Hi all,
Alan’s attempt (and subsequent failure) to see those 4 species in South Island NZ is not particularly surprising.
He was beaten by the weather twice, by extreme rarity once and by extreme shyness once. So here are my tips for Okarito Kiwi, Great Spotted Kiwi, Blue Duck and Rock Wren:
Okarito Kiwi: Alan did it right but chose the wrong weather!! Ian Cooper has an almost 100% success rate at finding the birds, and I you wont find anyone who cares more about “their” birds than him. The West coast is a pretty wet sort of place at the best of times, but a visit in summer has to be a better bet. As Alan noted, trying for them in the rain is hopeless.
Great Spotted Kiwi: Alan went to the right place (or at very least the right area, since I dont know exactly where he went) but this species is responsible for more wasted birding effort than any other in NZ. They are ridiculously shy. I have “refined” my technique for finding them at Punakaiki, and the exact place to have the best chance, over the past several years. I have been within 10m of GSK on at least 4 occasions without seeing one, and have only actually had a decent view once!! Punakaki is probably the easiest place to try but I wouldnt give anyone a better than 20% chance of seeing the bird – less if its rainy.
Blue Duck: Wrong island!! There are some Blue Ducks left in the South but they are few in number and hard to find. A few sightings along the Milford Road in the past couple of years but hard to pin down there. In the central North Island there is a well known site with lots of birds and almost guaranteed views. I have not seen Blue Duck in South Island since they were pushed out of the Arthur’s Pass area several years ago, but rarely put much time and effort in in the South these days – it just isn’t worth it.
Rock Wren: Homer Tunnel, within 200m of the road, is by far the best place. Heavy or persistent rain reduces one’s chances to virtually nil. Even in good weather they can be quite un-cooperative at times, though on other days they just get very showy. This species is as charming as any bird can be – so dont give up!1 You’ll get it one day Alan…..
cheers Sav Saville Wrybill Birding Tours,NZ “Great Birds, Real Birders” www.wrybill-tours.com
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