There were parts of Pauatahanui that I had yet to explore.
Wildflowers in the swamp
On Monday I decided to explore the parts of the reserve to the North of Grays Rd. At first I found little of interest, though I liked the splash of colour in the patches of wildflowers along the path. I have no idea what they are, but I got down really low for the shot and got grass stains on my trousers as a result.
Sheep lurking in the swamp
As I followed the winding path through the rushes that typify this salty wetland, I became aware of some sheep grazing in the boggy areas on either side. I must say I was surprised, as I recall from my year 8 geography lessons in school that sheep don’t do well if the ground is wet, and that foot rot is a likely consequence.
Kingfisher
After reaching the Northern boundary fence I came back and spotted this handsome kingfisher perched on pine trees and retrieving insects from the grass below.
Panorama … looking South from Maungaraki
I had not long been home when Mary came in from work, keen to show me a hill and lookout she had visited over the weekend. I’m glad she did. From the little knob called Puketirotiro on the Western side of Maungaraki Road there was a view I had not previously seen. This is a nine-shot panorama stitch which you might need to click on to see the detail.
That’s enough for the day.
lovely pano
Those are beautiful Blue-eyed Grasses (Sisyrinchium). 🙂
Re Swamp Sheep. Didn’t your geography teacher tell you that most sheep in New Zealand are Romneys? Or, to give them their full name, Romney Marsh, from the Romney Marshes of Olde England.