Birds Galore

Jean writes:

The morning was devoted to Shakespear Regional Park.  It's located at the tip of the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, about twenty minutes from our present base and is a mixture of bays, cliffs, wetlands, grassland, forest and farmland.

Rangers and volunteers have been creating a wildlife sanctuary within the Park since 2003 and have been able to rid the area of predators and pests - stoats, weasels, possums, rabbits, hedgehogs, wild cats, rats and mice.  A pest proof fence prevents them from returning, and it was through carefully constructed double gates that we entered.  

There is a track through a native forest which is regenerating and, as twitchers, we made our way part-way along it.  We saw a variety of birds, but only managed to identify a small number: 

Welcome Swallow

Eastern Rosella

Tui

The first time I heard the word "tui" was at the cricket match at the Saxton Oval, as it Is a brand of beer - and one of the main sponsors of the ODI World Cup.  I soon realised it took its name from the bird, which is the largest of the honeyeaters in New Zealand.  

I was delighted to see the bird today as it's been on my mental list to "spot" since I realised it how common it is in New Zealand. 

There were plenty of other bird sightings today, on the beach, in the trees and on grass, including five peahens and baby.  

I was rather taken by the toilets (I don't think we've mentioned toilets since Vietnam!) at Stanmore Bay, with the kowhai flowers.  Coincidentally tuis love them and burrow inside to reach the nectar.  Kowhai means yellow in Maori.

Plenty of Bays

Dave writes:

Our latest accommodation, as previously mentioned, is close to Arkles Bay which is one of many on this particular peninsula.

We found today as we drove around they all had their own particular charm and character.

From some vantage points it's possible to see three different bays at once.

But when push came to shove our vote for favourite went to Arkles, the smallest and most peaceful.

Nothing at all to do with the great racehorse, I can assure you. 

More scenic delights in store tomorrow as we head north to Opua  - and the Bay of Islands.