Marlborough Sounds

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I decided to go on an "eco-cruise" on the Marlborough Sounds. Basically, a large power boat headed out toward the far end of the Sound with the goal of reaching one of the pest-free islands. Pests include anything that would kill the native birds - rats, stoats, possums, cats, etc. The ride there provided some wonderful scenery, but the best was spotting a pod of bottle nose dolphins! Thanks to the wonders of digital photography, I took over 100 pictures (in some of them you can actually see the dolphins).

Eventually the dolphins left us and we continued on to the island to see some birds. We hiked a little ways up the trail to the only fresh water source on the island and waited. It wasn't long until we were visited by four or five different types of birds. The robins are really inquisitive. One landed on a branch only about a foot away from me. Cute little thing.

A nice, relaxing day.

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