A Wilson’s Phalarope (non-breeding plumage) turned up at Westshore, Napier causing great excitement for NZ birds. The bird appears quite settled on a little pond with Pied Stilts, Banded Dotterel and a few Grey Teal for company. We enjoyed a good long look at it. It was first mistaken for a Marsh Sandpiper, but it’s legs are not as long and it feeds quite differently (and has a distinctive white rump in flight). This is the 4th NZ record for the species.
Category: Vagrant