Archive for the ‘Environment and conservation’ Category

Nesting fantails at Mississippi Park, Blenheim, Marlborough, NZ.

Friday, October 28th, 2011

Today I was rewarded in my birding by finding the site where a pair of Fantails (Rhipidura fuliginosa) were nesting. One is black and I’m sure is the female as she is the most busy in building the nest. My wife thinks it is the other way round!! The other is pied and periodically inspects the nest and makes a few alterations. It is fascinating to watch as they bring material, deposit, thump and pound with their breasts until satisfied. The nest is made of twigs, grass, cobwebs, feathers, mud and any other material at hand. A delightful bird to watch and for those with an interest in bird watching one can only marvel at the skill of these birds. I shall continue to watch and keep you updated.

Dryland Kayak tour to Cloudy bay and White bluffs

Friday, October 28th, 2011

Yesterday we had to abort our freshwater kayak tour due to very strong gusty winds so offered a 4wd option to the White bluffs. We had a great time bird watching, taking photographs, searching for fungi and my clients helped me pick up some beach rubbish of bottles, flipper, nylon fishing line, old rope, buckets and balers etc. It was very rewarding to have clients who appreciated a clean beach environment and on our return I was able to recycle most of it.

We were nicely rewarded with a unusual sunset indicating the possibility of rain the following day. All in all this was a ecotour where we cleaned up a little patch of Marlborough with my friends from USA.

Marlborough Kiwi Conservation club

Tuesday, October 11th, 2011

On Sunday I had the privilege to show members of the Kiwi Conservation club a little of the Wairau lagoon and river environment. It was great fun with some interesting questions and knowledgeable young conservationists. This was a first for Driftwood Ecotours taking a club with very similar interests to ourselves and most enjoyable. By way of agreement they made a donation me which will be used to fund trees on our covenanted Queen Elizabeth trust wetland.

Nic Dillon well known local bird artist enjoys the Wairau environment.

Friday, October 7th, 2011

Perfect conditions, low flat light cloudy and so calm. The tide was out and so the waders were active feeding the muddy shore line for insects, worms, eels, snails and crabs.

This morning I have a visit from the representative of the Queen Elizabeth trust coming to discuss improvements to our covenanted wetland.

“Zealandia” The Karori Wildlife sanctuary experience

Wednesday, October 5th, 2011

This winter while the chocolate festival was on we visited Zealandia a truly remarkable wildlife sanctuary where at present you can see “Sirocco” New Zealand’s famous kakapo.If you are a birder or lover of nature this is a must do.