EASTERN BARTAILED GODWIT Limosa lapponica

Well known for their very long migration journey from Alaska the Godwit or ( Kuaka) arrives in NZ early summer and leaves again in March/April. The general flock has left the Christchurch Estuary now,  but this one is a Juvenile and will winter over until next years flight. Its the only one I could find around my Estuuary haunts today Taken at takeoff.
surprisingly the takeoff being made from one leg.
rgds poo