Water through the Estuary

NEW ZEALAND | Friday, 28 June 2013 | Views [295] | View Smaller Image

Ebbs & Flows at the Estuary. Tidal posts mark the rise and fall of the Tasman Sea as it mingles with the fresh water of the Waikanae River ritualistically meeting twice daily with the tides. This mixing of the waters and the ever shifting river mouth create an environment of rich plant and animal communities.

Golden Hour on the Estuary.
A Little Pied Cormorant (Microcarbo melanoleucos) glistens bronze as it spans its black wings soaking up the warmth of a golden winter sunset. More species of coastal and aquatic birds visit Waikanae Estuary than any other site on the Wellington coast.

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A Red-Billed Seagull (Chroicocephalus scopulinus), native to New Zealand, rests on a post as it looks over the tidal flats of the Estuary. More than 60 species of birds breed at the Waikanae Estuary. They depend upon the constant movement of
the river and the tide which opens up twice a day to
reveal a feast of worms, shellfish and crabs.

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Water through the Estuary

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