Ep 7: Bexley Wetlands
Episode Seven - Bexley Wetlands
In Christchurch the most fertile and active wildlife reserve is the
Avon-Heathcote Estuary (Ihutai) and the Oxidation Ponds - another
name for the Poo Ponds!
When Sarah and Jeremy arrived at the Christchurch City Council
Oxidation Ponds, they found it hard to believe that they were only
fifteen minutes from the central city, since they seemed so
distant, beautiful and serene. On the ponds were all kinds of
birdlife, including Canadian Geese, Black Backed Gulls, Scaup,
Cormorants and Grey Marl.
Sarah, Jeremy and the crew had to be careful to stay out of sight
so as not to send the birds all flying away, although that did
happen a lot. Everybody had to wait, being very patient and
quiet.
Andrew Crossland, the ranger for the Oxidation Ponds, and
specialist in native bird preservation showed Sarah and Jeremy all
the best spots to see the birds. He explained that over the year,
the Oxidation Ponds would be home to thousands of migrating birds,
who would spend parts of the summer or winter, nesting, breeding
and feeding off the rich insect and plant life there.
After a day at the Oxidation Ponds, Sarah and Jeremy started to see
the whole area in a new light - not just as the Poo Ponds, but as a
special and valuable place that helps and supports wildlife from
all over the country - and the world!
