can
often be seen on beaches and may be mistaken for a log or piece of driftwood until they move. They can often be observed about the same place on a beach for most of the summer.
Fur Seals
are mostly seen either fishing or playing in the waves or basking on a rock bench. During summer whole families of fur seals can be found in some areas with quite small babies to large
males all basking in the sun.
Elephant Seals
can be seen at times when they come ashore for several days to rest or moult. They can look very fearsome with mouth wide open and raised
up on their flippers.
Dolphins
Small Hector dolphins can be seen most summer days playing in the surf at Curio Bay. They are a very small dolphin and also an endangered species
with only
3 or 4,000 left in the world. Because the sea is their home and not ours it is best to stay well away from them unless they decide to come close to you as you swim or wade in the surf.
Forest and Sea Birds
Catlin's forest has a variety of bird species, many of which can be seen on any of the bush walks in the area. As soon as you enter the bush, BellBirds will
welcome you with a melody. Fantail and TomTits will follow you as you walk and Tui and Pigeon can be seen in the canopy above you.
From any cliff top sea birds can be seen flying or
fishing. Gulls and Terns close to shore and out further mutton Birds, Gannets and Mollyhawk can be observed as they wheel and dive for fish. Herons, Stilts, Godwits and Oystercatchers are seen
wading in the harbours and estuaries and if you are very observant the Fern Bird and Bittern may be seen in the rushes at or just above the high tide level. Shags can be seen roosting on trees along the
coast and river edges.
