BIRDQUEST2004

We left Wellington knowing we’d be back there some day.  I could easily see, Sue and I, going there for a winter break.  Friendly people, scenery and climate.

There were more dairy/cattle farms in the north but the variety of pasture birds seemed to be the same as on the South Island.

Pied Stilt

We did see more Redpolls and Finches near Taupo

A smoking up close look at a Yellowhammer, the second of this trip.

Young Black-billed Gull

Crazy panorama..

European Import’s

Eurasian Coot

Black Swan

Dabchick Grebe

Love is in the air

Black-billed Gull

Spur-winged Plover

This photo doesn’t really show just how much water is going through this gorge at Huka Falls.

Next stop was the Orakei Korako Geothermal Park & Cave, another spot that’s worth the price of admission.  An enjoyable afternoon.

A small boat takes you to the Thermal Park

The Cave

Fantail

Welcome Swallow

Sue planned to go to the Te Puia, the Maori cultural center and geothermal wonder and I looked around the area for spots to bird.

I happened on a Waste dump with thousands of gulls and after donning a hard hat and safety jacket they let me wander about taking images of Kelp Gulls.

1st cycle

Adult

1st Cycle

3rd Cycle

Adult

1st

1st

2nd

1st

1st

2nd

We thought it would be a great to call it a day, early and enjoy dinner in Rotorua.

We chose an Italian restaurant…with interesting wall décor.  first Italian restaurant I’ve ever been in that bread wasn’t included with your meal.  You had to pay for it.

A great day had by all

Ciao for now

 

 

We headed out on the ferry from Picton, south Island to Wellington, North island on August 26.  The weather was not very good for viewing, foggy, rainy and windy, oh and did I mention cold….

I did see a few things from the deck…

Spotted Shag

I’m thinking White-capped Albatross

I was pouring when we reached Wellington but it was the only heavy rain we had in New Zealand.

Great view and  sunrise through our window…

Next morning under clear skies we visited Zealandia, a must for anyone who wants to see native birds.  These birds can fly in and out of the sanctuary, the fence keeps the introduced predators out.

Why The Fence

Why the fence is so high.

The sanctuary covers 225 hectares (over 550 acres)

There is a bit of climbing involved..

There are awesome birds found here that allow you to get close…

New Zealand Pigeon

Grey Warbler

Pied Cormorant

They have a pair of Takahe, who’ve been together for a long time and can no longer breed so they were moved here to make room for younger birds on Mana Island.  They are called Puffin and T2, very approachable.

Bellbird

Stitchbird

Kakariki – Red-crowned Parakeet

Kaka

Saddleback

Tui

New Zealand Parrot

A surprising European introduction – Dunnock

Beautiful paradise Duck

A very interesting selection of paintings on the wall

A bird I really wanted to see a Kakapo0, was on loan to the another sanctuary…would have like to see this bird.

Outside the coffee shop was a sign that caught Sue’s attention…

A reminder that things aren’t always safe…

There were a few endangered Lizards…

Tuatara

Wellington Green Gecko

We had a bit of time left so we visited the Cable Car Museum nearby, small but cool, with lovely views of Wellington.

That night there was a game between The All Blacks (New Zealand) and the Wallabies (Australia) so we grabbed some wine and did what everyone else in the country was doing, watched the game.  The view helped.

Next morning we explored Wellington, walked a bit downtown and visited the Museaum of New Zealand – Te Papa Tongarewa, some of the areas in the museum, photos are not allowed.  I would have loved to show you the Maori area but you’ll have to visit on your own for that one.

I would have loved to find a Morpork Owl.

New and Old

This map was particularly sad of how much forest has been destroyed

Norway Rat with poison pellet

Kakapo

A Kakako, another bird I tried hard to see…

North we go….

Ciao for now