Birds & bunnies
Tūī building a nest
The harakeke (flax plants) have been magnificent this year. Every plant on the island seems to have flowered, especially around me, and that has brought tūī and other birds into gardens. I have been surprised to see tūī sharing with rosellas and mynas. Tūī don’t often feed on the ground but they can be cheeky and hop about under flowering trees and plants in a cat-free zone. I caught this one collecting dried leaves from the grass plants. The trimmings of the grass plants take an age to break down in the compost, so I imagine the tūī know they are strong enough for a nest.
Strutting
The pheasants have done well this year. The males all look alike so it is hard to do a head count but I have seen three of them together with a harem of eight females in the field. I’m not sure how that works out … and I have not seen any babies.
Why did the pukeko cross the road?
To get to the water, of course. Mum led the way, followed by baby chick, then Dad followed behind. With hawks circling above looking for lame, lazy, forgotten or unfortunate creatures, this vigilance ensures the family’s survival.
