Another estuary bird - the pied stilt/poaka

Louise from Woburn

Pied stilts/ poaka (Himantopus himantopus) are another bird sometimes seen at the Hutt Estuary and sometimes there is a pair up the river by the Ewen Bridge. They are not here in huge numbers compared to some other places, and are usually spotted in ones, twos, and once I saw three. I find pied stilts/ poaka (Himantopus himantopus) just a touch ridiculous – like Montgomery Burns wearing a tuxedo and plague mask whilst walking badly on circus stilts. Their knees turn in unexpected directions making them look inherently unstable. Sometimes they stand on one leg just to show off, trying to convince the casual observer that they really have it together.

I also just want to let everyone know that my 2021 calendars are completely sold out. A big thank you to everyone who purchased one. I'll do it again next year for 2022 and make sure I get a few more printed next time.