Eek

In the corner of my eye from behind my right shouldersomething leapt at mein a shadowy cornerof the bathroom my …

After the storm

142.6mm of rain fellhere at Opara in the past 5 days This most recent storm eventthe result of another tropical …

Rippling

The harbour is glassily calm today No wind, not even a gentle breeze Wispy clouds above bright sunshine So still …

Home in the Hokianga

Our house nestles into the top of a promontory overlooking the harbour Water stretches in all directions as far as …

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 …

Gull vs Hawk

Last night’s possum carcass Has drawn attention from a curious black-backed gull and the regularly visiting kahu these fierce competitors …

High-tailing it

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

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 stallin what …

Gourmand grazing

The tui are in gourmand mode feasting and flying with endless grazing options as harakeke and pohutukawa blossoms open to …

Sauntering

Mama pheasant delicately saunters along the verge Her focus is nevertheless sharp and she grazes on gourmet morsels Meticulously selected …

Muddied waters

Last night’s heavy rain has muddied the rivers revealing their individual contributions to the waters of the harbour only the …

Slow rain

The rain advances slowly across the harbour transitioning from threat to lashing against the windows The clouds layer up progressively …