BirdingNZ.net

The bridge over the Manganui-o-te-ao at the Ruatiti Domain a few km from Ohakune is a place we used to visit regularly and one where we saw Blue Ducks almost without fail, often pairs both upstream and downstream from the bridge. We hadn't been there since 2010, but were in the area so decided to go and look. We didn't see any Blue Ducks, neither at the bridge or on any of the visible stretches of river as we headed back toward Ohakune. Our thoughts were that the river looked low (probably just the time of year) but that it also contained a lot more green weeds than it used to. Also, we saw 3 pairs of Paradise Shelduck on this section of river, something we feel probably wouldn't like the same type of habitat as Blue Ducks. We know Blue Ducks can be seen fairly easily around Turangi, but wondered if anyone can tell us if they have gone from this part of the river or if we were just unlucky today? Nigel Milius & Wendy Hare

This from a friend who farms further up the valley Nigel:
"You were just unlucky mate. I saw two pairs last night just up from the bridge . There is a lot of algae because we have not had much rain this summer and the river is a lot lower than normal. I often see paradise ducks on the river along with blue ducks as I fish it 2-3 nights per week and most nights see blue ducks."

Thanks James, that's good news, Nigel