BAR-TAILED GODWIT (Limosa Lappanica)

This is a Bar-tailed Godwit in flight.  She is still in the moult as a couple of her tail feathers appear missing.  I know its a she because of the long beak - the males have shorter beaks.  These birds breed in Northern Alaska and migrate each year to various places throughout NZ - including the Christchurch Estuary where this one was found.  They have my greatest respect for their journeying ability.
rgds IK