Lake Okareka is one of my favourite local bird photography destinations. It is a short drive up the road and I can be there photographing within minutes of leaving home. Unfortunately I have not been too often in the past year. This has largely been due to abnormally high water levels which flooded the boardwalk and had the track officially closed for a while. I headed up at Easter to have a look and went again last weekend with Edin so thought a post with an Okareka update was due.

Water levels are back down to normal but due to the flooding the margins are still quite muddy and the marginal vegetation is not as lush as usual. As usual there is a good population of shags, ducks, Canada Geese and occasional pairs of Paradise Duck. There were no Stilts seen at Easter but a pair were there on my second visit. As always good numbers of Dabchicks but being small and feeding distantly they are not really ideal for photography.

The special thing about Okareka is the light. The setting sun gives low warm light which can remain on the hills in the background once lost to the birds in the water. This gives a special situation with the subject in diffused sky light while standing in smooth water reflecting warm sunlight from the hills. It is just gorgeous to watch develop through the viewfinder while waiting for a co-operative avian subject.

As always I am on the lookout for opportunities to add to my Birds on White collection. Grey Teal are usually present and make a nicer subject than the more common introduced Mallards.

All photos with Nikon D500 and Nikon 500mm f4 VR lens. Flight shots handheld, rest with Gitzo monopod.