A recent observation of a dozen or so vulnerable Pacific Golden Plovers in a flock near the road verge of Wilson Rd at the west side of The Cape, signifies that there is an amazing natural wonder underway at the moment, literally beginning at our back door. A massive migration is in process, as thousands of migratory shorebirds start returning to their breeding grounds and leave our southern land to head way up into the northern hemisphere on exhaustive journeys. Coming the other way, one little winter migrant shorebird, the Double-banded Plover, is going against the grain—some visit our local coast from the south island of New Zealand to spend the winter here. There is so much ‘invisible’ activity in the air as ‘long haul’ birds make remarkable flights following established ‘flyways’. Most humans are probably oblivious to these grand feats of endurance and resilience—so let me share a little glimpse into the lives of some of our locals.