Last week I came across the above fantail /piwakawaka and as my camera was in my hand, I started stalking him/her with my lens, knowing full-well, like we all do, that these sweeties move about almost too fast for us limited humans.
But I got a good enough shot, and then I had the oddest feeling I was not alone and was being watched, so I took half a breath and realised the kereru was less than a meter from my nose.
The rest was history as they say, but look at the expression. It’s said these beautiful birds are dumb, but that was not what I saw…
![Portrait of a kereru (NZ wood pigeon)](https://i0.wp.com/photoquest.nz/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/kereru-fantail-blog-2.jpg?resize=525%2C525&ssl=1)
Eventually my kereru friend decided to turn away prior to departure, but could not resist looking back for sometime with an air of indecision, or maybe even reluctance…
![Back view of a NZ kereru / wood pigeon at Dunedin Botanical Gardens](https://i0.wp.com/photoquest.nz/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/kereru-fantail-blog-3.jpg?resize=525%2C396&ssl=1)
One of favourite piwakawaka photos taken in red beech forest in Mt Aspiring National Park…
![Piwakawaka / fantail in red beech forest in Mt Aspiring National Park](https://i0.wp.com/photoquest.nz/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/kereru-fantail-blog-4.jpg?resize=525%2C386&ssl=1)
If you happen to be interested in purchasing an image please note which one and email Donald so he can process the various options, and advise you with a link when completed