Page 22 - Dainfern Precinct Living 7 2021

BIRDING

Des and Kirsty, energetic as ever, Well did we recall the Keas, large
decided on a walk down the river alpine parrots that indulged in
and discovered a breeding Wrybill. noisy antics, alighting on the roof
This small Plover is considered to be peaks of our hotel, the Hermitage,
unique in the world of birds for having then sliding down the roof slope
the end segment of its bill distinctly to the end, before launching into
curved, without exception, towards joyous flight screaming kee-aaa,
the right, a feature that has evolved kee-aaa, kee-aaa. The Hermitage
to assist the bird in its search for food was unrecognisable, having been
amongst the numerous rocks and completely rebuilt, and Mount Cook
pebbles in the habitat it frequents. itself, shrouded in cloud and mist,
They also came across numerous was barely visible so we did not linger
Double-banded Plovers (Dotterels), and about-turned back to Twizel.
but no Stilt.
Just outside the town in gale-force
Returning to Twizel, we stopped at winds we came up behind Des and
the outlet of Lake Alexandrina into Kirsty on their bikes leaning into the
Lake Tekapo to identify three pairs of cross-wind at an unbelievable angle
NZ Shoveler and six Grey Teal when Morepork (AR) to remain in their saddles. Perhaps
Kirsty suddenly spotted a Black Stilt backdrop of snow-clad mountains, it understandably, no resistance was
foraging along the shoreline. The was an absolutely stunning sight. given when we loaded their bikes
bird’s legs were banded (green left We spent the night in the Twizel onto the back of the campervan
and yellow right) and its plumage was Motor Park. and proceeded en route to our
pitch black without a trace of white next beautifully located overnight
indicating a pure-bred specimen Despite yet another day of mist and destination, the Glendhu Bay Motor
uncontaminated by the closely related rain, Des and Kirsty decided to cycle Park on the shores of Lake Wanaka.
Pied Stilt who regularly hybridise with to Mount Cook, the highest peak
their black cousin. (3 754m) in NZ, whilst Maureen and During an early morning jog
I revisited the Cass River for a second into Wanaka town via a hill that
The scenery here was fantastic! viewing of the Stilt before also setting overlooked the town, Des and
Lake Pukaki was the most incredible off for Mount Cook, which we had Kirsty spotted a pair of introduced
turquoise blue colour. Set against a visited some 20 years previously. Californian Quails. Next on our

Lake Brunner
2 20
DPL