A female California Quail at "MT Pots" near Haumoana. Also present at this location were Mallard, Barabary Doves, Spur-Winged Plover, a male Califronia Quail and the common rural passerines.
There were seven of these gorgeous Royal Spoonbill, the tamest I have ever been with in Haumoana. The site also heralded one White Heron, a White-Faced Heron, four species of duck and a pair of Pied Stilt.
One of two Plumed Whistling Ducks at Taradale. These may be the only two in New Zealand at the moment, as Plumed Whistlers are rare vagrants from Australia.
A rare White Heron, one of only 125 in New Zealand, at Taradale. This was one of two I saw on the trip, my first two for New Zealand.
Australasian Shoveler
Baby Black Swans, also at Taradale. I can certainly say there are many more Black Swans in Hawke's Bay than here in the central Waikato.
Two immature or non-breeding Caspian Terns on the Napier Waterfront.
An extremely tame White-Faced Heron on the Napier waterfront.
Two Barbary Dove's. These birds were legitimately wild, which is quite rare in New Zealand. I counted at least fourteen in Haumanua, a further 5 or so pairs at a nearbye garden centre, and saw isolated birds elsewhere.
An unusually tame Skylark, who allowed me ten minutes of close viewing. But I'm certainly not complaining!
A Black-Fronted Dotterel, recent immigrants from Australia with the English introduced Skylark.
Another Black-Fronted Dotterel.
Skylark in flight. This bird is a male singing.
New Zealand Pipit on the Mohaka River.
A beautiful poser, a male Blackbird on a bridge!
Some more Barbary Doves.
Other interesting sightings included Cattle Egreats across from the Pak 'n' Save Free Golf Course and some Bar-Tailed Godwits on the Napier waterfront. There was great birding all around though, and I definately recommend Hawke's Bay as a birding destination worth checking out!