Kererū at the Totara Tree
Just when I thought the excitement at the totara tree was over, my next walk through the park proved otherwise. The tree was alive again, filled with movement and sound. On closer inspection, I could see more berries than before, with many still growing. I don’t know how long this abundance will last, but I wasn’t about to take it for granted. This time, I had my camera with me.
This post is about the kererū, New Zealand’s native wood pigeon. Kererū are large, heavy-bodied birds and are impossible to miss once you notice them. Their small heads and broad bodies can look slightly unbalanced. However, in good light, their feathers are stunning. When the sun hits them, shades of green, purple, and bronze appear across their plumage.
Kererū Feeding in the Treetops
Kererū spend much of their time feeding high in trees. From the ground, their presence is often obvious before they are seen. Branches bounce, leaves shake, and wings beat loudly as the birds move from one perch to another.
During this visit, I hadn’t realised how many kererū were in the totara tree at first. Once I stopped and watched, it became clear. The canopy was busy with birds competing for the best feeding spots among the ripening fruit.
Fruiting native trees, such as totara, are an important food source for kererū. When food is plentiful, kererū will return again and again, sometimes in large numbers.
Photographing Kererū in Overcast Light
All of the images in this post were taken on an overcast day. These conditions are ideal for photographing kererū. Their white breast feathers can lose detail in strong sunlight. Soft, diffused light makes it easier to capture texture and detail in the feathers.
Overcast light also reduces harsh shadows. As a result, the kererū’s subtle colours are easier to photograph, especially the darker, iridescent areas.
A Perfect Amount of Time
I usually spend about 40 minutes photographing the kererū while my husband walks our dog. This turns out to be the perfect amount of time. It allows me to observe their behaviour without rushing.
Any longer, and I would probably need physio for my neck from all the looking up into the tree. Still, watching kererū feeding high in a totara is always worth the effort.
All the images in this post were taken using my Lumix G9II and Panasonic Leica 100-400 lens. If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to contact me through my website, or follow along on Facebook or Instagram.