Our house nestles into the top of a promontory overlooking the harbour Water stretches in all directions as far as … More
Tag: Raewyn's poems
Swallows on the wires
A large flock of swallows dropped in today for late afternoon snacks from the bug larder furiously swooping and scooping … More
Late summer sunsets
Early May Hokianga sunsets are absorbing performances the subtly morphing colours sensuously etch the skyline slowly concealing the layers of … More
Summer is ending
The swallows (warou) are moving awaynow the cooler weather is arrivingbut a small number remain nearbyand bring joy as they … More
Garlic preserving
A good day for preserving garlic (despite all the peeling needed) So. Many. Options. – garlic honey (good for cold/flu/covid … More
Caterpillars
fat green caterpillars have been feasting on my herbs and lettuces (and today this monster black caterpillar has suddenly appeared) … More
Pampas drifts
The pampas seeds blow on the wind Like snow Piling up in shallow drifts in corners and crevice Clinging to … More
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 … More
High-tailing it
the breakfasting pukeko who fossicks in the margins of our drivewayis the tallest I have ever encountered there’s something in … More
To the west
Looking towards the west the most intense colour in the sunset appears after the sun drops below the horizon the … More
Harakeke
how soon after openingharakeke flowersbecome seed pods. duringthe transformationtuikeep eatingand pollinatingthe flowers near the top of the stem while the … More
Turbulence
A gusty day Some birds hurtle at breakneck speeds Streaking through the air. Others flap frantically as they stall in … More
Gourmand grazing
The tui are in gourmand mode feasting and flying with endless grazing options as harakeke and pohutukawa blossoms open to … More
Sauntering
Mama pheasant delicately saunters along the verge Her focus is nevertheless sharp and she grazes on gourmet morsels Meticulously selected … More