Stepping up

Had a lovely trip out to the Ashley Estuary with flying today. Not a lot of birds, oystercatcher, lovely variable oystercatcher shot by flying , 2 sorts of shags, 3 sorts of terns, and this little fellow the NZ Banded Dotterel

The banded dotterel is the most common small plover in NZ, and is endemic. although relatively common, they are described as Nationally vulnerable. Both male and female have the chestnut band and black band, but the females is duller.

When feeding they do the "run stop peck run" so it's a matter of clicking when they are momentarily stopped.

This one was more co operative than most, actually running towards us.

Maori Name: Tuturiwhata
Scientific name: Charadrias bicinctus
Also called double banded plover (apparently, though I've got to say I've never heard it called that!)