Home in the Hokianga

Our house nestles into the top of a hill 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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …