Bird count

Join us for a morning on the shell spit — binoculars in hand, feet in the shells, eyes on the birds.

Once or twice a year Pouteria undertakes shorebird monitoring at Te Matuku Bay — one of the most significant shorebird habitats in the Hauraki Gulf. The shell spit and surrounding tidal flats host a remarkable diversity of native and migratory species, and keeping track of their numbers over time is an important part of understanding how the reserve is faring.

Each session is a half-day commitment, usually in December or January. We follow a standard shorebird monitoring protocol — you can read it on our blog: Shorebird Monitoring Protocol →

What to expect

You'll need to be reasonably fit and comfortable on uneven ground — the shell spit is beautiful but not smooth underfoot. Ideally you'll already be able to identify the main shorebird species found here:

• Tūturiwhatu (New Zealand dotterel) — nationally vulnerable, nests on the shell spit
• Taranui (Caspian tern) — nationally vulnerable, a striking white and red-billed visitor
• Kuaka (bar-tailed godwit) — long-distance migrant from Alaska, overwinters at Te Matuku
• Tōrea pango (variable oystercatcher) — resident breeder on the shell barrier beaches
• Karuhiruhi (pied shag) — commonly seen fishing in the bay
• Gulls, herons, stilts and more

Bring your own binoculars if you have them, and wear layers — mornings on the spit can be brisk. We follow a structured protocol so data is consistent across seasons and years.

The same bird count information applies to both the Events & Education — Bird count page. All are welcome, from experienced ornithologists to curious beginners.