unionhomestead

Words on Birds

We all know how dire my photography skills are. We also know that, if I really sunk some effort into it, I could definitely improve but obviously it’s not that important to me. Except for when I see something really cool and can’t prove it.

Like watching the magpie babies learning to fly. We were alerted to it by the noise of madly thrashing wings and loud parental squawks of encouragement.  There was only one thing for it: to lean on a fencepost and watch as the crazy flapping, chaotic dropping and scrabbling, and frightened cheeps and peeps gave way to swooping and gliding, and economic wing beats. But no photos.

Or the paradise shelducks visiting the back paddock this morning. They’re such joyous birds who live their life out very-loud. And they’re so handsome. Shirley and I crept up to the back fence and watched as they searched out and shared soil treats, commenting loudly on the tastiness of each morsal. Photos?

Kind of.

But this afternoon as I hacked the box hedge into shape, a piwakawaka (NZ fantail) kept me company, snacking on the bugs my efforts were disturbing and telling me all kinds of stories.

And I got photographic evidence!

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Published by unionhomestead

This story began as a family's fumbling attempt to live The Good Life in suburbia; the awesome suburb of New Brighton, Christchurch, New Zealand to be exact. Our wonderful neighbours tolerated our hair brained schemes as yet more lawn was turned into garden and more animals were introduced until there was just no more room left and there was nothing else for it... we moved to the country. So, here we now are: an extended family of humans, cats, ducks, chickens, and goats trying to step as lightly as possible on this gorgeous planet while still enjoying the internet and good television. We've got 5 acres of land to play with, a whole new township to meet, and neighbours who do this sort of thing for a living...what could go wrong? You want a list?! This lifestyle of ours isn't always pretty; There's meteoric highs and the most cataclysmic of lows. Our intent is to share all these - our idiotic mistakes, glorious triumphs, outcomes both lucky and unlucky; and those thigh slapping, tear spurting, belly laughing moments that often follow all of the above - through this blog and our Facebook page www.facebook.com/unionhomestead. We reckon everyday is a school day and, if you're maybe pondering having a go at this lifestyle yourself, you will always be able to call up this blog and say with ultimate conviction, "At least we're not as bad as them."

7 comments

  1. Yes, wild life photography is challenging. The subjects won’t come close or fly away at the slightest movement. Well done for capturing the fantail who was supervising your pruning.

    Reply

  2. Birds are very hard to photograph. Why won’t they pose for us? 😉 We get all kinds of fledglings in our backyard, and it is one of the highlights of our summer. Would loved to have seen those magpies.

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    • It was quite surreal to, first, realise what was happening and then watch their progress. Luckily I had The Bean Counter and Resident Engineer watching alongside me as proof I wasn’t dreaming

      Reply

  3. The only secret for bird photography is a really good zoom lens. Otherwise you are at the mercy of the birds which rarely want to sit quietly near you while you take their picture.

    Reply

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