New Zealand boasts a diverse array of bird species, earning it the title of the world's seabird capital. Interestingly, the country lacks native land mammals, with only two species of bats calling it home. However, New Zealand is rich in marine mammals, including seals, whales, and dolphins. The unique fauna of the islands can be attributed to their isolation, formed approximately 25 million years ago, far from substantial land masses. Over time, this isolation has allowed bird species to thrive, establishing themselves as the dominant land animals.
Looking through the photos from my South Island trip, I was astonished to find that I had captured over a hundred images of birds, including 20 new species to me.
My first encounter with New Zealand's avian wonders occurred on the Godley Head Coastal Trail just outside Christchurch on our first day on the South Island, December 15, 2023. The trail was filled with the harmonious chirps of birds, with yellowhammers standing out among them. Perched atop trees, tall grasses, and rocks, they dominated the acoustic landscape. Sparrows also made frequent appearances, hopping along the trail until we approached too closely. Sea gulls and cormorants gracefully glided along the shorelines, while a few European goldfinches, with their distinct red cheeks, added a vibrant touch to the scene.
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| Yellow Hammer on the top of a tree branch |
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| Yellowhammer on top of a rock |
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| Sparrow |
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| gliding gull |
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| a sparrow with wings expanded |
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| European Goldfinch |
The second set of bird encounters unfolded along the Avon River in Christchurch on Saturday morning (December 16, 2023). Here, I captured images of elegant black swans, the melodic song thrush, the beautiful and protective paradise shelducks with their offspring, and once again, a colorful European goldfinch in plain view.
At the Botanic Garden by the Avon River, we were treated to the delightful melody of a smooth, brilliant song, emanating from the Song Thrush, a speckled brownish bird.
A white-headed female paradise shelduck chasing a bird along the Avon River caught my attention, followed by the heartwarming sight of ducklings and a black-headed paradise shelduck. The family was reunited on the river bank after the female's return. However, we also witnessed the harsh reality of nature when a gull preyed upon a goldfinch, challenging our perception of these seemingly peaceful gulls.
A pleasant surprise awaited us though as we encountered a pair of birds with a coma-shaped crest, identified as California Quails, foraging on the Botanic Garden road.
Out of the six new birds (*) I encountered in the span of 12 hours on the East Coast of the South Island at Christchurch, paradise shelducks, European goldfinches, and California quails stand out as exotic to me.
Many more bird species were heard but not seen, leaving an abundance of avian wonders yet to be discovered. The endless marvels of nature never cease to amaze.
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| a pair of black swans on Avon river |
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| a foraging song thrush |
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| a song thrush singing loud in a tree! |
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| A male paradise shelduck - black head |
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| mommy paradise shelduck is ready to chase away intruders |
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| A paradise shelduck family |
Note - the 6 new birds to me
1. yellow hammers
2. European goldfinch
3. Song Thrush
4. Paradise Shelduck
5. California Quail
6. New Zealand Scaup (Black Teal)
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