I know I keep going there, but next week will be different.
The Pauatahanui inlet is a constant source of wonder to me. I ended up there again yesterday. I shall not go there today.
I had spent a lot of yesterday repairing a set of garden stairs and, as always, looking for the right screws and tools to do the job. When at last the job was done, the sun was alarmingly low in the sky. Where to go? Pauatahanui of course! There is always something to found there.
Low tide exposes an expanse of sticky grey mud with occasional shell banks, so with my trousers tucked into my boots I wandered out to see what could be seen around the bank of weeds.
That’s a fierce-looking beak
As I reached one of the shell banks, a trio of Caspian terns (Sterna caspia) became visible. Being wary birds, they took off but since I stood very still, they circled and came back.
The oystercatchers were intimidated, or perhaps just crowded out
Something about terns fascinates me. They are delicate and precise in their flight, just beautiful to watch. The Caspian tern is the largest of our terns, and they seemed to intimidate the Pied Oystercatchers in the neighbourhood which then took off and flew to the other side of the inlet.
It was a pleasant afternoon
From out on the mudflats, at this lovely time of the day, there were some interesting view lines, enhanced by the reflections on the water.
Photographers call this the golden hour
Perhaps because of the quality of the light, I went in search of the boat sheds on the Northern side of the inlet. Somehow I have never been close to them before. Sadly, by the time I got where I wanted to be, the best of the light had gone. This is a place to which I shall return.
Not colours I would choose, but the combination is compelling
On the last homeward leg of my photo expedition, I was coming round a very tight corner on Grey’s Road when the full glory of the sunset revealed itself. A hasty parking manoeuvre and a short walk gave me access to a lovely view of the inlet.
Nature’s colour choice is far more subtle and tasteful
Tomorrow’s page will be about somewhere else.
That sunset is a winner! Well done!
Thanks Toya
Love the sunset one. Were you just before the turnoff to Motukaraka Pt?
A bit further to the East, Margaret, where the walkway drops below the road on that sharp corner
Absolutely fantastic shots Brian. I could (and have almost) spent hours going through your posts. It seems a long time since the Wysiwyg news days! The ‘purple prose’ has improved with age Greetings from an old reader stuck up in Sweden and feeling very homesick from your shots! (I hope you do not mind me downloading some for backgrounds?)