Kārearea nest?

We were watching a couple of previously-used kākāriki karaka nest holes in the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary today when a kārearea (NZ falcon) flew in and landed on an old decaying log nearby. A quick search found a sheltered spot under the log looking very much like it was being prepared for nesting. Droppings and regurgitation pellets (containing undigested material such as feathers and claws) were nearby.

Only one bird was seen, he seemed a little curious of our presence, but was not defensive of the site. This species is notoriously aggressive towards perceived incursions into their nesting zone with a blood-curdling screeching dive-bomb, and if that's not enough then a vicious strike to the head of the invader, humans included.

He hung around long enough for a few photos.

Ruru - morepork

One of New Zealand's native owls. Ruru are sometimes disturbed by a noisy fast-moving human while roosting in the daytime, which is how I got most of my shots.

The first two were shot with my D5200 in the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary a few years ago. The next three with the Z6ii over the last year, also in the Brook. The last one was shot today, and is my friendly neighbour. He/she roosts in a nikau between my house and the washing line.

Kakaruai - lunch time

I was having lunch while watching a kākāriki karaka nest in the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary, when a kakaruai (south island robin) stopped by with his lunch. We both decided not to share and stuck to our own lunches.

Ngirungiru - tomtit

Ngirungiru are one of the fourteen species in the Petroica genus: the Australasian robins. They're the only one that does not contain the word 'robin' in the conventional English name. They're 'curious' (like the other NZ robins) and easy enough to photograph. They're also stinkin' cute. Here are a few, all from the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary. The first five are male, the last one is female, all adults.

Kākāriki karaka nest prospecting

It's September, and many of our birds are thinking about breeding. Here's a pair checking out a potential nest hole today.

The male watches his mate from foliage a few metres from the potential nest cavity entrance while she investigates its potential.

He gets closer wondering if she likes the site.

The female exits the cavity after a few minutes checking it out.

If they like the site, they may check it out repeatedly over a period of time (and probably others sites as well) and settle on the one they prefer.

Kākāriki karaka preening

Not as good as the preening shot I got last November, but a nice sequence.