Look what I found!!!

[Freespin]

A hawk/harrier nest!!! I was so excited to find it! I have often wondered where they nest and now I know. They are such amazing birds. After finding this I had a bit of a google and they incubate for around 33 days although I have no idea how long these have been here and fledge at 45 days. I will try to go back and get some pics when they have hatched as long as I dont disturb them too much and of course I will share if I do get any more pictures =D We also have some canadian geese nesting around the place, a heap of Pukeko nests and hatchlings and of course ducklings =D We also have spur-winged plovers around the place although I havent seen any babies but that may just mean they are doing a great job of hiding them =D


4.11.2014 Update

So I managed to sneak back for a look today. They havent hatched yet, they were still warm although I didnt see the parents this time. That could have been because I got stuck in the mud on the way through the swamp to find it... Thats dedication I actually thought I might get sucked into the earth at die at one point although it turns out I was able to get out just fine =D I got a couple more pics anyway and have added the goose nest too. The Hawk nest is about waist height from the ground.

 

[thekarens]

Very cool! Harriers are awesome. Neat!

 

[Betrisher]

Brilliant find! How I wish I could sneak over and have a close look with you.

Don't forget to keep your camera close by, will you?

 

[Allee]

Amazing! Thanks for sharing your adventure.

 

[henpecked]

Wow, our birds of prey here in the states never nest on the ground like that. Is that because of the lack of trees or lack of predators?

 

[ParrotsAhoy]

Lack of predators "Prior to human settlement, the mammals of New Zealand consisted of just three species of bat, and a large number of marine mammal species." So the hawks WERE the predators lol.

NZ's indigenous mammals (or lack there of) are actually really interesting, if you feel like some reading check the Wiki: Mammals of New Zealand - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[kq_fan]

Wow congratulations! How cool! I can't wait to see pictures of them when they hatch!!!

 

[Freespin]

I havent had a chance to go back and have a look yet but I will make some time this week!!

 

[Freespin]

Updated =D