Summer 2010: After a wet winter and even wetter spring the wetland is full to the brim and playing host to millions of frogs and tadpoles. This has attracted a flock of Royal Spoonbills . With their large and broad winspan these birds can glide for miles as they search for feeding grounds. The dabchicks have fared well with plenty of cover and water deep enough to dive in. Canada Geese too have thrived this year with several families running along the ground, wings spread and almost ready to fly. There are lots of grey teal already winging their way round the wetland practising landing and take-offs. Tuis and bellbirds are in profusion, and the vegetable garden is groaning with Christmas fare.
The flax has had a particularly good spring with flowers all over brining tuis from miles around to feed. Kahikatea trees have also fruited heavily even though they are only 12 years or so old. Lots of green shoots at the extremes of the branches show good vigour. Many of them are over 4 metres high already.