The tides were good to explore the Te Muri Reserve. Or so I thought but after climbing over the hill from Sullivans bay I realised that the tide was turning and coming in fast.
So rather than cross the river I found a shady spot to observe any fish moving upstream with the tide. The water was incredibly clear and soon several good sized parore fish were observed feeding on vegetation along the nearside of the river just below where I was sitting.
Over to the West coast of Auckland today to the Muriwai gannet colony. The newly fledged young gannets are about to launch from the high cliffs of the gannet nesting colony for their first migration.
more to follow.................................
It's always good to catch up with people at the Robert Findlay Reserve and at the Pukorokoro/Miranda Shorebird Centre on the Thames estuary.
Today was extra special as I was able to meet up with my friend Claire from Perth WA and share with her the Pukorokoro shorebird environment. Claire is a Marine Ecologist whose specialty is the Australian Fairy Tern. Her work now includes assisting the New Zealand Scientific Advisory group for research into the Tara Iti, the New Zealand Fairy Tern. I have enjoyed many visits to WA to catch up with the Australian Fairy Tern work by Claire and her colleagues which aligns with my voluntary work with Fairy Tern projects in New Zealand
Claire was enjoying seeing large numbers of shorebirds including South Island pied oystercatchers, Bar-tailed Godwit. Pacific Golden plovers and our New Zealand endemic the Wrybill a small, unusual bird with a bent to the right beak.
Today recent arrivals to NZ from the UK Shona and James were also visiting the Shorebird Centre and by chance Shona and Claire are linked to conservation projects in Australia. I wish them good luck for their future time in NZ and hope to catch up with them in Auckland some time.
It was good to chat to Natalie at the hides about Conservation. Natalie is the present President of Birds New Zealand.
The weather was great the birds were great and the company excellent. Altogether a very enjoyable day.