O'Kains Bay, New Zealand #4

Yesterday, my four-year-old went looking for a quick place to wee while on the beach, came back to me quite upset and crying hard. The only comprehensible sentence I got from her was that her feet felt burned in the sand. Today, I got the real story. Apparently she came across this Oyster Catcher, who nearly attacked her for coming to close to her eggs. I had seen her earlier but stayed away, since I didn't want to freak the poor bird out. But today I had to get a closer look at those eggs.

I kind of felt like an evil paparazzi, creeping in for the perfect shot, but trying to maintain a slightly less than respectful distance. I love Pixelsmith's capture of it and I hope he doesn't mind I too had to post this beautiful bird. It's been my favorite NZ bird since the first time I spied it eight years ago and they are tricky to photograph!

This just may be the very last time I have the priveledge of camping at O'Kains Bay. I savoured every moment of perfect summer conditions with our dear friends. The bountiful sky of stars refected on the wet sandy beach at low tide (10ish at night) last night, the waves crashed relentlessly, and the wind rustled through the pines. We had a feast for kings every night, and great people to hang with.

I'm very thankful.

Check out my trip from the first day...Here