Although we are no longer feeding the birds, we are still enjoying visits from many of our native species. This afternoon brought a special surprise when two kereru were flapping around the upper branches of our tall kōwhai tree.
Photographing the kereru proved to be a challenge. The afternoon sun was off to the side of the birds, putting the light in the wrong direction for these images. To avoid ending up with silhouettes, I overexposed the photos by one stop, which helped bring out some colour and detail in their plumage. Now I just need to remember to reset my camera settings before my next outing!
I’m hoping the pair return tomorrow morning when the sun will be behind me instead. That should provide much better lighting and, with a bit of luck, some even better photographs.
For anyone unfamiliar with the kereru, it is New Zealand’s native wood pigeon. These large, colourful birds have a distinctive appearance and often look delightfully clumsy as they move through the treetops. Despite their size, they somehow manage to perch on the thinnest branches without losing their balance – something that never fails to amaze me.
Seeing these beautiful native birds in our garden is always a reminder of how rewarding it is to create a welcoming habitat for local wildlife.
All the images in this post were taken using my Lumix G9II using my Leica 100-400mm lens. If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to contact me through my website, or follow along on Facebook or Instagram.