Godwits in the Estuary

I was surprised to see many godwits feeding in the Estuary at low tide today. It's a mission stopping along the causeway now with the new roading but I got lucky and managed to get across. They're such an attractive bird and create much interest and following in Canterbury.

The Eastern Bar-Tailed Godwits leave their home in Alaska in September, when the weather there starts to cool off (which I've had ample evidence lately is true!). Their non-stop flight from Alaska to the Avon/Heathcote Estuary in Christchurch covers over 11,000 km in just 8 days.

The godwits’ return flight takes them to the Yellow Sea region of Korea/China for a stopover. These stopovers are called staging grounds and are places for the birds to further refuel/rest. The flight from Christchurch to the Yellow Sea covers another 10,000 km in 8 days.

After a rest and more feeding, the godwits continue their journey back to their Alaskan breeding grounds with a further 5 day, 7,000 km flight.

Such a treat to see so many of them close at hand! They really are amazing birds.

Many thanks for putting yesterday's Sunrise at Sumner well up on Spotlight - I was really delighted to see it there.