Leucistic Tui

No sign today of the leucistic tui seen at the beginning of the month regularly visiting our sugar feeder in the garden. Definitely not an albino as you can see by the dark eyes.

Leucistic tui

I photographed this thought to be a leucistic variable oystercatcher in the Kaipara on December 29th 2016. However it may be an albino as on closer viewing of my photo their is a hint of red in those eyes.

Leucistic or Albino

Fairy Tern Chick in Training.

Just home after an extremely windy day spent photographing a young Fairy Tern North of Auckland  as it shows off its newly learnt flying skills. It never quite catches anything but does appear to have all the correct moves..

Young Fairy Tern with coloured leg bands

Year Beginning

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Barbary dove investigated my cup of coffee.

A regular visitor to our deck. A cappuccino loving Barbary dove. So tame and confiding. I think that gradually birds are taking over the place as they become more confident and relaxed as we pursue a 'No Cats Zone'.
The big plus is a mature oak tree of considerable size on the boundary that draws the birds into a garden of native plantings  and a sugar feeder, garden pond and bird baths  that provides essential drinking water in a drought and a place for them to line up for a soak.