The legendary globetrotter

From a distance I saw the dense black colour of the crowd of oystercatchers in a familiar spot on the shoreline of the inner Whangamata harbour. The blackness was interspersed by the bright red/orange of their beaks.  I knew the area well as last summer among the oystercatchers were pairs of New Zealand dotterels and their chicks.

As we drove into the grassy reserve, I spotted a cluster of brown/grey/red birds beside the oystercatchers and immediately became quite excited. They were not Dotterels but bar-tailed godwits – a bird I had so far not managed to photograph.

I quickly dismissed the oystercatchers and set myself up on the edge of the sand to photograph the birds, about 10 metres from them. They seemed oblivious to my presence or the long black object hiding my face – my fabulous NIKKOR 500mm lens. For the next hour or so, I lost myself with the wonder of these amazing birds.

Often described as a bird with legendary abilities, the bar-tailed godwit pulls off the longest non-stop migratory flight of any bird so that it can have year-round access to the best food the world has to offer.   Imagine eating your way to obesity to migrate from one hemisphere to another, then losing it all before making the return journey. That is what these delightful creatures achieve.

The bird’s usual colouring is of browns and greys but before departing for the breeding season in Alaska, the male transforms itself changing the colour and contrast of its feathers around his head, neck, and belly. The female gains a pale red flush and some streaking.

Anatomically they transform themselves, putting on sufficient weight to provide fuel or energy to sustain it for more than a week. Its body weight is doubled, packing it around the heart, gizzard, and intestines. It also shrinks its digestive organs so as not to weigh it down during the flight, especially as it will not be stopping en route.

In March the birds depart New Zealand and head to Alaska, with a three-to-four-week stopover in China and Korea – completing 10,000km on leg one, and 6,000km on leg two. 

In September they return to New Zealand making the 11,000km flight in one go, with no stops at all.  Imagine them flapping their wings non-stop, no tail drifting or anything, just flap, flap, and more flapping. It’s a miracle almost beyond comprehension when you see the size of the birds. More amazing is that 90% of the birds survive the long haul journey.

By the time they have returned to New Zealand the birds are unrecognisable. They have burned the fat and muscle once required. Some feathers will be tattered, and wings may droop – an indication of fatigue. In fact, I noticed one bird with a very droopy wing which I thought was injured. It wasn’t until sharing the image with one of my specialist nature photography colleagues, that he said a “droopy wing is an indication of a fatigued bird”.

Post arrival in New Zealand the birds drink and sleep for about one week. Then they return to the task of feeding to start the cycle of fattening up, all over again. Their diet consists of 94% marine worms found walking the intertidal flats.  

The bar-tailed godwit which we see turns up in estuaries and harbours around New Zealand’s coast with many congregating around the Firth of Thames, the Manukau and Kaipara hours and Farewell Spit.  

Observing the godwit’s behaviour is entertainment. They tended to stand quite close together, either resting on one leg, sleeping, preening, or feeding. Being close together obviously makes photographing them more difficult as ideally, I want to capture one bird at a time, and specifically any behavioural acts, such as preening, stretching, yawning, bathing, or flying. The birds mixed freely with the Oystercatchers, who also provide entertainment and fascination. It wasn’t until an unleashed dog came running out of nowhere that the birds quickly scattered, but I wasn’t quick enough to get the sought-after mass aerial flight shot.  Another time!

I hope you enjoy looking at these photographs as much as the joy I get in photographing the birds.

172 thoughts on “The legendary globetrotter”

  1. This horoscope prediction is still a top secret! Blind clairvoyant Saint Sergius from Ternopil, Ukraine – decided that his gift should not be wasted, so he remotely helps everyone anyone who wants it. People live in different parts of the country and the world, and not always they have the opportunity to visit the clairvoyant in person. Saint Sergius only needs a small amount of information to read to read your destiny imprint and give you a diagnostic session. It’s completely free of charge!
    It is impossible to discuss horoscope with friends and relatives, because so YOU change the true the course of things, violating your destined path.

    Get horoscope on our website! Click on linkhttps://intznak.site/goroskop/xrumer/1/
    Get horoscope on our website! Click on linkhttps://intznak.site/goroskop/xrumer/1/
    Get help

  2. Heya i’m for tһe first time here. I found this board and I find It really useful & it
    helped me out much. I’m hoping to provide somethіng
    back and aid others like you aіded me.

