Bird Life
Pateke Lagoons in July
Winter has put its hand on us over the last week or two. We even have snow on the nearby hills which is very unusual for the Kapiti Coast, although we are used to heavy frosts in winter. Good steady rain has given us much needed water for the wetland. Dabchicks have returned after one of the worst droughts on record, and it is wonderful to see them back diving endlessly. The wetlands have responded well to the rains and there is plenty of grasses and sedges and other vegetation for the ducks to browse. Two domestic geese have turned up and adopted Pateke Lagoons. They spend their time chasing the horses and claiming a whole pond area for their home. It remains to be seen whether they will make room for the Canada Geese who thus far have ignored them disdainfully.
Here are a couple of shots we took in the first week of July of the wetlands and their inhabitants. Drop me a line if you want me to email any high-res shots.
A New Pair of Swans / Swans with Canada Geese and Mallards
