In an unexpected turn of events, Skylar the Scarlet Macaw, last seen in the Tauranga area in late February, has made a surprise appearance on Mount Maunganui beach with a boogie board in hand.

"Blown off course by recent heavy rains and winds, Skylar has arrived six weeks early for our highly anticipated Topflite National Bird Show," says Tauranga Bird Club president Sheryl Baron.

The national prestigious event, hosted this year by the Tauranga Bird Club at the Baypark Stadium Lounge in Mount Maunganui from July 26 -28, will showcase around 1400 birds from 17 different species.

Judging will take place throughout the day on Friday, July 26. The public is invited to view these magnificent birds on Saturday, July 27, from 9 am to 5pm, and again on Sunday, July 28, from 9 am to 12 noon.

Skylar the Scarlet Macaw arriving at Mount Maunganui early for the Topflite National Bird Show. Photo: Supplied.

"Skylar has already begun assisting us in ensuring everything runs smoothly," says Sheryl.

"Her beach arrival this morning was met with applause and engagement from the public, who were delighted to see this rare visitor from South America.

"Some suggested Skylar might even win Best Macaw at the show."

The Tauranga Bird Club's 2023 Tauranga bird show. This year the club will be hosting the Topflite National Bird Show at Baypark. Photo:Supplied.

The Topflite National Bird Show will feature a variety of birds, including canaries (rollers, colour-fed, and lizards), budgerigars, cockatiels, various finches (Bengalese, zebra, and Gouldians), British birds, and an array of hookbeaks (red rumps, cockatoos, elegants, and splendids), as well as several types of lovebirds.

Skylar the Scarlet Macaw ruffles her feathers. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

Skylar, with her wet feathers and ruffled demeanor, will face tough competition from birds entered from across New Zealand, including Gisborne, Whangarei, Hawkes Bay, Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin.

"The Tauranga Bird Club is excited to host this event and looks forward to the fierce competition for Best Bird across all categories," says Sheryl.

To contact Tauranga Bird Club email: taurangabirdclub@gmail.com