Category: Nature

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The story of an astute kereru (NZ wood pigeon) and a myopic photographer

NZ Fantail - piwakawaka on a branch in Dunedin Botanical Gardens

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)

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

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

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

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That Wanaka Tree

That Wanaka Tree in snow

I’ve been around this now famous tree in more ways than one, e.g. swimming, and simply took it for granted for a few decades.

In snow, flood, or times of drought this tree that used to be a fence post earlier than 1939, endures with a determination to not just live, but to be a rock star of the Internet

However before it became famous a few of us had been there with cameras in sunshine and storm, simply because it was nice subject matter for landscape photographers.

But even then we had no idea how social media would change all that – now days getting an image of it with no people is the ultimate challenge.

A Wanaka Tree photographer working in a snow-storm under an umbrella

And so the photographers came! With tripods, umbrellas, children and iPhones!

That Wanaka Tree at sunset

And often the sun sets on a perfect day, which finds the lake levels either up or down or somewhere in between

That Wanaka Tree bathing in unusual light

But what intrigues me of late is the tree seems to sense the attention it gets and becomes alive in another universe

Wedding couple by the Wanaka Tree

Then again it is not always the centre of attention

If you happen to be interested in purchasing please note which image and email Donald so he can process the various options, and advise you with a link when completed

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