Scientists observe by using all their senses.
Here are some interesting things you will see at Nga Manu if you look carefully.

This in not a stone!!!!
It is actually a tree root.It helps the tree absorb oxygen which is deficient in the water logged soil of the swamp forest.

This Nikau Palm tree is endemic.
You can tell how old it is by counting the rings which have been made by the shedding of a leaf each year.

You will see lots of  ferns that are epiphytes.
They grow on other plants called host plants.

Can you see the roots of the epiphyte plant?

Hey Te Waharua!  I am looking forward to seeing you all at Nga Manu soon!
Here is a sneek preview of what you will see.

 Scientists discover that the animal kingdom can be cruel.  This photo shows the black swans with their cygnets (babies).  Unfortunately 3 did not survive.  They got eaten by the Pukeko despite the parents being very protective and hiding them in the flax bushes.

The little ducklling straying behind had a broken foot and had to be put down. The mallard duck seen in this photo is not a native duck.

New Zealand Paradise Duck Family

Some Scientists work with animals.

This adorable Paradise duckling is an orphan. It has lost it's family.  The staff at Nga Manu are looking after it.  It is in a glass box.  It has a light that it sleeps under to keep it warm.  The Paradise duck in endemic to New Zealand.

That means it is only found in NZ.  Do you know other animals that are endemic? By the way, endemic is not the same as native. Native animals can be found in other countries.

Scientists sometimes use very expensive high tech equipment.
This is an Acoustic Doplic Current Profiler which cost $50,000. It is used by hydrologists at NIWA to measure the flow and depth of rivers.  This one was used at Otaki river.  It is capable of taking millions of recordings.  It looks like a bath toy!

The information recevied by the ADCP connects straight to the laptop. Easy! Yahoo for technology!!!

Hey boys and girls at Waikanae School, can anyone tell me where and what this is?

In the centre right of the photo there is a pipe. It has been cut off. How far did it use to go and what was it used for?
Thought you might like to see the Nga Manu resident tuatara.  He came out of hibernation to visit a group of Japanese college students.

Scientists use special instruments.
What do you think I use this for?
Does it look like something you have seen before?