Seven ...

... to keep track of.

After a quiet start to the day, S and I went to the plant shop, as we wanted to give J a Bay tree for her new home. It also gave us somewhere really pleasant to have lunch. We were lucky enough to score a table out in the sun and out of the wind. We were entertained by the sparrows which were not intimidated and given half a chance would have had the cheese scone off my plate.

We spent such a time there all up, there was little time for anything between getting back to the apartment and going to pick up the boys from their schools. I suggested we might all like to go to Western Springs Lake to see the spoonbills (S), and play in the playground (boys). There was a rapid and cheerful 100% agreement.

We had only just started the walk around the lake when this putangitangi duck came running at us as we walked along the path. This being the opposite of their usual avoidant behaviour, I looked over and saw the ducklings and the father by the edge of the lake. She was clearly wanting to clear the humans away from the route she wanted to take her wee family on to reach the grass. 

Shortly after I got this photo, she led the seven ducklings over to the gras, with father "riding shotgun". (Some time ago at Snells Beach, I saw another drake fly away leaving the duck and ducklings to fend for themselves, so I'm not sure the drakes are more than decoration.)

Only a few spoonbills were there to be seen and as far away as they could be. I was able to get a really good photo of a kereru, as well as a back on view of a kawau tui (both added as extras).

This evening we took the bay tree out to J and enjoyed a glass of Italian red in her new home. Back home to a restful evening and continue my quiet time.