shimmering
through song and movement
proud tui
Whilst we were in New Zealand to experience culture, birds were always in the back of our minds. We are spoilt in Australia for variety and breadth of species when it comes to birds. However the Tui stole our hearts in new Zealand. It is a beautiful bird, with a metallic dark green and blue plumage. The wonderful white napkin on the throat gives the Tui a distinctive identity.However the song produced by the Tui outshines the beautiful plumage. No bird in Australia produces a sweeter more distinctive sound than the Tui. They are very common in the North Island and we quickly learnt to identify their calls however they were quite elusive to photograph. This bird was in the Wellington Botanic Gardens and was the only one I was able to get a reasonable photo of.
Haiku hound 
Geautiful.
Merry Christmas, Denis.
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Thank you Sue. A Merry Christmas to you and Ani
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😀
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Gorgeous colour – birds are fascinating. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
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Thanks Carol, and a Merry Christmas to you also.
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A beautiful haiku Denis and lovely photographs. We wish you a blessed Christmas and Happy Holidays ☺🎄
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Thanks Xenia, Merry Christmas to you , your family and especially the pups. The temp has just hit 36oC as the afternoon begins.
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Thank you Denis :o) Your weather sounds wonderful! We still have a severe weather warning in place as Storm Conor travels past rattling the rafters and tomorrow the calm will return. Wishing you a lovely rest of the holidays :o)
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Love to hear the birds singing. This little one appears to be a most cheery soul! Merry Christmas to you, Denis! And a Bright New Year
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Thanks Annette, they are an extraordinary bird, Merry Christmas to you, I hope the USA has some bright moments next year.
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Merry Christmas. Will see you in 2017. Have a great year.
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Thanks Oneta a merry Christmas to you also.
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Thank you so much dear Denis, Merry Christmas, Love, nia
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Hello Denis! Beautiful haiku and photos.
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Thanks Vashti. This is one amazing singing bird, it was begging for a haiku, but a lot harder to see and photograph.
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A very distinctive song. I just listened to one on utube. I see what you mean.
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I always thought Australia had the best song birds in the world until I heard a Tui.
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