Okareka update September 2018

tony
September 30, 2018
birds / guides / New Zealand

Pied Stilt/Poaka feeding in typical Okareka sunset light reflecting from the hills behind

Today we take a brief break from the South Island for an Okareka update September 2018. The flooding that I mentioned in my last Okareka update has meant that I haven’t visited my favourite local spot as much as usual. Scouting locations to take visiting bird photographer, Samuel Bloch, has seen me up at the lake a couple of time this week and I thought that I would share an update on the current situation at Lake Okareka.

a pair of Pied Stilts /Poaka — Pair of Pied Stilts /Poaka landing to stake a territorial claim

The lake levels have dropped back to more normal levels although at the high end of the usual range. The margins are still very mushy and the marginal vegetation has suffered with many rush clumps having died back. The flaxes seem to have suffered a bit too with some looking decidedly unwell and no signs of new season flower spikes yet. The birds are however enjoying the margins with all the usual suspects in attendance. Spring has the Pied Stilts paired up and being territorial. They are one of my favourite subjects with opportunities on them foraging in their reflections and in flight. Grey Teal and Australasian Shovelers are present along with the copious Mallards, Paradise Shelduck and Canada Geese. The Dabchicks are doing well and at least one pair are already carrying a chick on the back.

NZ Dabchick/Weweia photographed at the boat ramp

My usual haunt at Okareka is the boardwalk but if the boat ramp is quiet there is lovely afternoon light and a low viewpoint from the jetty with a couple of Dabchick pairs in the area. The coots and ducks are more approachable in this area as they are accustomed to more human traffic.

Australasian Coot photographed from the boat ramp

One the things I enjoy about flight photography is freezing moments that are invisible when in motion. Catching moments of aerodynamics in action are beautiful. This shot of a landing Canada Goose clearly shows the alula acting as a slot to smooth airflow and delay stalling of the wing. The outer wing where it is acting retains laminar airflow with smooth upper wing coverts and inboard of the alula the turbulent airflow is lifting and fluttering the upper wing coverts and scapulars. Just beautiful.