The January – February 2009 issue of New Zealand Geographic is now out and the feature on godwits includes a dozen of my photos. Bar-tailed godwits / kuaka (Limosa lapponica) are the commonest Arctic migrant in NZ over the summer months, and they hold the record for the longest non-stop flight of any land bird.
I have been photographing shorebirds, including godwits for many years and their remarkable journeys continue to fascinate. During this time I have been fortunate to meet birders and researchers from whom I have learnt a lot about the ‘little brown jobs’ that migrate to NZ for our summer. Special thanks to Keith Woodley, manager at the Miranda Shorebird Centre, and Dr Phil Battley for advice and info.
You can read an abridged version of the article on the New Zealand Geographic website