NZ Dotterel (threatened shore bird)

[NorthernFocus]

Though listed as a threatened species with total population estimated at just 2000 or so, these little guys were on every beach that we visited. It was nesting season. They simply scratch out a spot in the sand to lay eggs and as soon as the chicks are born they begin to wander about the beach. They appeared to forage on their own while the parents wandered quite far away from them hunting for morsals to bring back and feed the little ones. They seemed to have a symbiotic relationship sharing nesting area with the oyster catchers which defend their nests/chicks very aggressively. The dotterel seemed to be the only visitors that the OCs would tolerate (including humans).

All shot hand held with Nikon D7200 and AFS 80-400mm.

1) Mature NZ dotterel in (from what I can discern) fading stage of breeding plumage. The entire breast turns reddish brown at the height of mating.



2) Judging by the colors and the lack of apparent nest/offspring, I think this may be a young bird.



3) When not with young they got over their shyness fairly quickly and were not difficult to get reasonable shots of with the kit I had with me.



4) Finally a flight shot.



5) The chicks were a different story. They were very shy plus the moms would show up and call them away. It required a good bit of time/patience sitting quietly until these little guys wandered in range.



6) As a whole the dotterels seem to have a very contentious community. Any time another bird came near a chick the mom took extreme exception resulting in some aerial acrobatics. I don't recommend letting your kids try this sort of photography at home. Serious neck injury could result...



7)



8)



9)

[Donald]

Fascinating .... and superbly photographed.

[Mike Buckley]

Fascinating .... and superbly photographed.

NO doubt about that!

[Shadowman]

Nice series, you caught these at a great angle.

[Rita]

Wow! Bird photography excellence.

[NorthernFocus]

Thanks, folks, glad you liked the post. I couldn't have asked for much more than what they offered in nos. 1 and 5. All it takes is time...

[Wavelength]

What a great collection!!!

[bnnrcn]

Super set Dan !

[madcrow]

Awesome series, every one a winner. Great execution on all shots.

[JohnRostron]

A excellent series. I take it these were photographed in New Zealand. It is interesting that there they are shore-breeding birds. In the UK they are very much upland birds, breeding only on the 'high tops' in Scotland. They do winter on some English shores though.

John

[Craigie]

Awesome series, every one a winner. Great execution on all shots.

+1 here.
#8 is superb.

[NorthernFocus]

Thanks for commenting, folks. Glad you enjoyed the images. I had a blast shooting them and watching the birdies.

...It is interesting that there they are shore-breeding birds. In the UK they are very much upland birds, breeding only on the 'high tops' in Scotland...

I think many bird species behave differently in NZ than elsewhere. Presumably due to the lack of natural predators. Another example is the oyster catchers which nest on the beaches and in pastureland on the south island. In Alaska OCs nest almost exclusively on rocks that are isolated(at least during high tide) by water.

Then again, the people down there also behave differently than those anywhere else we've been. Much more civil than the average human. So maybe it's something in the water

[Jim A]

Amazing Dan ! ........... and I really enjoyed your website too.

[NorthernFocus]

Thanks, Jim. Glad you enjoyed both.

[FlyingSquirrel]

Very nice. #1 is great with that clean fg/bg and subject popping out. Nice low angle. The chick shot is precious. I can't wait till I get more experience out in the field and some day get some chances for shorebird chicks. Fantastic work!