks maybe. Anyways, I'm not looking forward to a busy weekend..
Two older chicks doing well. The larger chick looks nearly ready to fledge. Also two new chicks on the beach, about 1-2 weeks with other NZ dotterel pair. Difficult to get decent photos from a distance due to the heat shimmer. Didn't get any closer to minimise disturbance.
About 20
First ones back this season. I think there were two, but tricky to count when flying around.
Photo Captions:
Photo Captions:
Multiple footprints at Waipingao Stream mouth
Young male on sandy beach
About 15 herons arrived to forage as the tide went out.
Multiple LBP footprints (and some rabbits).
Platform and ramp working nicely.
A pair by the end of south Piha beach.
Mother duck walking her ducklings across a reserve.