Goldfinch

Back from Stewart Island on Thursday evening, and we haven't seen the hills since we've been home, rain, low cloud, drizzle, unprecedented for this time of year here.  Great for the garden as we've hardly needed to water anything this season.  However, there's lots more growth than usual too, which means a heap of trimming and mulch-making when it finally eases off.

Cabin fever dictated a walk somewhere this afternoon, so Travis Swamp was the selected destination, somewhere we haven't been for a while.  Somewhat disconcerting to find an unleashed dog (quickly leashed when we arrived) in the bird hide.  Owners merely assured us that their hound was not aggressive.  Can't they read the multiple notices at the entry points to the wetland reserve?