Marsh Crake[s] at Kaiapoi Ponds

[Jan]

Bev Alexander was at Kaiapoi Ponds, north of Christchurch on 14th March, at the largest, newest pond over the road from the 3 smaller ones. She had been alerted by someone who had seen a Crested Grebe there, yet another new site for this species locally.
While watching the Grebe, there appeared a Marsh Crake, poking around among the weed on the opposite side of the pond to the road and there may have been 2, because one later appeared at another place.

[andrewcrossland]

Matt Rose, ranger at Travis wetland, reports a daylight Marsh Crake at Travis earlier this week. Also, an ECAN biologist flushed a Spotless Crake in a raupo/carex wetland at Ahuriri (on the Motukarara Highway near Lake Ellesmere) about 3 weeks ago.

[john.knight]

Spotted the Crested Grebe at the Ponds today - gorgeous little bird! Was swimming back and forth only 30 feet away so I went nuts and took 50 photos. Thank God for digital cameras. Didn't see the crake but there a few nice shoveler ducks, a bellbird and yellowhammer. Very nice afternoon for a newbie birder!

[john.knight]

oops, double post

[Jan]

Watched a Marsh Crake for about 15mins at the southern end of the pond on the left
as you go North up the old Main Rd. Bev and I watched it, then fetched Grahame, who got
a pic or 2. Great views at 11am or so.

[Jan]

Bev Alexander has confirmed that there are 2 [at least] Marsh Crakes feeding in daylight here. Seen on Friday, 6th April:
1 at the weedy southern end of the large pond and another near the northern, not so weedy but rushy, cemetery end.

[UreweraWhio]

I saw the Grebe yesterday April 11 approx. 4pm, and watched him for 15 minutes or so in the rain. I did not see the Crake. This was in the newer pond on the west side of the road.

[Jan]

Simon Elkington and John Kearvell, both of DoC, saw 2 Marsh Crakes feeding
on top of weed in front of the raupo at lunchtime today.