New Zealand’s Native Clematis

…in my experience, is usually flowering at the top of a tree….you can see it from afar, but it is too high up to appreciate at close quarters…let alone photograph…

…this lot is growing in sand dunes on low scrub bushes…

…mmm, clematis.

It Is Written On The Stars

…both sides…

…it’s also in the numbers on the pinnipeds….

….and the way the sand lands…

…we thought we saw the signs… …and now the signs are up!

…(….on a salt marsh, on a harbour mouth far, far away….)….

….(if you have the time, check out….

http://naturewatch.org.nz/projects/aramoana-biodiversity

…mmm…biodiversity!)

Holiday Snaps

…I meant to put these up on Sunday, but was extra busy in the shop…

…snow forecast for today…so no so busy today!….

…always holiday prepared…(especially if you’re still carrying that cold)….

 

…take plenty of recycling….(and booze)

 

 

….and sustenance….

 

…because your hostess may have cleaned (out) the fridge…

 

…and only left you a fluffy quince…(without explaining they are supposed to be fluffy)…

 

 

…go outside….don’t forget your gloves….

 

 

…take pictures of nature….

 

 

…and natures residents….

 

 

…get back inside before the weather breaks….

 

 

…had a wonderful time…

…wish I was back there now!

More Penguin News

…my good friend Dee’s resident penguin…is still resident…and now he’s moulting…

…which means he’s with us for a few weeks at least…

…and he’s a little more acclimatised to Dee & Me being around so I managed a snap sans grimy glass…

 

…mmm…penguin sheddings…

 

 

 

…they’re so fluffy!…especially close in…serious insulation….

…hopefully the Dept’ Of Conservation comes to the party re: warning signage…spent most of the Easter break chasing un-leashed dogs away with a broom…

…no matter how “in-control” people think they are of their townie mutts, it doesn’t take more than a second to bite a penguin…

…although I’ve seen him throw a shape & squawk at a couple of would-be predators & he’s packing an impressive defence mechanism!

The Next Best Thing To Happy Feet

…well, better than happy feet…

…because he’s real …

…and he’s just outside my good friend Dee’s place…

…and you can drink coffee and make a snack whilst observing him…

 

…shoes & pants optional.

 

 

Yellow eyed penguins are rare & protected in NZ…this little fella has been caught & relocated from this beach twice now…lots of dog walking in the area….wish Dee’s windows hadn’t been so sand splattered…didn’t think it wise to snap him from outside as there wasn’t anything for me to hide behind!….cool neighbour for a day though.

Ladybird

…ladybug…

…depending on where you’re from.

…(taken out at my good friend Dee’s place a few weeks back….without the use of a ladder…the sand has since been removed from the side of the house….no trench digging to facilitate egress for the foreseeable  future! … )…

…(desperately trying to get back on track with a completely blown drawing schedule…normal transmission resumed soooon…hope you enjoy the snaps…).

Point And Shoot

…and you stand a 50/50 chance of capturing a moment…

 

… or an artefact…

 

…or a critter…

 

…damn, wasn’t expecting that crab when I lifted his home up…

…the biggest of four living under the piece of detritus I moved…

…and not happy about the attention!