The shag tree at roosting time. Many nests are but on flimsy branches leading to some nest falling away

A shark was caught in a fishman’s net and drowned. The fishmen were surprised to find the log which had fouled the net was actually a shark.

Thomas the goose’s homecoming after being very sick and requiring Vetinary treatment and finally rehabitualion

Thomas the Goose.He has been in our laggoons here at Waikanae for around 30 years

Kairaga School children contemplating whether to cross or not — if only these blooming geeese get out of the road.

Hey big bird, what are doing in the surf with us black backed seagulls? This is our territory.

The Eastern Rosella is an Australian import visits the Estuary at times but usually favours the more tree covered areas.

Most of the paradise ducklings have now fledged and can be seen in groups, flying together, from the farmers’ fields to the river and back again as they gain strength.

Not a feather out of place. This white-fronted tern is in splendid condition. Mind you if the birds don’t stay in good condition, they die. No two ways about it, it is the way of things in the wild.

This issue features photography from our local wild-life expert Roger Smith. When our wild birds become injured through one reason or another they very seldom survive for any length of time.