On February 12th, 2023 volunteers and staff from a number of agencies undertook the annual census of wetland birds around Te Waihora / Lake Ellesmere.

This year over 42,838 birds were recorded around the lake – the  results table can be viewed here.

Notable observations this year is that waterfowl made up over 75% of the birds counted with grey teal making up a approx. 1/3 of these numbers followed by Black Swan ( 23%).

For photos and information about each of the species visit the NZ Birds Online website.