Gannet Transition

The gannet colony out at Muriwai has thinned out quite a bit since my last visit. Mostly only juvenile birds are left. They don't make the most attractive of subjects, but it is quite neat to see the transformation they go through from fluffy chick into full adult colours.

ChickJuvenile
Adult

NZ Dotterel (tūturiwhatu)

I spent a few hours photographing the endangered New Zealand dotterel at Wiawera last Friday. The Dotterel is inquisitive allowing you to get quite close without stressing the bird. Best approach is to just sit (or lie) on the sand and let them come to you. The dotterel was once widespread but has been subject to introduced predators and human impact and now only numbers 1500.

This bird was feeding on sand hoppers and would stand and perform a little stamp of the feet until hoppers jumped free. At this point a rapid chase ensued usually with the Dotterel getting a meal. Quite interesting behavior to observe.



Images shot with a Nikon D300, 300mm 2.8 VR lens and 1.7TC.

Gannets at Muriwai

Went out to Muriwai to check out what was happening at the Gannet colony located at Muriwai Beach on Auckland’s west coast. The birds are back in from their winter break in Australia and are on both onshore nesting locations in good numbers. Still far from the peak numbers found in November. Good viewing of birds flying with building materials in tow can be seen right now. Look for a wind out of the west for great flying displays.

Australasian Gannet in fllight at Muriwai

2009 ANZANG Landscape and Wildlife Photography Awards

Just found out two of my images will be published in the 2009 ANZANG Landscape & Wildlife Photographer book. One of the images has made it though to the exhibition for final judging which will be held in October. The exhibition is on at the South Australian Museum in Adelaide from 2 Oct though to 22 Nov. For more details on the ANZANG awards check out the following link.

Flowering Rata, Karamea (selected for book and exhibition)

Silvereye (selected for book)

Opening Post

This is my opening post. I don’t know where this blog will lead but I’m hoping that it will supplement my portfolio of images on my main website www.paulkettel.com with more current and frequent examples of my work.

The image for this post is of a New Zealand native called a Fantail or Piwakawaka in Maori. These are delightfully playful birds, which seem to dance around you while walking through bush. This bird was photographed at Wenderholm park just north of Auckland. A recent storm had left the beach strewn with seaweed and driftwood, making for perfect feeding conditions for the fantail.