I plan on continuing to post a few pictures from our trip over the next few weeks but expect to loose those that are not interested in birds and scenery! I love birds and tried to get as many photos of New Zealand birds as I was able. I'm not confident that I have all the correct names so welcome any corrections people may have.
In no particular order here are some NZ birds.
There were lots of these around but typical of magpies they are clever and seem to know when a camera is pointed at them.
Australian Magpie
We had a wonderful time at Snell's beach while staying at Heron's Landing, a great apartment with all the 'mod cons'. This was where we saw the people collecting piper fish for bait (see previous post). The owners of the apartment led quite a stressful life while fixing this place up and said they didn't know until recently why the place was called Heron's Landing. Seemed obvious with this guy wading in the tidal flats.
White-faced Heron
I had read there were other types of Heron's but was told they were quite rare. Phil, our driver on the Cape Reinga trip, noticed this Reef heron and we were able to get close enough for a shot before it flew away. I was thrilled to see another type of heron.
Reef Heron
I really enjoy these comical birds. They have long gangly legs that don't seem to work too well when they try and balance in trees where they often land. They are a popular NZ bird for inspiration on pottery, fabric and other gift items.
Pukeko
I spied this bird on a pier at Paihia and was able to get quite close to it. I wasn't sure what the species was but it looked much like a cormorant. My sister Nola immediately quoted a poem she had in her head about a cormorant or shag. It would seem there is no consistent naming of Shag or Cormorant.
I found this version on the internet and think it is pretty close to Nola's version.
The Common Cormorant-- Christopher Isherwood
The common cormorant (or shag)
Lays eggs inside a paper bag,
You follow the idea, no doubt?
It's to keep the lightning out.
But what these unobservant birds
Have never thought of, is that herds
Of wandering bears might come with buns
And steal the bags to hold the crumbs.
Pied Shag
I was surprised to see only three kinds of gulls in New Zealand. There are many varieties in North America so identification is much more difficult for me. Still the habits of the NZ gulls paralleled ours with lots of birds hanging around looking for hand outs where people were eating fish and chips.
Black-billed Gull
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