Alayna is fast becoming a fan of the natural world and becomes quite entranced with animals. Our cats are definitely a focus of attention and when there are birds outside Alayna will sit and watch with interest. When we visit Zealandia its obvious that Alayna is getting more and more interested in the fauna and […]
A zoo party
Today was the combined first birthday celebration for our antenatal group held at Wellington Zoo. We headed to the zoo a little early to walk around while Alayna was still fresh after her morning sleep. It was a sunny but cold afternoon and many of the zoo animals were sleeping in the sun but therefore […]
Earl & Alayna (with a side of apple)
Our cat Cadbury is still quite wary of Alayna but our other cat Earl is coming around to the idea that we have a new family member after only 9 months. The change in opinion may have something to do with the fact that Earl is on a diet and he hangs around looking for […]
Staglands
Keryn organised an antenatal group catch-up at Staglands, a wildlife reserve north of Upper Hutt. The wildlife are largely farm animals with a few exotic birds and some native species as well. It was a cold morning when we set out and we were all wrapped up in our cosy clothes, Alayna wearing a too-large […]
From Bethells to the Zoo via the ‘Tron
We’ve had a good extended Queen’s Birthday weekend up north. Travis recently turned 40 so we stayed with him for a couple of nights along with Phil and Elaine who had come down from Whangarei for a couple of days. Taking advantage of some wonderful weather we had a family outing to Bethells Beach where […]
A long walk at Zealandia
Earlier in the year we had bought a hiking backpack that would allow us to go walking with Alayna and allow her to have a good view. This weekend just gone we decided it was time to test it out and see how Alayna would like it so we planned an afternoon at Zealandia. The […]
Fever Hospital
The Wellington branch of the SPCA has been granted a lease on the old Fever Hospital located on Mt Victoria. Over the last few months tours have been run by the SPCA giving a view of the current state of the building and an insight into the future vision after refurbishment. Keryn and I were […]
GOPI 2013
Keryn and I attended the prizegiving for the Guardians of Pauatahanui Inlet (GOPI) 2013 photography competition. I was lucky enough to be chosen as the winner in the nature category and had 3 photos highly commended across a few categories as well. The photos entered improve every year and I think I’ve been learning from […]
Pukaha, Mt Bruce
The last day of 2012 saw some nice weather so Keryn and I headed off to the Wairarapa for the day. We had a good brunch at Wild Oats in Carterton, pancakes for myself and French toast for Keryn. and then headed out to Pukaha, the National Wildlife Centre situated at Mount Bruce north of […]
A long time between drinks
This blog hasn’t been forgotten, no matter that it’s been a few months between entries. Much of the delay can be attributed to Keryn and I buying a house and the rigmarole surrounding moving. Thankfully we’re mostly done with the moving lark, there are still a few boxes to empty and we’ve got one set […]
Matuku-moana
Photo by Brendon & Keryn A matuku-moana (white faced heron) after a quick shake, feathers all ruffled. Just a quick one, a photo of a matuku-moana or white faced heron that was all ruffled up after a quick shake in the sun. A probable entry for next years GOPI photo competition.
Tuturuatu in Plimmerton
One of the rarer bird species in New Zealand has been frequenting the coastline near the fire station in Plimmerton recently. The Tuturuatu or shore plover number only a few hundred birds in total. DOC released 41 Tuturuatu onto Mana Island back in 2008 and in last year a small flock relocated itself to the […]