HANG ABOUT

Although its now spring in Christchurch, NZ - and most birds are getting fully into the spirit of the time - with lots of jiggy-jig n stuff !! these sponbills are hanging about ! They will probably soon head off to OKARITO on the west Coast of the South Island where they will mate and breed. They are there - associated with the White Heron or KOTUKU.

There are 27 of them left at the ChCh Estuary ( a few of them here).
The Royal Spoonbill or PLATALEA REGIA were self introduced to NZ in the 1850's and also are found in Australia and New Guinea.

Some islands were made by the City Council about 10 years ago for them to roost and with the hope they would breed on this side of the Divide. This hasnt happened ( as yet ) - but these ones are quite late leaving so who knows ??

rgds pooba.