Recently, a photographer friend invited me to her garden/park to photograph the tūī feeding on a fruiting kaikōmako shrub. I didn’t hesitate – when native trees are heavy with berries, they quickly attract birdlife.
As soon as I arrived, the garden was alive with movement and sound. The tūī were going absolutely nuts over the berries, darting between branches and calling loudly as they competed for the best feeding spots. It was the kind of wildlife photography session where something was happening every minute.
Why Tui Are Drawn to the Kaikōmako Shrub
The native kaikōmako produces small berries that are highly attractive to birds. When the shrub is in full fruit, it becomes a valuable food source and a natural gathering place for local wildlife.
Because of this abundance, several tūī had claimed the shrub as their own. They chased rivals away, defended prime perches, and occasionally paused just long enough for a photograph.
Planting native species like kaikōmako does more than support bird populations — it can transform an ordinary garden into a thriving ecosystem. For photographers, it also creates reliable opportunities to capture natural behaviour.
Photographing Juvenile Tui
One of the highlights of this visit was the large number of juvenile tūī in the garden. This gave me a rare opportunity to photograph younger birds alongside adults and document the differences between them.
Juvenile tūī are not as vibrant as their parents. Their feathers look softer and more muted, and they lack the glossy iridescence that adult birds display in good light. The distinctive white throat tuft is also smaller and less defined.
However, what these young birds lack in colour, they make up for in personality.
They were curious, energetic, and sometimes delightfully clumsy as they balanced on berry-heavy branches. At times, I watched them beg nearby adults for food. These interactions helped tell a richer story through my images.
Tips for Photographing Tui in Fruiting Trees
Photographing tūī on a fruiting kaikōmako shrub can be both exciting and challenging. Since the birds rarely stay still, preparation makes a big difference.
Here are a few tips that helped during this session:
- Use a fast shutter speed to freeze sudden movement.
- Focus on the eyes to create strong, engaging portraits.
- Choose a clean background if possible by shifting your position slightly.
- Observe before shooting, as behaviour often repeats.
Most importantly, patience pays off. When you slow down and watch carefully, the best moments often unfold naturally.
Why Seasonal Timing Matters in Wildlife Photography
Timing plays a huge role in successful wildlife photography. When native plants are fruiting or flowering, bird activity increases dramatically.
If you want to improve your chances of photographing tūī, start paying attention to seasonal changes in your area. A single fruiting shrub can attract multiple birds and provide hours of photographic opportunities.
Best of all, you often don’t need to travel far. Sometimes the most rewarding experiences happen in a local garden.
A Rewarding Morning Behind the Lens
I left feeling grateful for the invitation and the chance to photograph these beautiful native birds in such an intimate setting. Seeing the next generation of tūī thriving is always encouraging and highlights the importance of planting and protecting native species.
So keep an eye on the trees around you – your next wildlife photography opportunity might be closer than you think.
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.