There's plenty to see and do at the estuary.
The estuary walkway provides beautiful views, and there are signs along the way providing information about some of the birds you might see.
There is a lot of interesting wildlife at the estuary. As well as birds, the estuary is also home to some interesting plants and is an important habitat for native fish.
The Manawatū Estuary Trust enjoys giving people the opportunity to learn more about this amazing environ
Kōtare/Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus
Native. Not threatened.
A common bird throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. Found in small numbers around the estuary being seen most frequently perched on posts, branches and power lines, a particular favourite spot.
They feed on a variety of prey types
such as crabs, fish and large insects
but other species are eaten as they
become seasonally available.
Kingfishers mostly catch their food
by plunging from perches. These
favoured spots can have pellets, the
undigested parts of their diet,
beneath and are an indicator of what
they have been eating.
They nest in a hollow excavated in a
stump or bank where up to five eggs
are laid. The photograph opposite was taken in a Foxton garden.
Warou/Welcome swallow Hirundo neoxena
Native. Not threatened.
A rare vagrant until the early 1960's, this now familiar species is self-introduced, originating from Australia and is now classed as native.
They are a common sight around the area and are frequently seen around the estuary, either singly, in loose groups or en masse. A large gathering, usually on power lines tend to indicate some movement in or out of the area, usually during autumn or spring.
Swallows forage aerially for small flying insects swooping low over water or land. They drink by scooping fresh water from the surface of lakes or ponds.
Nests are built of mud and are usually attached to a vertical surface. Three to five eggs are laid and hatch after fifteen days. Chicks leave the nest at around eighteen days.