2002 in Christchurch Harbour

So the curtain closes on a great year of Christchurch Harbour birding. In total, 218 species plus 3 sub-species were recorded. Of the 218, five were new for the area - Rough-legged Buzzard, Bee-eater, White Stork, Bobolink and Pallid Swift. This year has certainly seen the harbour birded with renewed enthusiasm, mainly fuelled by a healthy species count competition amongst some of the locals, the winner seeing 209, a full 25 species clear of second place! The closely fought runners up spot was settled in the final minute of the final seawatch of the year, when today's 2 Scaup appeared as telescopes were already being packed away. Despite the "pressures" the challenge brought, the whole year has been immensely enjoyable and we are looking forward to an even better 2003. Thanks go to everyone who so sportingly participated and are we up for it again next year? That 218 has to be beaten. Thanks also go to everyone who has visited the harbour and contributed their sightings.