Trip Reports

Waikanae Estuary - 1 May 2003

 

Headed down to the Waikanae Estuary today, hoping to see the chestnut teal Karen and Chris saw on the weekend. Unfortunately, no sign of them today - we checked both lagoons. On the main pond (close to the river) actually roosting on the little boat jetty when we first arrived, however, was the pair of brown teal - the male in absolutely beautiful breeding plumage - shiny green head and all! Got some nice shots, which should appear on our website at some stage soon. Quite a few shovelor, also looking very smart in their freshly moulted plumages! Five Royal spoonbill roosting up the river - it was high tide.

 
BRENT

 

Brown teal, drake on the left and duck on the right

 

 

 

 

Drake brown teal

 

 

 

 

Drake mallard

 

 

 

 

Little (pied) cormorant
White-faced heron

 

 

 

 

White-faced heron