New Zealand

5th November - 4th December 2005

St. Anne's Lagoon

Approximately half-way between Kaikoura and Christchurch on the west side of the main highway, St Anne's Lagoon makes an ideal rest break and a good spot for viewing a good selection of wildfowl. It was a drizzly, overcast day when I visited so I didn't take many photos and those that I did are not particularly good...

Grey Teal (Anas gracilis)

Roosting spots on the partially submerged logs seemed to be in high favour. Initially, there had been 3 Grey Teal sitting here until a pair of New Zealand Scaup chased them away. The final Grey Teal was a lot more stubborn and it took quite a lot of concerted bullying from the Scaup before it too eventually gave up its perch.

New Zealand Scaup (Aythya novaeseelandiae) attempting to displace a Grey Teal (Anas gracilis) from its perch

The New Zealand race of Australian Shoveler is brighter in colour, and has a more clearly defined white facial crescent, than the nominate Australian race.

eclipse drake Australian Shoveler (Anas rhynchotis)

eclipse drake Australian Shoveler (Anas rhynchotis)

Common Coot are found throughout Europe, Asia and Australasia. The race found in Australia and New Zealand, australis, is considerably smaller than the European form with some individuals weighing up to 50% less.

Common Coot (Fulica atra australis)

Kaikoura Headland & Whale-watching

New Zealand map

MacKenzie Basin