Swallows on the wires

A large flock of swallows dropped in today for late afternoon snacks from the bug larder furiously swooping and scooping…

Late summer sunsets

Early May Hokianga sunsets are absorbing performances the subtly morphing colours sensuously etch the skyline slowly concealing the layers of…

Summer is ending

The swallows (warou) are moving awaynow the cooler weather is arrivingbut a small number remain nearbyand bring joy as they…

Garlic preserving

A good day for preserving garlic (despite all the peeling needed) So. Many. Options. – garlic honey (good for cold/flu/covid…

Caterpillars

fat green caterpillars have been feasting on my herbs and lettuces (and today this monster black caterpillar has suddenly appeared)…

Pampas drifts

The pampas seeds blow on the wind Like snow Piling up in shallow drifts in corners and crevice Clinging to…

Possums

Possums are hungry for apples We are catching a scavenger every night…. lately Luckily our regular visitors the Hawk and…

Fruitfulness

A small box of mixed produce from Twisted Citrus deliciously ripe firm and ready to eat plumspears passionfruit grapefruitand avocados…

Gull vs Hawk

Last night’s possum carcass Has drawn attention from a black-backed gull and a hawk fierce competitors for a feed Battling…

High-tailing it

the breakfasting pukeko who fossicks in the margins of our drivewayis the tallest I have ever encountered there’s something in…

Warou vs Pihoihoi

Warou and pihoihoi inhabit the same niche andare constantlytrolling for (mostly) teeny tiny insects Warou in flightswoop and swivelin pursuit…

To the west

Looking towards the west the most intense colour in the sunset appears after the sun drops below the horizon the…

Harakeke

how soon after openingharakeke flowersbecome seed pods. duringthe transformationtuikeep eatingand pollinatingthe flowers near the top of the stem while the…

Turbulence

A gusty day Some birds hurtle at breakneck speeds Streaking through the air. Others flap frantically as they stall in…