Wildlife gallery
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.
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Bellbird on red hot poker plant
Details Bellbirds love nectar and can often be seen clinging to these flowers dotted about our garden.Date November 08, 2013
Hedgehog
These spiny creatures can often be found scurrying around during the evening and at night when they search for food.
Tui
Today I saw the first Tui as he flew lazily and dipped across the paddock, settling on the tip of a tall pine.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.July 17, 2010http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tui_%28bir...
Little brown frog
Often heard, never seen, this little creature has been chirping away quite frequently since our wetland has matured.I was surprised and excited to discover it hiding in the pile of bricks.March 01, 2013
Wood pigeon
These birds can be seen in the orchard throughout the year feasting on blossoms and plums.August 07, 2011
Kingfisher sits in the old plum tree
We see this character about from time to time, sitting high on the power wires or one of the trees in the orchard.May 28, 2012
Bellbird in the snow
It's a fine day after the first snow f the year and birds are out in the orchard getting into the last of the fruit.June 08, 2012
Naughty ferret
The ongoing battle against nature.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.
March 23, 2011
The pheasant
For some time we have 'enjoyed' the company of a roving pheasant. Undoubtedly a majestic bird, he spends most of his time in the garden. While not as destructive as a regular chook his presence is frustratingly obvious. Eating off the brussel sprouts, nibbling a cucumber and generally upsetting the progress of the garden.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PheasantMarch 04, 2011
Wood Pigeon
The friendly wood pigeon that visited our orchard last year is back in the same plum tree.He (or is it a she?) spends a good part of the day climbing awkwardly around the tree devouring buds and taunting the cat.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealan... August 22, 2010
Fantails - Video
Check out this short video of two fantails that were hanging round the house today.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.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DZxvnGB... June 08, 2010
Unknown Insect
This strange looking insect with the long 'tail' appeared in the house the other day.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.
Hedgehog
These spiny little mammals usually come out at dusk or during the night and snuffle about eating worms and insects although they can on occasion eat eggs.If startled they roll into a prickly ball.
Quail
While cutting wood the other day I uncovered a nest containing 14 quail eggs. These birds are common round here and apparently make good eating so I transfered the eggs under a clucky hen in the hopes she will hatch them out.November 29, 2009
Baby thrush
A nest with 2 baby thrush chicks high in the macrocarpa tree at the end of the garden.November 20, 2009
Wasp
A paper wasp nest. Looks like it still has some lave in there.Not sure what these insects look like but I found this hanging from the rafter in the chook shed.November 12, 2009
Ladybug
We have these less common variety with orange on black.
Wax Eye (Silver eye)
These cute little native birds are quite common and love to feed on flowers and fruit around the garden.Unfortunately Gibson managed to catch this one and so I was able to hold it. Eventually it flew from my hands, I hope it survives.
October 19, 2009
Hares
These large rabbit like creatures are fast moving and hard to spot with their natural camouflage. Ideal for food as they are a pest, eating young trees.The cat always enjoys a bit to fresh hare and, if I'm feeling particularly adventurous, I try cooking a bit too.
November 01, 2008