Local wildlife
The land, air and water surrounding blockhill is full of life. Our valley offers a rich and fertile biodiversity that, like any ecosystem, is complete with pests, predators and prey.
Naughty ferret
Unfortunately if we want to protect our chickens (and local bird-life) we need to control the pests that prey on them.
We trapped this ferret with some old cat food, out near our chook house.
You can guess what happened next. At least he'll contribute his elements to our compost.
23 Mar 2011
The pheasant
04 Mar 2011
Bee swarm
Hoping to prevent their entry into the roof cavity I blocked up the small hole they had discovered and tried to forget about it. They wouldn't give up.
19 Nov 2010
Wood Pigeon
He (or is it a she?) spends a good part of the day climbing awkwardly around the tree devouring buds and taunting the cat.
22 Aug 2010
Tui
Over the next half an hour or so he explored the gully and I could hear his distinctive voice as he called out, seeking cousins.
I just hope he decides to take up residence and not just pass on through. There is plenty to keep him here, but no mates at present.
UPDATE
For the next week or so, 2 Tuis set up residence in our orchard and could be seen and heard playing noisily. At present (24 Aug) they seem to have gone again. We hope they return.
17 Jul 2010
Fantails - Video
Snow is falling and the fantails have come in under the deck to get out of the weather. Eventually they come inside for warmth and a few flies.
08 Jun 2010
Unknown Insect
Looks like a cross between a dragon fly and a wasp. Fortunately it didn't hang around.
Baby Fantail
Known for its friendly 'cheet cheet' call and energetic flying antics, the aptly named fantail is one of the most common and widely distributed native birds on the New Zealand mainland.
It is easily recognised by its long tail which opens to a fan.
24 Feb 2010
Hedgehog
If startled they roll into a prickly ball.
Quail
29 Nov 2009