What's New - Spring Attractions
The flaxes - harakeke are extending their long flowerheads to the sky and the masses of them would indicate that a long hot summer is due. Soon the tuis (Prothemadera novaeseelandiae) will be swinging from these stems and feeding upon the nectar making a boat trip on the lagoon even more appealing.
For the first time at Paramata Lodge several bellbirds – korimako (Anthornis melanura) came to feed on the flowering tree fuschia - kotukutuku. I’ve often wondered why we haven’t seen these birds before. Possibly the success of our tree planting and the shelter that the lodge now provides to the surrounding vegetation makes it more attractive. The Bellbird is my favourite for its beauty and song.
On the lagoon a pair of Paradise ducks (Tadorna variegata) have eight tiny ducklings and what a racket they make when we approach. Both parents work to protect their young, giving clear instructions on hiding and when to dive out of sight. Not that the little ones can stay under the water long!
Also happening is a wonderful dawn chorus, a pukeko (Porphyrio melanotus) family with four chicks lives beside the lodge and recently six young brown ducks strutted past the lounge windows in formation much to our surprise. Guests with little time can simply watch from the lodge windows. The one hour tours are being conducted in the morning at present. November 2007
 
|
