Kowai River Willows

Whenever I catch a glimpse of this outlook I wish it was a place to safely stop the car. This morning was so lovely I decided to park in a suitable spot and walk back. In the foreground is the Kowai River, which is a small braided river that flows into the Waimakariri River. The riverbed is scrubby with gorse and broom.

The willows are well on the way. This place is much closer to the mountains than yesterday's shot, and it is about 200 metres higher in altitude.

Behind me a spurwinged plover and a magpie were engaged in aerial combat. They dipped in and out of sight over the nearby hill. High above soared a harrier hawk. I did not see what the bird in the shot was.