Haere rā, Farewell to the Godwits

Haere rā, Farewell to the Godwits

Christchurch's 2,000 Godwits (Kuaka) will take to the wing soon, as they leave their summer feeding grounds to breed 11,000km away in Alaska.

This year, the free Farewell to the Godwits ceremony is from 6pm — 7pm, Wednesday 9 March at the Southshore Spit Reserve in South New Brighton.

Cantabrians traditionally gather to honour the departure of these small birds with phenomenal stamina. Crowned 2015 Bird Of The Year, Godwits are well known for their champion migratory flight.

After leaving Christchurch and New Zealand, they fly non-stop for almost 10,000km to the Yellow Sea coasts of China and the Korean peninsula. Here they refuel for 3-4 weeks before completing their homeward migration, crossing the North Pacific to Alaska, where they breed on the open Arctic tundra.

The Council's Coastal Rangers and Birds New Zealand members will be on hand at the Farewell to answer questions. They advise people to bring their binoculars or telescope for a good viewing. There will also be free BBQ sausages courtesy of The Breeze, and coffee will be available to buy on site.

Keep in mind that the track to the Southshore Spit Reserve is rough and it takes about 10 or 15 minutes to reach the viewing site.

The Farewell to the Godwits is a smoke-free event, in line with the Council's smoke-free public places policy.

ENDS

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