Seabird Coast. Miranda. North Island. New Zealand.
S 37° 09.263 E 175° 18.621
60H E 349960 N 5886664
The Miranda coast is a world-renowned destination for birdwatchers. Thousands of wading birds from the Arctic tundra, along with similar numbers of New Zealand breeding shorebirds are present at Miranda each year.
Waymark Code: WM4FJN
Location: North Island, New Zealand
Date Posted: 08/17/2008
Views: 153
The Firth of Thames, extending north from the Hauraki Plains and flanked by the bush clad hills of the Hunua Ranges to the west and the Coromandel Ranges to the east, includes the intertidal flats totalling up to 8500 hectares. These attract thousands of migratory wading birds from home and abroad.
Extensive shellbanks have formed along the coast and these provide excellent and safe roosting areas for birds at high tide. The easy viewing of these shellbanks makes them attractive for birdwatching.
The Miranda Coast is the most important wintering ground for Wrybill Plover Anarhynchus frontalis. This endemic is unique among birds in having a bill curved to the side. The estimated total species population is only 5300, up to 40% of which flock to Miranda at the end of the breeding season.
At least three endemic species breed at Miranda; the New Zealand Dotterel Charadrius obscurus, Variable Oystercatcher Haematopus unicolour and Black -Billed Gull Larus novaehollandiae .
Other breeding species include Pied Stilt Himantopus himantopus, Spur-winged Plover Vanellus miles, White-faced Heron Ardea novaehollandiae, Banded Rail Rallus Phillippensis, Black-backed Gull Larus dominicanus, Black-billed Gull Larus bulleri White-fronted Tern Sterna striata and Pukeko Porphyrio porphyrio .
Miranda is an important wintering ground for thousands of Arctic nesting shorebirds. Most common species are Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica (7-10,000) and Lesser or Red Knot Calidris canutus (5-6,000).
Other species present in smaller numbers each year include Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres, Eastern Curlew Numenius madagascariensis, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata, Terek Sandpiper Tringa terek ,Red necked Stint Calidris ruficollis, and Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea.
The Miranda Shorebird Centre, situated on the main road beside the Seabird Coast, is an information and education centre. It is also a lodge for birders as well as anyone else. It features extensive displays on the natural history of Miranda and its international significance.
Park Name: Miranda Seabird Coast.
Sponsoring Organization: Miranda Naturalists Trust.
Handicap Accessible?: Yes
Website: [Web Link]
List any Hides, Birding Towers, or other structures to assist in Birdwatching found at the location:
Viewing is dependant on the tides as migratory birds come to the shellbanks at high tide. At other times they are out feeding on the mudflats. It is recommended that visitors should allow a day. Birds commonly seen: Wading birds are there all year round, but the main flocks of godwit and knot are on location between September and March. Wrybill and oystercatchers are around from late January through to July/August. Other species regularly seen are sharp-tailed sandpiper, curlew sandpiper, red-necked stint, eastern curlew, ruddy turnstone, New Zealand dotterel, and banded dotterel. There are usually a Siberian tattler and one or two Terek sandpipers over the summer as well.
Entrance Fee: Not Listed
Parking Coordinates: Not Listed
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Visit Instructions:
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