POP: Birds.

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	56 Images.

		Sparrow on a Fence Batten. Sitting in my car at another rest area, this little Sparrow came to check me out, I hope those feathers are warm.
Waipapa Rd, west of SH1, next to the Waikato River. 1:27 pm, Sun 17th Jul, 2005

		Fantail on a Rock. I spent a couple of hours watching and trying to catch these little Fantail Birds, they were flitting around catching insects in the rain.
Waipapa Rd, west of SH1, next to the Waikato River. 3:52 pm, Sun 17th Jul, 2005

		Fantail Takes Off. I was using multi shot mode, and usually I would get one picture sitting, one picture of half a bird or a wing tip, and one of empty air. Such wonderful little Fantails, they often follow people as they walk round to catch insects that fly off when disturbed by the footsteps.
Waipapa Rd, west of SH1, next to the Waikato River. 3:57 pm, Sun 17th Jul, 2005

		The Wood Pigeon Sitting on a Mamaku Frond. At my friends place in Waiatarua, this Wood Pigeon was seen often amongst the wonderful bush. Hearing these birds fly is great, they sound like a very slow spinning helicopter.
Waiatarua, Waitakere, Auckland. 3:37 pm, Wed 20th Jul, 2005

		Wood Pigeon in the Trees. The Wood Pigeon (Kereru) sitting watching the world. I am pretty sure it came to watch us :)
Waiatarua, Waitakere, Auckland. 10:15 am, Fri 22nd Jul, 2005

		Wood Pigeon in the Sunlight. The curious Wood Pigeon returns. The Maoris' used to eat these when they could, having quite a bit of meat on them, but nowadays they are protected thankfully.
Waiatarua, Waitakere, Auckland. 9:25 am, Fri 5th Aug, 2005

		Wood Pigeon in the Trees. very beautiful, and very important to the trees and bush, in that they propagate seeds throughout their territory.
Waiatarua, Waitakere, Auckland. 9:26 am, Fri 5th Aug, 2005

		Bird in a Puddle. Thanks to New Zealand Birds I can now state that this is a Spur-Winged Plover. Very similar to a Dotterel in many ways, and a competitor for our Dotterels. This one and its companion were having a bath in the puddle at the time.
Inch Road, near Toka toka. The North. 1:04 pm, Mon 8th Aug, 2005

		Friendly Wee Sparrow. In the morning I came out of my little room at the camping grounds to a lovely sunny day and some of these little chirruping critters. This one is a couple of arms lengths away, and the wings flapping is because of the shutter clicking.
Whatoro (I think), or Kaihu. 9:35 am, Tue 9th Aug, 2005

		Black Backed Gull Paddling. Here the early evening light turns the sea water golden coloured, as a Black Backed Gull paddles through the small waves, perhaps hunting for something to snack on (like the enormous Hokianga Burger I had just finished, highly recommended).
Opononi. 5:17 pm, Tue 9th Aug, 2005

		Swooping From the Skies. Whilst watching the Black Backed Gull paddling in the sea, this Skua like bird (don't know, confirmation pending, it may be a Shearwater but I don't think so, it has too straight a beak, still investigating) came swooping in as if it were about to snatch something from the clutches of the Gull, but it kept on flying, gaining altitude again.
Opononi. 5:19 pm, Tue 9th Aug, 2005

		Big Bird in a Dead Tree. Arriving at The Wairere Boulders, that were recommended to me at the Whatoro camping grounds, I spotted this Heron in a dead Pine tree. I was lucky to get this shot as the Heron was quite timid and as I inched forward, I crossed some line and off it flew, making a most incongruously ugly grating 'croaking' noise of complaint.
Wairere Boulders, off the road to Kaikohe. 11:22 am, Wed 10th Aug, 2005

		Two Dinghies. Two dinghies huddle close looking almost romantic, perhaps discussing plans to escape their moorings, while the Sea Gulls play and fish in the shallows.
Rawene. 3:34 pm, Wed 10th Aug, 2005

		Life Goes on. Life in the far north is mostly relaxed, there is time to take a moment to glance at the world around, to reconnect with ones world and take stock of your situation.
Rawene. 3:38 pm, Wed 10th Aug, 2005

		Natures Fishermen. Commonly know as a Shag, but also known as Cormorant, these are strange birds to watch, their necks seem to be able to bend in un-natural ways as they scan the area for fish. Their feet look like they have little gumboots on and un-usually their feathers have no natural oils for water resistance.
Rawene. 4:01 pm, Wed 10th Aug, 2005

