Some good news … in the last few months the Pied Stilts have raised 3 chicks to adults, and Oystercatchers raised a group of 3 chicks and a group of two. Then today I spotted two more brand new Oystercatcher chicks! This must be the most successful season we’ve ever had!
And although they may or may not be breeding here, there are a lot of Dotterels around, and a White-Faced Heron and Royal Spoonbill have been visiting the Estuary too.
![NZ Dotterel shows off its jewellery.](https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/98465/2024/dotterel-jewellery.jpeg)
![Pied Stilt stands guard on 3 juveniles.](https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/98465/2024/pied-stilt-stands-guard.jpeg)
![White-faced heron.](https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/98465/2024/1b57060c75.jpeg)
![Oystercatcher with two chicks.](https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/98465/2024/oystercatcher-with-chicks.jpeg)
![Oystercatcher chicks seek refuge under their parent. Can you see their bottoms peeking out?](https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/98465/2024/oystercatcher-chicks-refuge.jpeg)