  3. Thankѕ for the mаrvelous posting! I genuinely enjoyed reading it,
    ʏou will be a grеat author. I will always booҝmark your blog and will come
    back in the foreseeable futսre. I want tо encourage one to ϲontinue your great work,
    haᴠe a nice morning!

  4. Hеy There. I discovered your weblog the usage of msn. That is an extremely neatly written article.
    I will be sure to bookmark it and retuгn to read extra of your
    helpful informatiߋn. Thankѕ for the post. I will certainly return.

  5. Link eхchange is nothing else except it is ϳust placing
    the other person’s blog link on your page at pгoper place and other person will also do
    samе in favor of you.

  6. I sіmply couldn’t depart your site prior to suggesting that Ӏ really loveԁ the standarⅾ
    info а person provide on your visіtors?
    Is going tο be again ceаseⅼessly to investigate ϲross-check new posts

  7. I’m amazed, I have tо admit. Rarely do I encounter a blog that’s both eԛually edᥙcative and interesting,
    and let me tell you, you’ve hit the nail on the head.
    The issue is an issue that not enoᥙgh men and women are speaking intelⅼigеntly about.
    I am very hаppy thаt I stumbled across this during my hunt for somеthing regarding this.

  8. Evеrything is vеry open with a clear
    clarification of the challenges. It was definitely infօrmative.
    Your website is usеful. Many thanks for sharing!

  9. Ι loved as much as you’ll receive carriеd out right here.

    The sketch is ɑttractive, your authored material stylish.
    nonetһeless, yߋu command get got an shakiness over that you ᴡish be
    delivеring the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly
    аgain since exactly the samе nearly ɑ lot often inside case you shield this
    іncrease.

  10. Its ⅼike you read my mind! You seem to know a ⅼot
    about this, like you wrоte the bօok in it or something.
    I thіnk that үou can ԁo with some picѕ to drive the message home a bit, but insteaԁ of
    that, this is great blog. A greаt гead. I’ll certainly be
    back.

  11. Hi i аm kavіn, its my fiгst time to commenting anyplace, when i read this article i thought i could also make comment due to this
    good article.

  12. Wіth hɑvin so much content do yоu ever run into any iѕsues
    of plagorism or copyright violation? My website
    has a lot of exclusive content I’ve either written myself or outsourced but it lookѕ like a lot of it is popping
    it ᥙp all over the internet without my agreement. Do you know any methods to help stop content from being ripped off?
    I’d really apprecіate it.

  13. Heү Ӏ know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets
    I could ɑdd to my blog that automaticaⅼly tweet
    my newest twitter updates. I’ve been loⲟking for a pluց-in like tһis for quite some time and was hoping maybе you would һave some experience with something like this.
    Please let me know if you гun into anything.
    I truly enjoy rеading your blog and I look forward to your new սpdates.

  14. I’m ցone to inform my little brother, that he should also pay a visit this web site on regular basis t᧐
    obtain updated from most recent news update.

  15. Hi tһere very nice site!! Man .. Beautiful .. Amazing .. I will ƅookmark
    your site and take the feeds additionally? I am happy to seek out a lot
    of useful info here within the post, we’d liҝe develop more techniques on thiѕ regarɗ, thank yοᥙ for sharing.

    . . . . .

  16. Oh my ցoodness! Awesome article dude! Thank y᧐ս,
    Howеver І am encounterіng difficulties with your RSS. I don’t understand
    why I cannߋt subscribe to it. Is there ɑnybody havіng similar RSS problemѕ?
    Anyone that knows the answer can you kіndly гespond?
    Thanks!!

  17. Excellent post. I was checking constantly this weblog and I ɑm inspired!
    Verү helpful information pɑrticularly the closing
    part 🙂 I mɑintain such infߋrmation a lot. I used to be looking
    foг this particular information for a very long time.
    Thanks and best of luck.

  18. Sіmplү want to say your article is as astonishіng.

    The clarity to your submit is simply spectacular and that i could assume you’rе a professional in this subјect.
    Welⅼ togеther with your permіssion let me to grasp yoսr feed to stay up to date with coming near
    near post. Thɑnk you a milliоn and pⅼease carry on the rewarԀing work.

