13 September 2013

Godwits return to Christchurch

Christchurch's much-loved visitors, the bar-tailed Godwits, have started
to return to Christchurch this week, despite the recent storms.

Christchurch Council Park Rangers and passionate ornithologists have
been watching for the last few weeks for their return. The birds arrive
each September, having made the longest nonstop flight known for any
bird - more than 11,000 kilometres over eight days - from Alaska to New
Zealand leaving the northern winter.

The birds enjoy the New Zealand summer, rest up and double their weight
under the watchful eye of bird-lovers. Hundreds of Godwits will be using
the estuary and wetlands for feeding and roosting. This winter 195
non-breeding birds were counted in late July, most of which are
juveniles, which don't migrate back to the breeding grounds in Alaska.

John Mackie, Unit Manager Transport and Greenspace says, "Seeing the
Godwits arrive again is always a celebration. They've made it safely
following their long journey and spring is here. It's a great sight to
see them arriving here in Christchurch to live over the spring and
summer months."

Residents will be able to see them on the Southshore Spit or the estuary
area and enjoy their presence in our city but as always we ask dog
owners to be mindful around them.

"It's important dogs are not left to run loose and scare the Godwits -
they need to be able to feed in peace," Mr. Mackie says.

Excitable dogs can easily distress these birds, who need to be
well-rested and in peak condition in order to survive their return
flight.

- Ends -

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