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SOUTH ISLAND PIED OYSTERCATCHER HIGH-TIDE ROOST

on 30th March 2013

“On the morning of 11th January 2013, I was cruising along the quiet coastline of Golden Bay, South Island, New Zealand, when a brief rest stop provided me with a good view of the high-tide roost of an aggregation of South Island Pied Oystercatchers (Haematopus finschi, Maori name: Torea) (above).

“The flock was approximately 200 strong and huddled together on an exposed stretch of stony shoreline (above). As the incoming tide continued its advance, the birds would gradually inch their way inland. At one moment, many of them took wing simultaneously and flew in a tight formation to circle the area, and then land again.

“Other birds were also spotted at this roost, including a handful of Caspian Terns (Hydropogne caspia, Maori name: Taranui) (above). A White-faced Heron (Ardea novaehollandiae) was also seen to be feeding among the Oystercatchers.


“A brief video clip of this roost may be previewed above.”

Dr. Leong Tzi Ming
Singapore
17th February 2013

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

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