Lord of the mudflats

Brunch with C and her boys, then mid afternoon we cam north to Snells Beach. The tide had nearly fully ebbed, when I went down the steps to the Southend. From a distance, I saw that amongst the half dozen or so ducks were two which were significantly larger. I was pleased to confirm that they were Putangitangi (Paradise shelduck).

The drake was standing very straight and although he repeatedly issued a warning whistle, his mate (seen with him in today's extra) carried on feeding. I left them to it, as I didn't want to feel responsible for them leaving the feeding ground.