Trip Report, June 2015
Wattle Downs and Conifer Grove Walkways
Thirty-one walkers braved an inclement winter day to hike around two coastal walkways in South Auckland. The first one involved the Wattle Downs pathed walkway following the estuary boundary, with splendid river and sea views across to the Manukau Golf Course, Karaka and Weymouth. A sheltered morning tea stop at Kauri Point was appreciated by all.
After lunch using the Wattle Downs Golf and Country Club facilities, members travelled by coach to Conifer Grove. Elane described recent events here relating to iwi protests rejecting a proposed aquatic recreational centre at the mouth of the Pahurehure Inlet.
These were two impressive seaside scenic walks featuring numerous designated wetlands providing nesting opportunities for a wide variety of shorebirds. Spotted were kingfisher, swans, geese, red-billed gulls, southern black-backed gulls, mallards, pukekos, a pied shag, variable oystercatchers and one sacred white heron. Well done to Bev whose eagle eye spied the kookaburra. Special thanks to Dawn who initiated the lunchtime stop at the golf club which was a welcome refuge from the cold winds. We appreciated the hospitality.
Thanks also to Elizabeth and Elane for planning a very well organised and enjoyable day.
After lunch using the Wattle Downs Golf and Country Club facilities, members travelled by coach to Conifer Grove. Elane described recent events here relating to iwi protests rejecting a proposed aquatic recreational centre at the mouth of the Pahurehure Inlet.
These were two impressive seaside scenic walks featuring numerous designated wetlands providing nesting opportunities for a wide variety of shorebirds. Spotted were kingfisher, swans, geese, red-billed gulls, southern black-backed gulls, mallards, pukekos, a pied shag, variable oystercatchers and one sacred white heron. Well done to Bev whose eagle eye spied the kookaburra. Special thanks to Dawn who initiated the lunchtime stop at the golf club which was a welcome refuge from the cold winds. We appreciated the hospitality.
Thanks also to Elizabeth and Elane for planning a very well organised and enjoyable day.
A great place for birdwatching.
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Heading back to the bus.
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