Milford Lagoon birds

  We recently had the opportunity to visit the Milford Lagoon which is at the mouth of the Opihi River near Temuka. Different species of birds were in abundance. 

All the following photos have had little post processing apart from cropping and sharpening. 

On getting out of the car I noticed a number of caspian terns which seemed to be oblivious to my presence.

Caspian Terns: 

Dotterills:

These birds spent a lot of time at the waters edge fossicking for something - whatever they were looking for I have no idea, but they didn't seem to find anything. 

Gulls:

A large number of gulls were camped out across the river next to the sea. From what we could see there were Red and Black billed gulls as well the larger black backed species in the distance. There were apparently herring gulls as well which I managed to get in flight.

A red billed gull with something in its beak.

The next two images are what I think are Herring gulls, judging by their yellow bills. 

The next one is better with wings fully extended up.

My best image taken

Black billed gulls with a juvenile in front with a red berry.

Black and white stilts:

Grey heron:

These were the only two we saw.

 Godwits:

These were some distance away but by cropping in a satisfying image has been produced. 

Large numbers migrate to New Zealand each year.

Oyster catchers:

Spoonbill: 

One or two spoonbills made an early appearance and patrolled the margins of the water before a large number flew in at dusk.

With the sunsetting it was time to pack top and go home, until next time.