Not everyone is a twitcher, but if you are at the Lagoon and start to look closely at the birdlife on the water, one duck that is easy to identify is the grey teal. This is a small plain faced duck with distinctive red eyes. The photograph alongside was taken in the early evening and the teal is feeding. They feed on small aquatic insects, molluscs and the seeds of swamp plants. Food is obtained by filtering the surface water and the mud (NZ Birds on Line). The ducks are quite shy and will move away as people approach so it is good to have a camera or binoculars to get a good view. Birdwatching (or twitching) can make a lovely walk at the Lagoon even more enjoyable.
The grey teal will use nest boxes and Te Whanau Hou is scoping the idea of installing nest boxes for the birds to use at the Lagoon. The nest boxes are installed over the water and it reduces the risk of the eggs being eaten by predators. If there are schools or community groups that would like to make nesting boxes then please contact Te Whanau Hou Grovetown Lagoon.
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