Pied Shag

Pied shag (karuhiruhi, Phalacrocorax varius) on a rock at Western Springs.

For more black and white images check out Dragonstar’s Weekend in Black and White.

Welcome to Western Springs

This was the welcome I got recently at Western Springs. A Sebastopol Goose (“Lockengans” in German) with its curly feathers all over the body, and a hiss at the front end. I had not noticed this breed of goose before.

Royal Spoonbill, Western Springs

Repeating last year’s performance, Royal Spoonbills are again paying a visit to Western Springs. When I saw them, they were again on the coprosma tree with its shiny green leaves, and also on the willow beside where they appeared to strip the leaves off the twigs.

Royal Spoonbills, Western Springs

Royal Spoonbills, Western Springs

Two Geese

From Western Springs. Not for the Christmas market.

Coot

A coot brings nesting material to the nest site, where it is awaited by its mate. Western Springs.

Coots

Mallard Duck (Detail)

… off a duck’s back.

New Zealand Scaup

New Zealand Scaup or Black Teal are a species of diving duck endemic to NZ. Very swift and fun to watch, with their bright golden eyes. This one generated a sequence of concentric circles by treading water. Western Springs.