Chilled Kiwi sees few birds ... for now

Gidday all,   from the land of the chilly long white cloud, Birds? Not so many. Many kilometres on road and great views NZ falcon and harriers. Have caught up with family and friends. Maybe post a pic or two on Mangere Library system next few days. Cheers for now.

Farewell images of some Yasi survivors

Red-backed Fairy-wren (Malurus melanocephalus) in guinea grass at lookout heads today's last Tyto images for a time. Overdue NZ spell starts tomorrow. 

Rufous Whistler (Pachycephala rufiventris) on a cheesewood branch. Easy to find the birds not blasted away by Cyclone Yasi, given defoliation of 50-75% most trees, though few knocked over. 

Yellow-spotted Honeyeater (Meliphaga notata) searches for insect life surviving in the limited leafage.

Business as usual for young Comb-crested Jacana (Irediparra gallinacea). The  species one of a few undiminished by Yasi. 

Also surviving in usual numbers, White-browed Crake (Amaurornis cinerea), though above image not from today's final walk through the still-flooded wetlands. 


So we say a fond farewell to Tyto. Return date uncertain. Hoping for some birding in the Land of the Long White Cloud. Bye for now ...    
Click pix to enlarge

Cockatoos after Yasi blasts tree

Red-tailed Black Cockatoos in blasted Indian almond hours after Cyclone Yasi blasted through Ingham. Probably be some time before small flocks return to the area. No personal poignancy to match this, thankfully..
Click pix to enlarge

Yasi and me? No worries, mates!

Yasi and me?  Water and power off. Many trees down but caravan and even awning mostly survived. So, we're lucky. Can't  speak for any others. Can report Cockatoos were still flying late yesterday and  some birds up and about today at tailend of the Yasi monster. But it may be a day or two before I get another look at a Metallic Starling (above).