Wildlife April 2010

[David Lyttle]

Another two pictures from the archives;

Taiaroa Head from sea level

Tourists on board the Monarch enjoying a cruise of the Riviera of the Southern Ocean.

[Ragged Robin]

First Cuckoo calling - isn't it rather early?

[Gail]

First Cuckoo calling - isn't it rather early?

Haven't heard ours yet but they do usually come in April.

The verge up our lane is full of cowslips at the moment and as I was driving home from the school run this morning a stoat was scampering along through them, I slowed to his pace and he kept stopping to look at me then eventually dived into our orchard.  It was such a pretty sight but of course I didn't have my camera.....

[arillady]

Coming home last night, just on dusk ,with my 17 and 15 year olds, travelling at 100ks an hour with a sheep paddock one side and woodlot gum trees on the right, I was suddenly stunned to see a large light brown kangaroo face just out my side window. Luckily I think he may have only a blood nose or a bad headache as the impact was so slight. He continued on his way over the paddock fence. Could have done quite a bit of damage if I was a second later. Of course the rest of the trip home was somewhat slower.

We still seem to have a mob of kangaroos in our paddocks just outside the house yard even though the paddocks have greened up now - wouldn't be surprised if they are coming in at night.

Our young kelpie thought I was encouraging him  this afternoon as he took off in hot persuit of a couple of kangaroos that were just over our creek bed. I have learnt that you don't yell - just go inside the house and he will return when he hasn't an audience.

[arillady]

Anthony and Mark I just read the beginning of the wasp talk on the previous page and now I can barely see the screen for my tears. Thanks guys for the laughs.

[Anthony Darby]

Anthony and Mark I just read the beginning of the wasp talk on the previous page and now I can barely see the screen for my tears. Thanks guys for the laughs.

Was my reply to Mark rather waspish, or perhaps Mark's to me?

[Arykana]

[Ragged Robin]

Les than a metre away, busy collecting moss, moist soil, leaves and twiglets this blackbird took no notice of someone watching in admiration for the huge beak full ready for her nest