		Couple of Paradise Ducks Courting. These two Paradise Ducks were in the middle of their courtship when I wandered along. The white headed one is the female, and she was making some very un-usual sounds, following the male everywhere he went (perhaps they were arguing, not courting). Paradise Ducks are native to New Zealand.
End of Te Paua Road, Parengarenga Harbour. 9:44 am, Fri 12th Aug, 2005

		I'm Outta Here! This Heron isn't going to hang round while I try to inch closer whilst feigning disinterest, and flies off as I get just a metre too close. What a feeling that must be, to flap your wings (and run a bit) push off, and you're flying!!!
End of Te Paua Road, Parengarenga Harbour. 9:50 am, Fri 12th Aug, 2005

		Disgruntled Heron Flies By. The Heron flies past, perhaps disgruntled at being interrupted during it's daily activities, and checking up on me to see what I was up to, and when it could return. Dumb Humans, they can't even fly!
End of Te Paua Road, Parengarenga Harbour. 9:53 am, Fri 12th Aug, 2005

		Turkeys, Nearly as Strange as Platypus. As I was driving along Paua Road and this Turkey and his flock of hens march out onto the road in a neat line astern, so I decided to give way to them and wait for them to cross hehe (which is why I ended up taking a picture of the Bull). Possibly not too dissimilar to Wild Turkey (nice wee write up on Wild Turkeys).
Paua Road, off of Far North Road. 10:40 am, Fri 12th Aug, 2005

		Underwater Perch. The Black Backed Gull came down to check out what was going on, perhaps there would be some human scraps of food offerings. I like the ripples it has made when it landed on its perch.
Houhora Heads. 11:59 am, Fri 12th Aug, 2005

		Black-Backed Gull. This Black-Backed Gull looks unwell to me, its eye seems a bit swollen, perhaps its head is emaciated, making the eye stand out?
Houhora Heads. 12:01 pm, Fri 12th Aug, 2005

		Smile. 'Here's looking at you kid!' This Red Billed Gull is so well groomed, its wings are very clearly defined, quite handsome really. The Maoris' say they hold human spirits, or perhaps as the American Indians honour eagles and bears, saying they act as 'Human Beings', it is Tapu (forbidden) to kill these birds as a result.
Possibly, Cable Bay, SH10. 1:54 pm, Fri 12th Aug, 2005

		One Legged Brigade. This little group of Oystercatchers were all snoozing when I turned up (it must have been a hard night), mostly standing there on one leg, but some actually sitting down, heads tucked under their wing :)
Parekura Bay, Bay of Islands. 12:18 pm, Sun 14th Aug, 2005

		We've Got An Eye On You! Just a silly thought, you could have Oystercatcher web cams, they would sit there standing on one foot with their heads tucked up but the lens would be sticking out looking at what ever you pointed it at! ;)
Parekura Bay, Bay of Islands. 12:22 pm, Sun 14th Aug, 2005

		Caspian Tern. A Caspian Tern paddling in the calm waters of Parekura Bay. Such a red bill they have! They look like a solid little bird, probably very manoeuvrable, not a soarer.
Parekura Bay, Bay of Islands. 12:42 pm, Sun 14th Aug, 2005

		Jungle On An Island. Yet another example of the tenacity of the New Zealand vegetation, or the fertility of its environment! I wonder what it would be like to be sitting on the island? Distances are deceptive I think, and the island may be bigger than it looks, not just a small lump of rock and trees in the water. Interesting little caves there.
Rawhiti Point, Bay of Island. 1:21 pm, Sun 14th Aug, 2005

		Time for a Bath. These brave little Sparrows are not having their dust bath on the side of the road, this is actually right in one of the tyre tracks, this is in fact the main road hehe. They look like they are having a great time don't they!
Hauai Bay, Bay of Islands. 1:43 pm, Sun 14th Aug, 2005

		Tui in a Tree. As I was being enchanted by the vividness of the blossoms on this tree, I became aware that I was not the only one who liked them, this Tui was enjoying the nectar to be found in the little flowers. Very flexible little critters!
Puhoi, 50km north of Auckland. 1:32 pm, Mon 15th Aug, 2005

		I See You! Lovely looking birds Tuis' are, well I guess most birds are lovely looking really (apart from Turkeys, and maybe Vultures ;) ). They are one of the New Zealand Icons I think, featuring on some of our coins from the past (until they went and miniaturised our coins to the point that they get lost amongst the fluff in your pocket!).
Puhoi, 50km north of Auckland 1:35 pm, Mon 15th Aug, 2005

