My favourite ‘go to’ place for bird photography is Zealandia. I haven’t been for a while because of the amount of walking and/or standing required to get the shots I want. (I am a member so it is easy to visit often, just one very reasonable yearly fee to pay). Zealandia have a mobility scooter available for free hire, so today I took advantage of it and headed down the track with my camera and wonderful husband to carry my gear.
And then it rained… It didn’t last for long and I was prepared with a plastic bag for the camera and a poncho for myself, so it was onward down the track. I heard a couple of shining cuckoos but alas I didn’t see them. Saw lots of grey warblers but didn’t catch them on the camera. I was beginning to think I was going to come away with no images. Not that I was worried about that, just being there was enough of a treat for me.
Then we found our way to the kaka hang out. Not a bird in sight when we first arrived there but I am good at being patient (sometimes) and was prepared to wait. I am glad I did because both the kaka and the tui put on a great show for us. The tui was trying to chase off the kaka, and the kaka found safety in numbers and stood their ground. Even the rain held off long enough for me to capture some great shots.
My next goal is to be able to do the walk without the scooter but for now I am happy to take advantage of it, get out in the fresh air and be able to listen to the constant bird song. If you have not been to Zealandia, then I highly recommend a visit when you are next in Wellington, especially if you like photographing birds!
The times I’ve been and struggled to get good shots at the Kaka feeders.
I come over regularly from UK to visit my daughter and family and joined Zealandia when it was still the Karori Sanctuary. I keep my membership going each year and love getting my Newsletter in Britain.
These photos and story are encouraging to me as I’m begining to slow down, so to know there is a special wheelchair, as we have in some reserves over here, is encouraging for my later years if the Immigration form for this grannie is accepted.
Well done. Impressive photos.
Thank you Branwen,
I can highly recommend the use of the mobility scooters, they have enabled me to get out with the camera with plaster casts on my feet, moon boots, and now in my later recovery stages. Wellington City Council has them spread all over the tourist spots so it’s not just Zealandia where you can have a rest, but Te Papa and a whole lot of other places too. Good luck with immigration.