Offroad-Express

I should just make note here that its coming into the wrybills nesting time (technically Aug to Jan) I haven't seen any details in the media yet, so we just need to start being aware of keeping clear of their typical nesting spots on the Ashley (upstream from the Rangiora bridge and south of the main flow downstream of the bridge). This doesn't cause any undue restrictions as there are other places to go and can get past these by going along the sides.

Any one who has any updates of where they are actually nesting this year would be great.

Ironically, I was just reading in the paper that someone (doc or council etc) was organising a tour up the river to view the nesting birds for the public. I thought they would be going up the stopbanks and looking out but I see that they are postponing it if the river levels are high, so one would presume they are going out on the open river bed??

Below is taken as a direct quote from.....

nzbirds.co.nz wrote:
I have seem them on the Rakaia River from its mouth up to where the Acheron flows in — say five miles above the gorge; on the Waimakariri up to the Gorge Bridge; on the Hurunui River, below the Culverden Road; on the Waiau River above Waiau, and on the Rangitata River near the traffic bridge. I know they frequent the Ashley, and I have been told that they were seen on the Clarence, though this latter record was not substantiated.

I have seen both black and pied stilts up the McCauley River too.

Take care guys, driving the braided rivers. Dont think they (the birds) are silly enuff to nest on the roads and tracks, but be aware.

Regards.........b