I realised that the title could be a little misleading, or at least interpreted in different ways. I meant it in the sense that the white-faced storm petrels were like shooting stars, soaring high and tossed on the winds, little pale streaks in my headlamp beam. I guess I also meant it in the sense that I was shooting stormies – with a camera anyway!
I spent a few days on Rangatira/South East island recently, picking up White-faced storm petrel chicks for translocation to Mana island in Wellington. I spent as much of that time as possible outside, long into the nights, watching the nocturnal life of the island. On the last night I stayed up to watch these little birds return from the sea, under a thick blanket of cloud that slowly eased out of the way to reveal a glittering sky. The night sky on the Chatham islands is really something special. This was my favourite image from that night – though I didn’t take that many. Sometimes it’s just nice to be out under the sky, breathing in the sea air, surrounded by the calls of thousands of seabirds.
Brian Woodford
24 Feb 2020My wife reports a pure white pied oyster catcher in large group (800 -1000) on esplanade by the Mangere Boat Club. Had a clear sighting: pure white, long red bill. Not sure if this bird is well known but cannot find recent reports on web. Cheers. Hamilton, 5 pm 24th Feb.
Edin
1 Mar 2020There have been a few sightings of all-white and partially white oystercatchers recently! The New Zealand Birders Facebook page usually has good updates on unusual bird sightings all over the country.