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Each year, kuaka (bar-tailed godwits) undertake incredible migration flights between Alaska and Aotearoa, with some returning to Snells Beach for their Southern Hemisphere summer.
For as long as humans have been around to observe them, kuaka return to their preferred habitats where they rest and feed before returning north to breed.
To celebrate the amazing natural phenomenon, Snells Shoreline Conservation Community (SSCC) is hosting a community event next month, where people can respectfully observe the birds that started arriving in September.
“We are privileged to live in the habitat of kuaka and the community has a vital role – protecting the fragile coastal ecosystem of shorebirds,” SSCC member Jackie Russell says.
“Renowned authority, Keith Woodley from Pūkorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre, will talk about the amazing bar-tailed godwits and this is an exceptional opportunity to learn more about the taonga. Kuaka have the record for the longest non-stop migration of any animal on the planet.”
There will be biodiversity champions with displays and family-friendly activities, to encourage conversations about the ecological features of the Snells Beach shoreline.
“Many people understand protecting the bush, oceans, rivers and wetlands but often our beaches are overlooked as important ecosystems.”
Young and not so young, locals and visitors can chat with backyard trapping enthusiasts, guardians of freshwater and Hauraki Gulf, invasive weed controllers, and many more people with conservation knowledge.
“This is an opportunity for the community to share their vision for the environmental protection and enhancement of Snells Beach shoreline and beyond. Who knows, we could have korimako (bellbirds), giant kōkopu or shore skinks back in our coastal neighbourhood like other groups have achieved.”
The celebration outside Bayside Bistro, 70 Kokihi Lane, Snells Beach, on Sunday, October 16 starts at 1pm. Bring binoculars if you have them.
For more information and essential registration for Keith Woodley’s presentation go to, www.snellsconservation.org.
