THE GODWIT SEASON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19833, 31 December 1927, Page 10

THE GODWIT SEASON.

OPENING ON MONDAY. STRANGE HABITS OF BIRDS* The shooting season for godwits and knots will open on Monday and continue until March 31. The ordinary game licences issued for the 1927 season are available for godwit shooting also, while special godwit licences are now procurable. There is no limit- to the bag each sportsman may obtain. The annual migratory passage of the godwits is one of the wonders of bird life. They leave Siberia, their natural home, in flights of thousands in order to escape the rigours of tho Siberian winter. Arriving in New Zealand, via Java and Australia, the birds settle along the coast, principally in the North Auckland peninsula. They do not breed here, and thus I.ttle is known of their nesting habits. About April 1 the birds all gather at Spirits Bay, and they will start from there on their long flight back to Siberia. Some, not able to make the journey, have perforce to remain in New Zealand. The Maori name for the godwit is kuaka. It is often called curlew or snipe, although it is not of this species. Sportsmen often mistake iihe pied oyster-catcher, a native bird which is protected, for the godwit. It is somewhat similar, and it fraternises with the visitors. The knot is a smaller bird than tho godwit and is rarely met with. The godwits feed on mudbanks when tho tide is out. With their long bills they pick up shrimps and other small fish. The usual method of shooting is to take cover behind shelters and wait until the incoming tide drives the bird within range. A godwit on the wing makes fine sport.