		Sky Walkers. Three Gulls out for a stroll on the beach.
Lyall Bay, Wellington. 4:23 pm, Fri 9th Jun, 2006

		Home in the Rushes. I guess very soon this Pukeko will have to build his/her nest somewhere else since the council in all its wisdom is going to build a road through this little paradise. Pukeko are quite common, they have one of those ghastly rasping cries when they feel threatened, but otherwise a lovely New Zealand bird.
Waikanae, north of Wellington. 1:15 pm, Mon 10th Sep, 2007

		Mr Quack. Paradise Duck, floating around on the duck pond of Wellingtons Botanical Gardens.
Bot Gardens, Wellington. 2:28 pm, Tue 6th Nov, 2007

		Floating High. I guess feathers, like just about everything I can think of, have their good points, and they have their not so good points. Very handy for flight; light weight, rigid, interlocking. Apparently a great home for very small animals ;)
Bot Gardens, Wellington. 2:28 pm, Tue 6th Nov, 2007

		Black Bird. Friendly Black bird, hopped onto a rock, it stood in the sun so nice, just long enough for me to catch its image, then it was gone flying low chasing its mate.
Rose garden, Botanical Gardens, Wellington. 3:38 pm, Tue 6th Nov, 2007

		Male Sparrow. One of the more numerous living beings that we share our world with!
Rotorua. 5:02 pm, Fri 28th Dec, 2007

		Sparrow Couple. On the look out for some afternoon snacks, these sparrows seem intent on studying the ground, no doubt they are hunting for food.
Rotorua. 5:03 pm, Fri 28th Dec, 2007

		Seagull? Along with the Sparrows there were some seagulls (they look a lot like seagulls but they are slightly different to the ones that I am familiar with). Even this one is studying the ground, the worms here must be a delicacy.
Rotorua. 5:08 pm, Fri 28th Dec, 2007

		Ducks at Home. Quietly strolling by in their Duckish way, patrolling their territory, looking for things to eat, chatting about the family and friends?
Otaihanga, north of Paraparam. 3:13 pm, Sat 28th Jun, 2008

		That's the Spot! Seagulls resting and preening on the warm timbers of a pier.
Evans Bay, Wellington. 2:43 pm, Tue 2nd Sep, 2008

		The Kaikouras'. How glorious is this, the mountains look so awesome and the sea just makes me want to go and dive into it, and I'm not even a swimmer type!
Kaikoura. 1:27 pm, Sun 12th Apr, 2009

		Two Shags on a Rock. Any perch will do so long as it is quiet and peaceful. The Shags are fisher-people, but unusually they have no oil in their feathers so every time they get their feathers wet, they have to go sit somewhere in the sun and dry them out again.
Kaikoura. 1:27 pm, Sun 12th Apr, 2009

		It's Just Natural to Them! Caught in the moment like this the bird seems like its doing death defying manoeuvres, but it is just flying by, doing what it does naturally. I'm not sure but I think they call these 'Sea Pigeons', or Cape Pigeons.
Albatross Watching, Kaikoura. 2:24 pm, Sun 12th Apr, 2009

		Big Daddy has Arrived. Just to give an indication of sizes, the small birds are about pigeon sized so you can see that the Wandering Albatross is a very large bird, making even the largish Grey Headed Mollymawk seem fairly compact. Our skipper thought the Albatross may be 20 years old, so it is still quite young (40 years is common, with one known to have lived into her 60th year!).
Albatross Watching, Kaikoura. 2:33 pm, Sun 12th Apr, 2009

		Confrontation 1. Mostly the Albatrosses were very guarded with the bag of food, but one time it seemed to become distracted, then the next thing we saw was this newcomer 'skiing' across the water making a bee line to the original Albatross. The one sitting in the water is the original one, and it is about to leap at the newcomer.
Albatross Watching, Kaikoura. 2:35 pm, Sun 12th Apr, 2009

		Confrontation 2. They crashed together with wings and beaks and spray going everywhere! Meanwhile the black Skua, possibly a Brown Skua makes the most of the free access to the food.
Albatross Watching, Kaikoura. 2:35 pm, Sun 12th Apr, 2009

