After a couple of weeks enduring home renovations, I decided it was time to escape the paint fumes and spend a day surrounded by something much more pleasant – the sights and sounds of nature. There’s no better way to reset the senses than heading outdoors with the camera and breathing in some fresh forest air.
A fellow photographer and I packed our gear, jumped in the car, and made the trip to Bushy Park Sanctuary near Whanganui. It’s one of those places where you never quite know what you’re going to find, each visit is different, depending on the time of year, the weather, and a bit of luck.
This trip was no exception. The stitchbirds/hihi, which are often a highlight of Bushy Park, were nowhere to be seen – or at least not in the parts of the reserve we explored. But as any bird photographer knows, patience and open eyes are key. Even when your main target doesn’t appear, nature always finds a way to surprise you. As we wandered the tracks, we came across a couple of bellbirds/korimako, their beautiful songs echoing through the forest canopy. A few North Island robins/toutouwai made friendly appearances too, hopping close enough to make for some lovely portraits.
The real stars of the day, though, were the North Island saddlebacks/tīeke. There were plenty of them darting through the undergrowth, busily foraging for insects and grubs. Some were even gathering nesting material, a sure sign that spring is in full swing. Watching them so focused on building and preparing for the breeding season was a real treat, and it offered some great photographic moments.
Light conditions in the reserve can be challenging, the tall forest creates deep shade and dappled light. I found myself adjusting ISO and aperture frequently to keep the shutter speed fast enough for active birds. But that’s part of the fun of bird photography in native bush environments: every frame requires patience, quick reactions, and a bit of creative problem-solving.
Even without the hihi, Bushy Park Sanctuary never disappoints. It’s one of those places that rewards repeat visits, the kind of sanctuary where you can always find something new to photograph or simply enjoy being immersed in the forest. I returned home with memory cards full of images and lungs full of fresh air. A perfect antidote to the chaos of renovation and the smell of paint.
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