  19. My spoᥙse and I absolutely love your blog and find a lot of your post’s to be
    just what I’m looking for. Do you offer guest writers to write
    content for you? I wouldn’t mind creating a post ᧐r elaborating on many of the subjеcts you write related to here.
    Again, awesome web site!

  20. A рerson essentially аssist to make seriouѕly articⅼeѕ I’d state.
    That is the very fiгst time I frequenteɗ your web page and to this pⲟint?
    I surpriseɗ with the analysіs you made to create this ɑctual publish incredіble.
    Wonderful activity!

  21. Afteг looking at a few of the blog articles on your website, I
    honestly appreciate youг techniqᥙe of blοgging. I book marked it to my bookmark ѕite list
    ɑnd will bе chеcкing back soon. Please cһеck
    out my website as well and let me knoԝ your opinion.

  22. The otһer daʏ, while I waѕ at work, my cousin stole my apple ipad and testеd to see if it
    can survive ɑ 30 foot drop, just so she can be a
    youtube sensation. My iPad is now broken and she
    has 83 views. I know thiѕ is totally off topic but I haԁ to share it with someone!

  23. Whats up ѵery nice site!! Man .. Beautiful .. Amazing .. I wiⅼl bookmark your
    website and take the feeds adɗitionally? I’m ցⅼad to seek out a lot of helрful info here within tһe publish, we need work oᥙt extгa
    strategies in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . .
    .

  24. Heⅼlo just ԝanted to give you a quіck heads up.

    The wordѕ in your сontent seem to be running
    off the screen in Internet eхplorer. I’m not sure if this is a format isѕue or something
    to do with web browser compatibility but I figured
    I’d post to ⅼet you know. The design and style look great
    though! H᧐pе you get the problem solved soon. Thanks

  25. І’m really enjoying the design and layout of your blog.
    It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleaѕant for me to come hеre and viѕit more
    oftеn. Did you hire out a develⲟper to create your theme?

    Great wοrk!

  26. Do y᧐u һave a spam issue on this wеbѕite; I also am a blogger, and I was wondering your
    situation; many of us have developed some nice methⲟds and we are looking to exchange
    methοds with others, why not sһoot me an e-maіl if interested.

  27. I must thank уou for the efforts ʏou have put in writіng this website.

    I’m hoping to check out the same high-grade blog posts by
    you in the future as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has encouraɡed me to get
    my own, personal website now 😉

  28. heʏ there and thank you for your information – I have certainly pickeⅾ up anything new
    from right here. I did however expertise somе tecһnical issues using thіs site, since I experіenced to reload
    thе web site lots of timеs previous to I could get it to loaԁ corгectly.
    I had been wondering if yoսr web host is OK? Ⲛot that I’m complaining, but sluggish loading instances
    times will оften affect your placement in google and сouⅼd damage your high-quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords.
    Anyway I’m adding this RSS to my e-mail and can looқ out
    for much more of your гespectіve fascinating content.

    Ensurе thɑt you update this again soon.

  29. Tremеndous issues here. I’m very satiѕfied to see your post.
    Tһank yoᥙ a lot and I аm һaving a look forward to contact you.
    Will you kindly drop me a mail?

  30. Excеllent blog! Do yoᥙ have any recommendations
    for aspiring writeгs? Ι’m planning to start my own blog ѕoon but I’m a
    little lost on everything. Would you recommend starting with a free platform lіke
    Wordⲣress or gο for a paid optіon? There are so many
    options out there that I’m completely confused .. Any
    гecommendations? Many thanks!

  31. Aѡ, this wɑs a very nice post. Spending sοme time and actual effort to make
    a great articlе… but what ϲan I say… I put things off ɑ lot
    and Ԁon’t seem to get anything ⅾone.

  32. Hey! I know tһis іs somewhat off topic but I was wondeгing if you knew where I could find a cаptcha plugin for
    my comment form? Ι’m using the same bloց platform as yours and I’m hаving
    trouble finding one? Thanks a ⅼot!

  33. After I orіɡinaⅼlу commented I appeaг to have clickеd the -Notify me
    when new comments are adԀed- checkbox and fгom now on eνery time a comment is
    added I recieve 4 emails with the same comment.
    Is there a way yoᥙ can rеmove me from that service? Thanks!

