18 Dec 2023

A Birders dream on Chatham Island – Observing rare endemics

After a night at anchorage in the Port of Waitangi, we awoke to an early start for proceedings at 0615, and advanced our clocks by 45 minutes to fit in with Chatham Island time.

Our adventures resumed with a short Zodiac cruise to Waitangi Wharf, where we split into groups to embark on our excursion of choice.

For most, it was a visit to the southwest coast of Chatham Island, beyond Point Durham, to the Awatotara Reserve established by Bruce and Liz Tuanui for the Chatham Island Pigeon. We observed the Chatham Island Warbler, Tūī and Fantail, not to mention the full spectrum of trees, shrubs and ferns that are endemic to the Chatham Islands.

More than 80 of us chose to visit the Tāiko reserve known as Sweetwater with Mike Bell, Dave Boyle, Hamish Chisholm and hosts Bruce & Liz Tuanui. What a remarkable experience! Never have so many been able to observe Chatham Island Tāiko and Chatham Island Petrel in one day.

Back in Waitangi, the largest settlement on Chatham Island, we enjoyed the delights of this quaint town visiting the new museum, general store, Waitangi Café, Hotel Chatham and the craft shop. It was a day of highlights including a walk on the beach in Petre Bay; a walk up to the lookout at Tikitiki Hill; wonderfully fresh fish (Blue Cod) and chips at the hotel; a taste of the local beer and some shopping.

To cap things off, some of us visited Rapanui Road, while others joined Expedition Guide Yuri for a Zodiac Cruise searching for Chatham Island Shag, and a whole bus load visited Admiral Garden, home of Val & Lois Croon.

A lovely day was had by all, made memorable by the remarkable birds of the Chatham's and so many lovely welcoming people. The day was closed with an exclamation point as Kevin grabbed his guitar and John Lennon costume and gave a rousing rendition of Kelp!

Images © C. Finch & I. Jansma, Heritage Expeditions