Misc NZ Images

[NorthernFocus]

Some final random images marginally worth sharing.

1) Piroa Falls near Waipu. Not such a great photo in and of itself. But we were introduced to the falls in person by Paul, aka pnodrog. Paul and his lovely wife Carla invited us into their home and it was one of the highlights of our trip. They exemplified the wonderful hospitality that over two trips(total of seven weeks) we've come to recognize as part of the national identity down there. Thanks again, folks.



2) Just some typical NZ bush along the track from Matipouri to Whale Bay. Tree ferns, pohutukawa, cabbage trees, and the South Pacific in the BG.



3) Some sort of beach grass that grew everywhere. I was intrigued by the lighting and texture. Wasn't really satisfied with the images I grabbed. This is the best of the lot.



4) I love the black swans. They have large white patches on the wings that only reveal when they fly. Very confusing ID the first time you see them in flight.



5) A typical sight. My bride waiting for me ahead on the trail. This time in Hawke's Bay on the way up Te Mata Peak's "goat track" with 30-60 kph winds resisting our efforts.



6) One thing that's bigger in NZ, pigeons. Head and color of a normal rock pigeon, body the size of a moderate chicken. And about the same flying skills as a domestic chicken too. One of the clumsiest birds I've ever seen.



7) New growth atop a tree fern. Four holidays we've taken down under and have yet to get an image of these plants that remotely reflects their character. But I keep trying.



8) What to do on a rainy day? Find flowers to shoot. No idea what this is but they were in virtually everyone's home gardens. They become a huge group of blooms when fully open. Easier to photograph at this stage. This one at our B/B in Ohope.



9) The other Wentworth Falls. Oz has its own version in the Blue Mountains. This is only the lower fall. There is another pitch about the same height for a total fall of about 50m. A lovely hike up but difficult access and night setting in. Best I could do.



10) I finally managed a shot of a kingfisher. Ironically perched on the tui's favorite bloom overlooking the gannet colony in Muriwai. We take what they offer. Looks like a miniature kookaburra with dyed hair. I didn't realize how small these guys are.



11) And last but not least, perhaps the luckiest wildlife capture of the trip, the elusive bell bird. With a beautiful and quite bold call that belies their size, these guys can be calling literally within a meter of you and remain invisible in the bush. This one landed right in front of me along a bush track just long enough for a capture or two.



ebidda ebidda ebidda that's all folks....

[Mike Buckley]

ebidda ebidda ebidda that's all folks....

Please don't tell me that this is the last of your NZ photos. It's fine with me if you lie about that if the truth isn't what I want to hear.

[pnodrog]

Absolutely delighted with all the photographs (not just this set) and that you made such good use of your time here.

[Shadowman]

Nice series, #7 for me as I thought it was a reptile until reading the description.

[Donald]

No idea what this is but they were in virtually everyone's home gardens.

That's an Agapanthus.

Lovely images yet again, Dan.

[bnnrcn]

I love your photography Dan, thanks for sharing those great images.

+1 to Mike

[NorthernFocus]

Glad you folks enjoyed the images and the series.

Please don't tell me that this is the last of your NZ photos...

That's pretty much the end of those worth sharing. There are a few more misc birds and snap shots. Until we got home and started cataloging images I didn't realize how much I allowed the birds to dominate my photographic attention on this trip. If I bring a long lens in my kit I just can't resist

Donald, thanks for the flower ID.

Binnur, I really enjoy your imagery as well but recently it is in woefully short supply Please rectify that.

[Mike Buckley]

Binnur, I really enjoy your imagery as well but recently it is in woefully short supply Please rectify that.

I have been thinking exactly the same thing lately and even considered sending a PM to her asking about it.

[bnnrcn]

Ah, thanks for your concern Dan and Mike Last summer I started looking for a place to move and it took some time to find a suitable region. So, I moved to another city in last August and I had very difficult times while settling and it took longer than I expected. Then I started exploring around for photography as I didn't know the area at all and at last I found some nice long shores with rocks as I want to work on long exposures. I'm hoping to start shooting next week if the weather allows me.

My plans in photography for 2017 are as follows:

Winter : Some long exposures in color and B&W till spring comes

Spring : Infrared photography

Summer time : Experiencing shooting stars and milky way

As you can see, I'm very eager to get back to my photography with some plans in mind and hopefully I will be uploading some images soon

[NorthernFocus]

Glad to hear you're getting settled back in, Binnur. Having relocated our household this year I can definitely empathise. I no longer know of any wildlife locations close to hand

Looking forward to seeing you posting images again soon. And hope 2017 is a good one for you and yours.

[Mike Buckley]

Great to learn you'll be clicking that Upload button more often, Binnur!

[madcrow]

Awesome series as were all your images. Thanks for sharing, it was a joy to look at them.

[FlyingSquirrel]

Very much enjoyed, thanks for sharing. #3 and #4 were my faves

[Tony M]

That's a nice series Dan, and they bring back memories of my childhood.

#5, Te Mata Peak: I grew up in Hastings and as a kid I used to go up Te Mata Peak on my bike, watch the hang-gliders take off, then zoom down the hill on the road, passing the cars only like a crazy kid would do.

#9, Wentworth Falls: I used to holiday at Whangamata and swam at those falls.

Thanks for posting the photos; I enjoyed seeing them.

Tony

[bje07]

Very nice colorful series.

[Davejl]

A really lovely series of images