Nga Manu trip

Today I went to Nga Manu with Amelia and Hilary from uni. It's a nature reserve in Waikanae up on the coast. It's a really cool place, and will definitely be on the list of places to take people who want to experience a bit on NZ. As well as the wildlife it is the last large remnant of swamp forest in the region, and the bush is really healthy, and really swampy too this time of yeah - COOL!

The first friend we made was a very easy going Kaka. He sat on everyone's head and shoulders, and gave me a really good scalp massage too, I WANT ONE!

Number 2 on the list was this Tui, who's been hand raised and has a but of a lazy (munted) wing. We couldn't go into his enclosure, but he tried to get as close as he could to us, and had a good peck at Amelia and her hat...

Next were the Scaup, which are wee native driving ducks. Definitely one of my favourite birds, they are cute to look at and just listen to their CUTE noises!!

On to another type of duck (well sort of) - this is a Paradise Duck, I could sense he would taste good... In the mean time he was nice and soft for a hug!

Amelia wanted to feed this female Pary, and gave here heaps while Hilary kept away some of the Mallards who were very pushy!

See - they are very pushy and greedy!

There were plenty of eels that liked being fed, it was the leftovers which the duck was trying to eat from the bridge, without going into the water... Ducks aren't the brightest animals but are funny to watch!
There is a nocturnal house where there are Kiwi, Moreporks and Tuatara too
This is a young mistletoe growing on a Manuka. NZ mistletoe's are rare now as possums LOVE to eat them...

Had to take a photo of Kapiti on the way home... couldn't help it!

Thanks for driving me up Amelia :)

I miss my car...