The Auckland Domain lies mostly within the Pukekawa Volcano crater. Originally, the crater floor was a lake, which later turned into a swamp and slowly filled up with alluvium and sediment, before being drained by Europeans for use as playing fields and parkland. These origins are still somewhat visible in that the Duck Ponds are freshwater-fed from the drainage of the crater.
What you see in the photo are success story of keeping the ponds pure. They have increased the size of the pond from when I first saw them over twenty years ago. The fountains aerate the water, and people are told not to throw food in the water to feed the ducks.
This was not the case ten years ago. I have written a couple of post one this.
http://ann-mythoughtsandphotos.blogspot.com/2009/04/western-springs-do-not-feed-ducks.html
I remember another little pond at the Domain next to the Auckland hospital. I used to go and spend my lunch time feeding the ducks. In May when the official duck shooting is opening, you will see a zillion ducks seeking shelter in the tiny pond. You hardy see the water at all. Years later when I came back from Singapore, I found botulism had killed the ducks, and the pond was a smelly mess. The water engineer said this can be saved. In deed, some smart water engineer had widen the pond, put in a few fountains that pumped air into the water, and the pond is now a beautiful family and tourist attraction place again.text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTi7Qc5hIhk-mAbIqtJK3gf0m1_PLUEagSHwAPOMAX1lqUBOUYzMeBVWB_nFx-2xNdmMeUHyrAjYJBjFqgFj2O1600I-B64zm2a1ovy06fbUH22MiVlDMW1d7onDPTvjWccRijk8Tqrvh/s400/fountain+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489070642077993762" />
http://waterywednesday.blogspot.com/
10 comments:
Now I know a good idea to make a pond lively.
We have to make it dance in every moment.
Good idea to have fountains in the water.
Interesting story there, Ann. Must go and visit the domain again, there are some favorites of mine: the Moreton Bay Fig tree with its amazing roots, some pohutukawa, and a ginkgo tree, which may just have a few yellow leaves left, if I hurry up. And there have been additions to the sculpture garden since I last visited, too. Thanks for your post.
Love the jumping fountain! Nice way to cool off!
Hi Ann, congratulations for being the featured guest for SKYWATCH.
This is educative, great post Ann.
Love the capture of the fountains.
Interesting post. Glad the pond is thriving! Thanks for stopping by. Yes, I remember that story about the boy trying to get to Oakland but ending up in Auckland! Too funny!
Great pic of the pond and fountain!
Such lovely captures, Ann. Beautiful pond and fountain.
interesting... thanks for sharing.
~ Jo's Precious Thoughts ~
it's great that this pond was saved, and the ducks, too.:p love your post.
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