An incredible day and in search of two rare birds

 December 14th

Oh, how I suffered during the night. Bites on my hand, knee, back of knee, left foot, right ankle, the list goes on and on. Rubbing Eurax (helps to stop the itch) on the bites only dulled the urge to scratch for a short while. What I really craved was an ice pack to place on those bites. And it was all because on arrival at the camp ground I delayed in covering myself in anti midge spray, they had obviously had a meal on me before I had started the job!The culprits here are sand flies, they like humid conditions plenty of that in the forests and bush and thrive anywhere near water. Hmm, maybe that's the answer, stay away from water and don't go forest or bush walking. Oh, but that's everything we love to do, sod that, Jungle spray will be applied as soon as I get up!

So we never did get a visit from that DOC guy. I expect he will wonder what the $12 was all about. Anyway we have been taught a valuable lesson, don't book these sites online.

Back into Picton and a run-up to a lookout. We had to charge the leisure battery knowing we would be away for 6 hours during the afternoon and with the weather being so hot, the fridge had to stay on. We have the solar panel, works brilliantly on the outside in direct sunlight but not so efficient put up against the windscreen from inside the Toy. Lovely views overlooking the harbour. The Flax obscured the view somewhat, but maybe it gives the photo some interest.

The trip we had planned was a dolphin encounter and walk on Motuara Island Scenic Reserve from E-Ko Tours. The boat would leave at 1.30 pm and arrive back before 6 pm. There were about 20 of us on board but two were to be dropped off at Blumine Island on route.

I did wonder at first about the seating arrangements. Lots of inside seating but only some in the outside back deck. The front was out of bounds, well only while we were on the move, anyway. Not long after setting off, the boat suddenly slowed, The shout came that a small Blue Penguin was bobbing up and down on the water. Everyone tried to rush to the back but then the captain asked as all to make our way to the front, sit down and dangle legs over the side. Well you can imagine me trying to get down for that! But where there's a will there's a way and down I plopped. Glad I managed it because got really close to that bird.

Even a Gannett swam past

Time to move on, we were all asked to leave the front and go back inside. Now here lay the difficulty. I had to bring my legs in from the side and somehow stand up with only the small rail to hang onto. My hero to the rescue as Ian grabbed my hand and hoisted me to my feet. Gosh, I do love that man! 

Dolphins can come and go as they please so no guarantee that they would even turn up. They are not fed to bring them in, they come of their own free will. We struck lucky. A huge pod of Bottlenose Dolphins came toward us. OMG they were amazing. We must have been with them for 30 minutes. Again all rushed up to the front and down we all went with feet dangling over the side.

 What a great day so far. Next stop was to drop the two people off at Blumine Island. Well what a game that was. The Captain had to drive the bow so it just touched the beach and then a ladder was placed so the folk could get off. Very interesting to watch.

Our own landing at Motuara was a little easier, at least there was a jetty. I decided against the climb to the top, the views I am told were spectacular. I was also told by Ian on his return from the tramp that I would have struggled to keep up. The march was ruthless and up some steep and rough terrain. These are Ian's photos.

To read about the history click HERE

For me, I had a feeling it might be too much. Instead a natural bird bath with seating was available.  There is no water on this Island, just run off from the forests and bush so the chance of seeing birds bathing and having a drink was a distinct possibility. A bird on my 'must see' list was a saddleback. Size of a blackbird but brown across its back and two wattles either side of its throat. It was once one of the most endangered birds on the islands. (North and South) This expert from nzbirdsonline.org.nz

This endemic species is most famous for being saved from extinction in 1964, when 36 birds were translocated from rat-infested Big South Cape Island (off Stewart Island) to nearby Big and Kaimohu Islands. This was the first time that a rescue translocation had prevented a species from becoming extinct anywhere in the world.

 Having a good 30 minutes on my own with no interruptions, more birds appeared.

Bell bird female

And male

Yellow crowned Parakeet.

New Zealand Pigeon

New Zealand Robin

Back on board we headed off back toward Picton. More sightings were seen but this time of the very rare King Shag. It's similar to the Pied Shag and can easily be misidentified. The King Shag is endemic to New Zealand and only occurs in the Marlborough Sounds. It's considered a nationally endangered species with a population numbering fewer than 900 individuals. About 12 were spied on a rock, the Captain took the boat as close to the cliff as possible, so we could get a good look.

Beneath them was a small rocky outcrop and standing on that, a lone Spotted Shag

The day couldn't have gone much better. We were incredibly lucky to see what we did. The race was now to get back to Picton before 6 pm but first those two folk that had been left at Blumine Island had to be picked up. Same procedure as before with the ladder. 

And before we pulled away another sighting but this time of the Pied Shags

Took roughly 40 minutes from Blumine Island back to Picton. Refreshments were handed out, first hot drinks and as we neared home, a glass of white wine each. 

What an experience and a very easy recommendation. 

Back on dry land it was find a chip shop, then find somewhere to stay the night. We headed off toward Blenheim and came across a free camp ground at Wairau Diversion Reserve just outside Rarangi.It was late and we were ready to stop. Tomorrow it's time for a shower. Another of those Kiwi Camps at a place called Riverlands Roadhouse. They have washing machines, power, showers and a café. After all that anti midge stuff covering every inch of exposed skin, I feel in need of a long hot shower.

 

And as if you haven't already had enough, some wildlife today