A large flock of godwits and lesser knots settles on the shelly beach of Miranda, on the Firth of Thames coast near Auckland. Eastern bar-tailed godwits arriving from Alaska need to feed intensively to replace the reserves lost during their long flight. They also need to rest after spending six to ten days on the wing without a break. Miranda is a favoured site as it provides rich feeding grounds combined with sheltered roosting areas.
This recording is of a flock of godwits calling.
Using this item
Reference: 26 October 2005
by Greg Bowker
Sound file from Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision. Any re-use of this audio is a breach of copyright. To request a copy of the recording, contact Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision (Bird calls – godwit and kākāpō chicks/Reference number CDR04/159/01).
Permission of the New Zealand Herald must be obtained before any re-use of this image.