		Confrontation 3. I thought that the newcomer had had the best of the fight personally, but for some reason, perhaps because the original one ended over the top of the newcomer, the original one got to carry on it's dominance of the food bag and the newcomer had to hang around the sidelines picking up scraps of food floating in the water. The Skua had to do likewise, although it was much less stand-offish than all the other birds, often sneaking a quick bite of the bag from the relative safety of the other side of the bag.
Albatross Watching, Kaikoura. 2:35 pm, Sun 12th Apr, 2009

		Big Wings. I wonder if this was the Albatross that bit me?!?! Brave me (some would call it something else!) thought I would present my finger to the bird to see what it would do etc, well it nearly took my finger off lol, no it didn't but with a 5 inch bill and pointy ends it did draw blood on both sides of my finger. I feel privileged though :)
Albatross Watching, Kaikoura. 2:40 pm, Sun 12th Apr, 2009

		Wandering Albatross. Apparently their beaks go pink when they are ready to mate, otherwise the beak is coloured like the end of this ones beak, so this one may well be interrupting its busy schedule to raise some youngsters soon.
Albatross Watching, Kaikoura. 2:44 pm, Sun 12th Apr, 2009

		Masters of the Air 1. These birds use a flying technique that is known as 'Dynamic Soaring' where they glide with the wind till they are skimming the wavetops, then they turn into the wind and reclaim the height they had lost, this is all done without the 'flap' of a wing. I don't suppose the birds call it dynamic soaring however, they just call it 'another day looking for food, love, and umm, food' I guess :) Kind of like us but with less complex words!
Albatross Watching, Kaikoura. 2:45 pm, Sun 12th Apr, 2009

		Masters of the Air 2. Though they may be the masters of the air, they certainly start to look a little ungainly when they have landed, indeed while they are landing. Skiing for a short distance on their ample webbed feet then looking like they are about to fall over forwards, but mostly coming to a halt before they actually do get a face full of sea water.
Albatross Watching, Kaikoura. 2:45 pm, Sun 12th Apr, 2009

		Masters of the Air 3. They definitely utilise what we humans call 'ground effects' or is it just that they get a thrill out of the sensation of speed they get from flying so close to the surface of the sea, I know I would!
Albatross Watching, Kaikoura. 2:45 pm, Sun 12th Apr, 2009

		Whetting One's Whistle. Looking into the water? More likely cleaning ones nostrils! You see when the Albatross (or Mollymawk in this case) spend so long out at sea they need to make their own fresh water. Don't ask me how but they 'distil' sea water somehow and the salt is expelled from the system through their nostrils. I find it incredible that a bird that lives so closely with the sea cannot drink it strait so to speak!
Albatross Watching, Kaikoura. 3:08 pm, Sun 12th Apr, 2009

		I am the Handsomest!!! The Black Browed Mollymawk (still belonging to the Albatross species) would have to be the most handsome/beautiful of the birds we saw from the boat (imo), it is remarkable what a little mascara can do for your looks hehe, oh and the yellow beak-stick ;) They always look so stern though! Although these Mollymawks do seem to have a bit of a grin hidden in there aswell.
Albatross Watching, Kaikoura. 3:08 pm, Sun 12th Apr, 2009

		Wide Angle Albatrosses. I thought that the only lens I would be using would be my 70-200mm, but since the birds were so fearless of us I got the 17-40mm out and took a few with it. I kind of like the look the wide angle gives here.
Albatross Watching, Kaikoura. 3:16 pm, Sun 12th Apr, 2009

		Feeding Frenzy. Gary our skipper eventually removed the plastic netting from the lump of food and there was no holding back after that! There are 5 Wandering Albatrosses and 2 Skuas' joining in here, but the Mollymawks' (none visible here) and the little Birds are still not really taking part, although with the added beaks pecking at the food the amount of food floating in the water increased considerably so they all benefited in the end. Not long after this the lump of food got to be small enough that one Albatross took it and tried to fly away with it only to find that it could not fly with the weight, but it sort of skimmed along with a flock of maybe 50 birds trying to follow the food, although most soon lost track of where it was, so there ended up being a trail of these birds stretching out for 100 metres or so. I was videoing it so don't really have stills (oneday I will sort out putting video on here!).
Albatross Watching, Kaikoura. 3:43 pm, Sun 12th Apr, 2009

		Geese? After we finished watching the Albatrosses we headed towards the coast and as if to demonstrate the variety of birds to be seen on the Kaikoura coast, we saw at least 2 groups of Geese.
Albatross Watching, Kaikoura. 3:59 pm, Sun 12th Apr, 2009