I was heading to the deck when I pulled up short. A California Quail (a rare and occasional visitor in these parts) was hanging out on our deck railing. It waited quietly while I took a bunch of photos. ❤️ 🐦

One of our local ring-necked doves was hanging round by the house this morning. Very convenient! 🐦

Out of 30 or so photos of Kuaka (Godwits) this is probably the only one where the bird was actually in focus. So annoyed with myself for mucking up this beach photowalk so badly. 🐦

The quail run needed a refresh so yesterday I took out old straw and pine shavings and macrocarpa twigs. Today I went and bought more pine shavings, then loaded up the run with fresh materials. Can you spot the stripey quail in the last photo? 🐦

Equinox egg. First quail egg of the season. Such clever girls! 🐦

This is one of 3 ring-decked doves that hang out on our lane. They let me get so close. 🐦

Finally a duck came to explore the temporary pond on the paddock next door. Didn’t stay long though. 🐦

My iPad just popped up this photo of two pigeons from 2004. Taken in Wellington I think, on Oriental Parade. 🐦

First time ever I’ve seen a Kererū at Waikawa Beach. They do live 4 Km away (as the bird flies) but have never been down here before as far as I know. 🐦

Length: 50 cm; Weight: 630 g

Our resident Kingfisher is so photogenic. 🐦

December 2008: flamingos at Honolulu Zoo. What on earth is that one at the back doing with its neck?! 🐦

Hang in there! 🐦

Rimu Walk and Mangawhero Forest Walk at Ohakune share a common entrance. I enjoyed both. Both are easy walks. On the Forest Walk I came face to face with a Ruru, usually only around at night. No photo of the bird, sadly, only the branch it was sitting on. I was too slow! 🐦

Side eye. (Kingfisher) 🐦

Waxeye stack. 🐦

This Eastern Rosella announced herself and then stuck around long enough for me to take some photos. 🐦

Updated with better quality photo.

This little Piwakawaka was flitting round me, then landed close enough for me to be able to take a couple of iPhone photos. 🐦

Hmmm, this video by Jan Wegener, mainly about bird photography, had some very useful info: Take SHARPER Images with ANY camera! No More BLURRY Photos! Tips for Success. One useful point — if the bird’s far away the mass of air between bird and camera reduces sharpness. 🐦📷

The sun was low behind me; the hawk circling high in front of me. 🐦

A couple of mornings ago I was making breakfast when I noticed the top half of the quail run door was open. I rushed out to check on the two girls, who fortunately were sitting happily minding their own business. I must have left the door open the previous afternoon! 🐦

I glimpsed this juvenile Kōtare, Sacred Kingfisher through the window, managed a couple of shots and then it took off. I love my 100–400 zoom camera lens. 🐦

It’s been a busy Sunday. Among other things, I cleaned out the old straw and sawdust from the quail run and topped up with a fresh coating. The quail were pretty stressed by the activity, but seem happy now, especially since they got an extra helping of dried mealworms. 🐦

Seen at the beach this morning: a juvenile Spoonbill with its parents. 🐦

When I didn’t leave quickly enough one of the adult swans warned me off. I left. 🐦

I think this little fantail lives in the bushes near our gate. 🐦