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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.
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The Manawatū Estuary Trust enjoys giving people the opportunity to learn more about this amazing environ
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Matakupenga/White Basket Fungus Ileodicyton cabarium
Native. Not assessed.
The early stages of this interesting fungus, prior to fully opening, is egg-shaped and coloured either white or grey. As it developes, the outer shell bursts open to reveal an impressive lace-like structure which is the familiar sight most people see.
It is native to Australia and New Zealand but has also been recorded from several South American countries plus some areas of Africa. Records from the UK are definitely through introductions, most likely from imported plant material.
Favoured habitats range from near plant debris, in lawns and cultivated soils. At the estuary it grows in the dunes and can either be found solitary or with several in close proximity.
iNaturalist - White Basket Fungus
Wikipedia - White Basket Fungus
Fly Agaric Amanita muscaria
Introduced. Not assessed.
Although not a native, this is probably one of the most familiar fungi in Aotearoa New Zealand. With its distinctive red cap, often with a scattering of white spots or warts it is unlikely to be confused with any other species once fully developed.
Initially, the fruiting body is round but as it matures the cap opens and becomes round which in can measure up to 20 cm across.
This is one of the most poisonous of fungi and must not be consumed in any way. Although fatalities are rare it can cause severe stomach issues. There are, however, some species such as introduced slugs which will eat them which is why some may appear to be nibbled.
Found in the Northern Hemisphere, it is introduced here and is found in areas bordering the estuary, mainly near pines.
Wikipedia-Amanita muscaria
iNaturalist- Fly Agaric
fly agric
Cup Fungi Peziza oceanica or Peziza austrogeaster
Native. Not assessed.
The exact identification of the species of cup fungus found around the estuary is difficult to ascertain because it can only be achieved by studying the extremely small spores under a microscope, and then you need to be expert in the practice as there is different methodology for different species.
The group as a whole are to be found on or near rotten wood and seem to tolerate of, at times, being submerged in water. The ones depicted here would have been periodically submerged in salt water for brief periods of time. Some species have even been seen growing on submerged logs.
When the fruiting bodies are mature, they open to form a cup which is quite distinctive. Spores are to be found around the inside and the bowl acts as an ideal aid for dispersal with raindrops splashing and wind blowing the spores over longer distances.
Wikipedia-Peziza
cup fungi
Golden-eye Lichen Teloschistes chrysophthalmus
Native. Not threatened.
This is one of the few species of lichen that occur around the estuary and Dune Garden. It is easily located because of its bright orange/yellow fruiting bodies which can be seen from quite a distance away.
It grows on twigs and logs and there are at least four locations around the Ramsar site and sand dunes, mainly on Radiata pinus debris, above the high tide mark, where it can be found.
Distribution of this species is reported to be mainly coastal in both Northern and Southern Hemispheres with a temperate climate with plenty of sunshine where dry conditions prevail. It is sensitive to air quality.
iNaturalist-Golden-eye Lichen
golden-eye Lichen
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