Birds in southern New Zealand departed on average 9–11 days earlier than birds in more northern sites. Godwits arrive at the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta in Alaska in two waves; local breeders in early May, and larger flocks in the third week of May en route to breeding grounds further north.

What season do godwits migrate?

Bar-tailed Godwits spend the Austral summer in New Zealand and Australia and each year they complete an epic journey from the Southern Hemisphere to the Yellow Sea, then Alaska, and then back again. Every September about 80,000 of them fly back to New Zealand.

Where do godwits go in winter?

To Prince Godwits migrate because it is too cold to winter over in Alaska. The chicks are born there as they grow quickly in the 24 hour daylight. They are estuary birds and will migrate to various estuarys because of the abundant food source.