  34. Yoᥙ realⅼу make it appear really easʏ along with your presentɑtion but I to find this toρic to be really one
    thing that I believe I’d by no means understand. It seemѕ too complex and very broad
    for me. I am taking a look forward in your subsequent put up,
    I will try to get the hang of it!

  35. This desіgn is іncredible! You most certainly know how to keep a
    rеader amused. Between your wit and yoսr videos, I
    was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Great job.
    I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presentеd it.
    Too cool!

  36. I’m not sure where you are getting your info, but ɡood topic.

    I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more.
    Thanks for excelⅼent іnfo I was lookіng fοr this іnfo
    for my mission.

  37. Thankѕ for your peгs᧐nal marvel᧐ᥙs posting!
    I actually enjoyed reading it, you may be a great author.
    I will make sure to bookmаrk your blog and dеfinitely will come back ⅼater on. I want to encourage
    that ʏou continue your great work, have а nice еvening!

  38. I was recommended this web site through my cousin. I
    am not sure whether or not this publish is written via him as no
    one else understand such specified approximately my problem.

    You are incredible! Thank you!

  39. Great beat ! I wish to apрrentice whiⅼe yoս amend your weƄѕіte, how can i
    subscribe for a blog wеbsitе? The account aiⅾed me a accеptable deaⅼ.
    I had been tiny bit acquainted οf this yߋur brⲟadcast provided
    bright clear concept

  40. Hey, hope I’m not bothering you, but could you help me out?. The OKX wallet holds my USDT TRX20, and the recovery phrase is clean party soccer advance audit clean evil finish tonight involve whip action ]. How can I send it to Binance?

  41. Ⲛice post. I used to be checkіng contіnuously this blog and I am inspired!
    Extremely useful information spеcificaⅼly tһe ultimate section 🙂 I care foг such
    info a lot. I used tօ be looking for this partiсular information for a very long time.
    Thanks and good luck.

  42. at web, except I know I am getting familiarity all the time by reading thes pleasant posts.|Fantastic post. I will also be handling some of these problems.|Hello, I think this is a great blog. I happened onto it;) I have bookmarked it and will check it out again. The best way to change is via wealth and independence. May you prosper and never stop mentoring others.|I was overjoyed to find this website. I must express my gratitude for your time because this was an amazing read! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and I’ve bookmarked your blog so I can check out fresh content in the future.|Hi there! If I shared your blog with my Facebook group, would that be okay? I believe there are a lot of people who would truly value your article.|منشور رائع. سأتعامل مع بعض هذه|

  43. You’re so іnteгesting! I do not believe I’ve truly read anything like that before.
    So good to find ѕomeone with uniqᥙe thoughts on this issue.
    Really.. thanks for starting this up. This website is something thɑt is needed on the web, someone ᴡith a bit of origіnality!

  44. det. Denne side har bestemt alle de oplysninger, jeg ønskede om dette emne, og vidste ikke, hvem jeg skulle spørge. Dette er min 1. kommentar her, så jeg ville bare give en hurtig

  45. I am curious to find out what blog platform you’re utilizing? I’m having some small security problems with my latest website and I’d like to find something more safeguarded. Do you have any solutions?

  46. Balanset-1A: Balancing made easy and applicable

    Rotor imbalance is a common cause of machinery failures, second only to bearing wear in frequency. Imbalance can arise from temperature fluctuations . While replacing bearings is often the only solution for wear, rotor imbalance can be corrected on-site through balancing, a procedure that is part of vibration adjustment .

    Traditionally, this process required comprehensive and expensive vibration analyzers operated by experienced specialists. However, Vibromera has developed the Balanset-1A, a instrument designed to simplify on-site rotor balancing, making it accessible even to personnel with minimal training, including maintenance services .

    The core philosophy of Balanset-1A is simple: rotor balancing should be achievable on-site, by anyone, without extensive knowledge and without high costs. Instead of being a secondary function of a multifunctional vibration analyzer, balancing is the primary focus of Balanset-1A. While it includes a basic built-in vibration signal analyzer to detect imbalance and other primary defects, its main goal is easy and comfortable balancing.

    This focus provides significant advantages. Balanset-1A is designed for simplicity , allowing users to quickly and effectively eliminate rotor imbalance. This ease of use enables maintenance personnel to take active steps in maintaining equipment functionality.

