Welcome to the Godwits Celebration 2012

In the second week of September, the godwits and other Arctic waders will start returning to the estuaries around New Zealand. At the top of the South Island, we will welcome back our godwits to the Motueka Sandspit and Estuary, where they will stay for the summer.

You will have a chance to view these birds feeding in the estuary. Members of the Nelson Ornithological Society will have telescopes ready for you to use. There will also be information boards about their amazing journey, and the other birds that reside in the estuary.

Artists will be along the waterfront displaying and demonstrating their art, and there will be children's activities where they can explore the creatures that make up godwit grub. At the beginning of the sandspit, you can try your hand at driftwood or sand sculpture.

On Wednesday 26 September, a talk will be given by ornithologist Rob Schuckard, at the SeniorNet rooms, Pah Street Motueka, 7:30pm. He will talk about the results of long-term monitoring of banded birds in the Top of the South Island.

The church bells will ring to welcome the godwits and we can celebrate their return by making sure they have a clean estuary and undisturbed roosting area on the sandspit. Come and join us, and the ukelele band and sing along a welcome for our long haul travelers.