Birds at the Lenz Reserve, Catlins

[Peter Hodge]

We've just spent seven nights staying at the Forest and Bird lodge in the Lenz reserve, west of Papatowai. The reserve is mostly lowland forest, hilly, some of it regenerating after being logged in the 1930s and 1940s.

I saw many Fernbirds, close to the lodge, in scrub and swampy ground by the Fleming River, and also down at the Tautuku River estuary. The Fernbirds are numerous and easy to study and photograph. I also saw two Kakariki (Yellow-crowned Parakeets) in the forest, along with many Kereru, Tui, Korimako, Tomtits, Fantails, and a couple of Rifleman.

Some other highlights from the Catlins included a Red-crowned Parakeet in the southern part of the Catlins River walk, three Hoiho at Roaring Bay, a Falcon at Matai Falls, a Southern Royal Albatross off the coast at White Head, and two Hectors dolphins at Porpoise Bay.

Peter

[Catlins.Tui]

Hi Peter,

Do you recall where in Lenz you saw Rifleman?