Bumper breeding season for NZ's rarest bird after disastrous season last year | RNZ News:
… five fledglings already striking out on their own and as many as eight more chicks to follow.
That might not sound like many but given that the total world population of tara iti, or fairy terns, is less than 40, that is a huge boost to the species' chances of survival.
Didn't feel right to use one of the photos, but go look — the pics are amazing! 🐦
Earlier this week I thought I was over Covid but just not up to par. Yesterday and today I realise I actually feel well. I have a growing spark of energy.
Yesterday I lay down for a nap in the afternoon and couldn't get to sleep. Previous days I've just essentially passed out immediately. 🦠
I read this in two widely spaced hits: Island on Fire: The extraordinary story of Laki, the volcano that turned eighteenth-century Europe dark by Alexandra Witze and Jeff Kanipe. 📚
Excellent writing and gripping stories. 1783&84 were the most awful years for Europe. Recommended!
Just in case Deb and I do ever end up travelling to the Arctic — Top Arctic Wildlife Photography Tips for the Perfect Shot:
Mastering Arctic Photography Techniques
Photographing in the Arctic requires mastering specific techniques to overcome the challenges posed by extreme conditions.
Another from an author I enjoy: Someone Rotten Riding the Rails (The Accidental Detective Book 6) by Kris Bock. 📚
Two Russian crime families have rented a private historic train to the Grand Canyon for their children’s wedding
Our detective team have several problems to solve …
I quite enjoyed The Birthday Girl (A Mallory Dawson Crime Thriller Book 1) by Sarah Ward. 📚
A remote island location, a devastating storm, a serial poisoner, an injured ex-detective, an increasing number of bodies …
Pied Stilt stands guard on 3 juveniles. 🐦
This is such an interesting podcast episode: Werthwhile Language – The Vocal Fries Pod:
Carrie and Megan talk with Dr Suzanne Wertheim about her book, The Inclusive Language Field Guide: 6 Simple Principles for Avoiding Painful Mistakes and Communicating Respectfully.
It seems I have a case of the 3am blahs. 😱
Whew, drove to Pekapeka for brunch with a friend, bought a few groceries on the way home. Exhausted now.
Today's other beach bird is this NZ Dotterel showing off its jewellery. 🐦
Today's beach bird is … a sparrow! It had found a tasty morsel for its dinner. 🐦
Lay down for a few moments … and woke an hour later! Missing out on this glorious hot and sunny day.
A fairly good read, though it didn't utterly grip me — Lest We Forgive (DS Liz Moorland. Major Crimes. Book 1) by Phillipa Nefri Clark. 📚
While Liz’s hands are full chasing an escaped criminal, Vince … pieces together a compelling theory that the crash was no accident.
There were so many birds at the estuary this morning. I went for photos of groups. No chance of photos of the flock of Dotterels — they were too speedy. 🐦
Deb made this wonderful Chicken Barley Soup (Soupe Jo) for dinner. Definitely one to have again.
Still haven't regained my energy after testing clear of Covid over a week ago. Today I took recycling bins up to the road and spent half an hour doing random weeding and light garden chores.
That took so much out of me I ended up in bed fast asleep for half an hour. Just tested negative again.
I finished Star Trek: Prodigy, and enjoyed it. I was a bit lukewarm for the first half dozen episodes but then it found its feet and eventually became quite gripping, with a very satisfying conclusion. Favourite episode was when they found the planet with Starflight
— live log and proper
. 😆
