First godwits arrived in Motueka this morning

September 15th, 2011
[by Pauline Samways]

This morning the first of the godwits arrived on the Motueka Sandspit. At least 100 birds joined the over-wintering godwits and roosted on the sandspit waiting for the tide to go out so they could start feeding after their 11,700km non-stop journey from Alaska.

Over the next few months more groups of godwits will arrive until there are 1000 - 2000 here for the summer. Their favourite feeding spot is in our estuary and they can be seen at low tide from along the Motueka water front. Binoculars will help you locate them as they are rather mud-coloured, and if the tide is not quite out they will be closer to the shore.

You can join in the celebrations to welcome them next week, Friday 23 and Saturday 24 September at the Motueka Memorial Hall, 10am - 4pm. More information here »

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