Login|Free Signup
Avon River NZ   RSS
September 25 2003
Getting my duck fix
I am at my sisters place in Christchurch, the biggest city in the South Island, and where I grew up. Christchurch is known as "the garden city" and has the grassy banked Avon River winding through the centre of the city. A trip to the doctors today got me out of the house. My sister kindly drove me the long way, along the banks of the Avon, so I could get my duck fix out the window of the car. Thanks Marianne for making my stay as enjoyable as can be under the circumstances.
       
    
precache precache precache precache
Print all for $0.81 | Slideshow | Invite
IMG 0324
Then a single spunky wee duckling darting about independently of it's Mom.
Then along came two papango's (NZ Scaup). Little black diving ducks that were not here when I was a kid, but have come back after efforts to reintroduce native reeds and rushes back to the Avon. They disappear under water for long periods.
I was lucky to have a female Paradise shelduck come right up on the bank. They are much more friendly down here and this is the first time I have been able to get a good pic of one.
Rare "Blue Ducks" spotted
Rare "Blue Ducks" spotted
And I see the council has made the river more accessible to the duck loving public
Then some Canada Geese (never seen when I was a kid but now taking over the river)
I saw a beautiful Paradise shelduck drake in glorious colour