GODWITS AND CUCKOOS
MIGRATION BEGINS
Godwits and cuckoos have already fcegun . their autumn migration, to Siberia and Alaska (states the "Auckland Star"). Along the West Coast, the godwits have been collecting in large numbers since. Easter; preparing for, their big flight. It is a spectacular departure, and the birds are now feeding generously on the Manukau and Kaipara Harbours, as well as at other places along the coast, to put themselves in good condition. By the end of. the month there will probably be only a fews.stragglers left. As a rule the godwits are away by the middle of 'April, said Mr. B. A. Falla, the Auckland ornithologist. v This year they aro slightly late, but they are looking their best and should make fast time when they are on the wing. Seldom have they been in better condition. Those shot during the early autumn were plump and well-nourished. The nesting places are along the fringe of tho Arctic Circle, and there the godwits will remain until October, when they will come back to New Zealand. Gradually during the past few weeks they have been working their way up the coast towards Spirits Bay, which is the final feeding-ground. If is ther Vat they will gather their last shi\ , worms, and shell' animals on whi. they thrive. Less spectacular than the migration of the godwits is that of the long-tailed and shining cuckoos, which are bow leaving ajmost unnoticed for their tropical homes, in the Western Pacific and New Guinea, Sometimes they make a lone flight over the hundreds of miles of ocean. They are birds that love the quietness o£ the New Zealand bush, but when the winter approaches their familiar call is no longer to be heard. , Sometimes old ago compels a cuckoo to spend the winter in the Auckland district, and it is stated that young ones hatched out.late in the season are not always able to undertake the flight. The same applies to the godwit, though it. is a more sociable bird and- only stays -behind as' a last resort. <■' ■: •
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP19310423.2.42
Bibliographic details
Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 95, 23 April 1931, Page 9
Word Count
344GODWITS AND CUCKOOS Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 95, 23 April 1931, Page 9
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