Flying Free

Flags on the forecourt of parliament for the OECD Education Summit. Flags are flown in alphabetical order with the New Zealand flag also being flown at the start and the end.

Skywatch Friday

Wordless Wednesday

ABC Wednesday - Killer Komodos

 At Tarongo last year I saw this massive Komodo. He would have been easily over 2 meters (6ft 5"). He didn't move much while I was looking but I don't particularly want to imagine him chasing me, they can sprint up to 20 km (12mph) in short bursts.

 

As of May 2009 there are only two institutions which house Komodos in Australia and none in New Zealand. They are quite rear in zoos as they often suffer complications in captivity. 

Inside the reptile house there were two much smaller dragons, approximately 1 - 1.5 mtrs (3 - 5 ft) in length. These two were much more active and seemed to pop out of the trunk to say hello. I hope that doesn't mean I looked like dinner.

ABC Wednesday

A Thrush Among Daisies

Our World Tuesday
Nature Notes
Nature Footstep - Inspiring Photography

Is It A Bird, Is It A Plane, No Its An Island

Over the Christmas holidays my family went over to Kapiti Island. It was a gorgeous day and at the top you could see a clearly to the South Island. 

The wind was whipping up some caps on the sea but otherwise it was a fabulous way to end 2013. 

These rangers are the Marlborough Sounds, which is a scattering of inlets and islands at the top of the island.

Skywatch Friday

Jumping for Jantar

ABC Wednesday
Wordless Wednesday

Scales and All

This is Dad. He is a Shingleback Lizard from Australia. He's very relaxed and not at all bothered by people coming up and touching him, he kind of feels like you fingernails do.

These two are water dragons, also from Australia. The stacked appearance was not something I have seen before.

The facials are priceless.

I Heart Macro
Macro Monday 2

What you looking at?

Who you calling wrinkly?

Saturday's Critters
Camera Critters

Roses are red...

Floral Friday Foto

Today's Flowers

Come Fly With Me

While out around the wharves last weekend I was able to watch multiple planes come in to land at Wellington airport. Seeing the planes appear across the sky and dance past the clouds looked quite magical. It was the perfect day to land in Wellington, with the planes coming across the harbour.

These are two variations of the new Air New Zealand skins which are currently been rolled out. Most of the Air NZ planes will eventually look like the above, however a limited few will get the full black treatment. This is sure to make them stand out at airports around the world.

Between the two Air NZ planes coming in to land, a Qantas plane also appeared, Australia's national carrier.

Skywatch Friday

My Five Fingered Friend

On my walk around the harbour yesterday I discovered this little dude hanging out on some stone steps. The tide had gone out and left him exposed but it wasn't long before he was covered in water again.

Macro Monday 2
I Heart Macro

Chirping Cicada

Over the past two or so months there has been a deafening din of clicking and singing around vast parts of New Zealand, both in the country and the city.

While stalking the fish in my mothers pond I discovered this little creature watching me.

This one appears slightly different. I am unsure if it is a different species, as there a various around or if it has just shed so is brighter.

I find the upside down wings quite fascinating and though they are bright they seem to blend extremely well.

The males click and do so by vibrating the back section of their bodies. Its interesting to watch and amazing how loud something so tiny can be.

Saturday's Critters

ABC Wednesday - I is for Iris' in the Park

I found these photos that I took a few years ago at the Christchurch Botanical Gardens. The colours really popped against their surroundings.

Floral Friday Foto
Todays Flowers
ABC Wednesday

Afternoon Delight

While stuck in traffic heading to Wellington last weekend, I noticed how beautiful it was outside in the afternoon sun.

Skywatch Friday
My Sky

A Hunting We Will Go

Over the weekend the dogs and I went for a hunt around the farm. After chasing a rabbit and a hare on the hills, a swim and play fight in the pond they decided to scavenge around the piles of trunks and water pipes.

Yuck, pond water tastes awful.

Tag, your it.

I know I can smell something tasty, just where is it coming from?

I'm sure I was just here. This tunnel has led nowhere!

I'm the King of the World

Where'd she come from?

ABC Wednesday

Call Me Mellow Yellow

 

This little friend lives in my Grandma's aviary and is a baby from this year's canaries.

He was born with a bit of a bung foot, as you can see one toe points skywards and seems to be

upside-down. Apart from this unique feature he is able to move about the aviary perfectly fine.

He is very friendly which allows you to get quite close.

 

Macro Monday 2

I Heart Macro

A Moo of a Time

Last weekend the cows and working bull were brought in to be weighed along with the calves for there ear tags.

While these calves were waiting to be weighed and tagged I managed to sneak a few shots. The calves were very curious towards my camera and one even managed to get an up close shot, including rubbing its nose on the lens.

Once through the process they were let back out into a paddock. The girls back with their mums while the boys got to have a go at the bachelor experience.

Nature Notes

Wild Yarrow

Wild Yarrow up on hill paddocks with a buzzy friend.

Floral Friday Foto

What a Dive

This is a reflection of my cousin getting ready to dive into a water trough.

Weekend Reflection