Sunday 1 November 2009

Sunday 1st.November 2009

Just a quick post to explain my absence for the last three weeks or so . During that time , we were in New Zealand , visiting our daughter , and seeing our latest grandson for the first time . They live in Kerikeri , on the North Island , not far from the Bay of Islands , in a semi tropical area , used mainly for fruit production . Obviously the visit was family orientated , but whilst out and about , I did manage to record some of the local wildlife . I recorded 38 species of birds , surprisingly , 25 of those species were heard/seen from the garden , which slopes down to a small stream . Amongst the regular daily sightings from the garden were , a pair of Kingfishers , who perched on the fence , and swooped for worms from the lawn most evenings , up to 4 Australasian Harriers , including one juvenile , which I think were nesting in the tall Gum trees , forming part of the orchard shelterbelt , within a stones throw of the garden , and a super little songster called a Silvereye , and my personal favourite , the native Tui . Some species were easily recognised from back home , as introduced species like Song Thrush , Starling , Chaffinch and Yellowhammer were all recorded together with more exotic species like Mynahs and Eastern Rosellas . A few interesting insects were also recorded , including this female Paper Wasp , building her nest just below the decking . My daughter said that they were nothing to worry about , but , given my track record , one landed in the crook of my arm , and stung me . Butterflies were few , but I did manage some shots of a Monarch , a beautiful specimen , and will post them later . Being that Spring is just starting there , many of the roadside ditches were ablaze with vibrant Gladdioli type flowers , Oxeye Daisies and many more . It was a shame to cut the lawns , as amongst the grass , were lots of this little beauty , the name of which I don't know .
I don't intend to do a separate post with other photos , but intend to use them to 'bulk out' other posts during the Winter/quieter time .
After 34.5 hours of cars , airports and planes , that 'goggle-eyed' feeling is creeping up again , so will leave it there for now , finishing with a Mauri greeting , heard often during our visit
Kia Ora .

8 comments:

Kingsdowner said...

Welcome back! Hope you had a good time, and look forward to seeing the pics.
Your reputation obviously preceded you, and the paper wasp decided to get its retaliation in first.

ShySongbird said...

A very big WELCOME BACK Greenie, I have missed you and often wondered how you were getting on in NZ. I just knew you wouldn't be able to resist a peek at the wildlife over there!

How lucky your daughter is to live in an area so rich in wildlife and to see Kingfishers on a regular basis sounds wonderful, I would be happy with just one occasionally!

I shall look forward to seeing the Monarch, they are incredibly beautiful and I know the story of their migration is amazing.

Sorry you got stung but you and Wasps just don't mix!

Ken. said...

Hi Greenie.
Welcome back from me too. I am pleased you managed to see 38 new species for your list.
There seems to be something about you and wasps,perhaps you taste good to them. I hope it wasn't too painful.
Look forward to reading what you got up to in your future blog reports, plus photo's.

Warren Baker said...

Good to have you back in sunny England again Greenie.

You'll have to catch up on the winter visitors now.

Wilma said...

Looking forward to more photos throughout the winter. Seems you had an excellent trip.

cheers,
Wilma

Anonymous said...

Yep, welcome back, Greenie. Your posts have ben missed.
Looks like you had a great time, lucky sod.

Looking forward to reading/seeing more of your travels.

RogerW said...

Yup, welcome back. Good to see it sounds like you had a great time down there, in NZ

Greenie said...

Thank you all for your kind comments .