Paradiso- Old Years Day -1

Then there were two!

It's Christmas

Well that’s it folks, another year has sailed past. It’s been a good one and here’s hoping that 2014 will be even better.

With the move and big change next year my creative email may be out of action so just use my Google mail address, that’s the one I used during my UK travels.

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas.

Philip

Chenier at Shoal Bay

What has Shoal Bay in common with Miranda? Both have Chenier beaches. That is raised shell beaches formed by long shore drift depositing shells over mud.

 This is a very rare feature and there are said to be only 12 worldwide. http://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/publications/factsheets/rare-ecosystems/coastal/shell-barrier-beaches-chenier-plains   Miranda is the largest in NZ and we have several in the Shoal bay area.
 More to follow..........

VOC Success

Do you remember my September 10th blog entry 'Love is in the air' ?Well today I saw the results, three very young Variable Oystercatcher chicks which I would judge to be just a few days old.

 They were at the waters edge just
below a shell bank at Shoal Bay with an anxious mum watching over them that is the bird on the right.

Oystercatchers make good parents and I have been watching them North of Auckland on the East coast each week this season. The father in this case seemed less concerned about my presence. So far all good but its early days, these chicks are vulnerable to cats, rats, dogs and overhead predation by hawks and black backed gulls. I wish them luck and will be checking on their progress regularly.