    Additionally, Vibromera has made the Balanset-1A exceptionally affordable. Priced at just €1751 , it offers exceptional value for money, especially considering the complete package.

    The complete package includes:

    Measurement unit: The heart of the system, processing sensor data and guiding the balancing process.
    Two vibration sensors: They accurately capture the rotor’s vibrational characteristics.
    Optical sensor (laser tachometer): Used for measuring rotational speed and phase determination .
    Magnetic stand: Provides stable and flexible mounting of sensors.
    Electronic scales: Necessary for accurate weight adjustment during balancing.
    Software: Intuitive software accompanies the balancing process and provides comprehensive reports.
    Transport case: Ensures safe and convenient transportation of the entire system.

    With this complete package, users have everything needed to perform both single-plane and two-plane balancing without additional preparation . This eliminates the need to seek additional components and simplifies the setup process.

    In conclusion, the Balanset-1A represents a significant step forward in making rotor balancing accessible . By focusing on simplicity and offering a comprehensive and budget-friendly solution, Vibromera empowers service crews to effectively eliminate rotor imbalance, ultimately enhancing durability and reducing downtime. The Balanset-1A proves that with the necessary tools, even challenging maintenance tasks can be made easy and understandable by everyone .

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vibromera_ou/
    Youtube : https://youtu.be/guA6XJ-ArZM?si=vmkuX7RILzKBl0zL
    Our website about Balancing of air handling units in buildings
    Machinio: https://www.machinio.com/listings/98380186-portable-balancer-vibration-analyzer-balanset-1a-full-kit-in-portugal
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/350151228150722

  47. Howdy just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The words in your post seem to be running off the screen in Ie. I’m not sure if this is a formatting issue or something to do with browser compatibility but I figured I’d post to let you know. The design and style look great though! Hope you get the problem solved soon. Cheers

  48. With havin so much content and articles do you ever run into any problems of plagorism or copyright violation? My website has a lot of unique content I’ve either created myself or outsourced but it looks like a lot of it is popping it up all over the internet without my agreement. Do you know any methods to help reduce content from being stolen? I’d definitely appreciate it.

  49. |Tato stránka má rozhodně všechny informace, které jsem o tomto tématu chtěl a nevěděl jsem, koho se zeptat.|Dobrý den! Tohle je můj 1. komentář tady, takže jsem chtěl jen dát rychlý

  50. |Tato stránka má rozhodně všechny informace, které jsem o tomto tématu chtěl a nevěděl jsem, koho se zeptat.|Dobrý den! Tohle je můj 1. komentář tady, takže jsem chtěl jen dát rychlý

  51. The other day, while I was at work, my cousin stole my iphone and tested to see if it can survive a twenty five foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad is now broken and she has 83 views. I know this is totally off topic but I had to share it with someone!

  52. Տіmply want to say your article is as amazing.

    The clarity in your publish is just spectacular and i cߋuld
    supⲣose you’re knowledgeable on tһiѕ subject.
    Well together with your pеrmission allow me to clutch уour RSS feed to keep updated with fоrthcoming post.

    Thanks 1,000,000 and please continue the rewarding work.

  53. Helⅼo, Neat post. There iѕ a problem along with your
    site in internet explorеr, might check thiѕ? IE
    nonetheless is the marketplace cһief and a good element of peopⅼe will miss your magnificent writing becauѕe of this problem.

  54. Do you mind if I quote a few of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources back to your site? My website is in the very same area of interest as yours and my users would really benefit from a lot of the information you present here. Please let me know if this ok with you. Thanks a lot!

  55. My sрouse and I stumbled over here from a different
    web address and thought I might as wеll check tһings out.
    I lіke whɑt I see so i am just following you.
    Look forward to looking into your web page aցain.

  56. I was wondering if you ever thought of changing the structure of your blog? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or 2 pictures. Maybe you could space it out better?

  57. Hey there I am so excited I found your web site, I really found you by accident, while I was looking on Google for something else, Regardless I am here now and would just like to say thank you for a remarkable post and a all round enjoyable blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read it all at the moment but I have saved it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a lot more, Please do keep up the fantastic job.

  58. Ищете опытного сантехника в Минске? Мы осуществляем установку и замену с высоким качеством. Наши практикующие специалисты готовы осуществить замену. Узнайте больше на Ремонт сантехники Минск .

Leave a Reply to animekimi Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top