Shore plover banding combos 2020

This is the message from the DOC ranger, 22/4/20 on how to ID the shore plovers….

Kia ora keen tūturuatu/shore plover spotters,

First off, thanks to you all for being the eyes on the mainland for these special birds. Your sightings have been invaluable in tracking the movements of birds from Mana Island since the first release this year on February 13^th. Since then there have been three transfers with a total of 31 birds arriving to Mana. Attached are the band combinations of all 31 birds (note, four birds only have one colour band). In an attempt to streamline the info coming in could we please ask from now on:

• Record date, time, location and colour band info for each sighting as best you can
• Send pictures only if all colour bands are clear and identifiable
• Include other useful info i.e. feeding behaviour, other birds close by, any sign of predators etc
• Collate your sightings and please send through weekly, on a Friday
• Please email all info and images to manaisland@doc.govt.nz, rcollen@doc.govt.nz and Cc btandy@doc.govt.nz.

Thanks again and hopefully we see some of the more exploratory birds back on Mana soon…  Cheers Nick