The Catlins River including Catlins Lake is a fantastic bird habitat so was an obvious place to explore during our visit to the area. Pounawea is an excellent place to access the estuary and birdlife for photography. We came across it while exploring and ended up staying for a few hours in one spot before doing one of the short bush walks. The weather at Pounawea was a bit changeable but every time a passing shower made me consider packing up, it was followed by a spell of lovely light and some interesting bird action to keep me busy. I could happily spend days at Pounawea. 

The sandbanks and shores are full of shellfish to interest the Oystercatchers resulting in good opportunities on both Variable and South Island Pied.

Clumps of seaweed provide protection for small fishes which the Grey-faced Herons target with their intense gaze and a wriggling foot to try and provoke movement in their prey.

Royal Spoonbill sweep the shallows with remarkably regular success. Watching in real time there is no way of knowing what they are catching but photos reveal a regular harvest of tiny flounder.

Pounawea is a short 5 minute drive from Owaka. Preplanning with a flask with a warm drink and some sandwiches will have you ready for a good day of birding and photography. If the birds are quiet it is a short drive to Surat Bay to look for New Zealand Sea Lions.

All photos with Nikon D500, Nikon 500m f4VR with TC 14 teleconverter on Gitzo monopod.