One late afternoon in March 2008 this whio (blue duck; Hymenolaimus malacorhynchos) visited the pool in the Pohangina river directly below Ngamoko hut. While I have closer photos of this and other whio, this places the bird in context a little better.
13 October 2009
Whio at Ngamoko hut
One late afternoon in March 2008 this whio (blue duck; Hymenolaimus malacorhynchos) visited the pool in the Pohangina river directly below Ngamoko hut. While I have closer photos of this and other whio, this places the bird in context a little better.
When the colours of bird and background are compared, Pete, it's easy to see why they're so hard to see in their habitat. (Without a long lens, that is.)
ReplyDeleteThe little flaps on the beak show up well in this.
Yes indeed. A whio isn't a whio with out its environment! Great photo - as are all your whio pics.
ReplyDeleteKia ora Pete,
ReplyDeleteInteresting I have been having some strong feelings about Ngamoko and then find this photo. Always lovely to think of such scenes waiting in the Ruahine.
Cheers,
Robb
Lesley, more than once I've walked past them and only realised they were there when they whistled or flew off, almost from under my feet.
ReplyDeleteThanks Anne-Marie. I agree strongly with that idea — that whio can't be separated from their environment. I think it's true of a great many animals.
Robb, it's good to know this photo evokes strong feelings in someone who knows not just the Ruahine but precisely the place where I photographed this bird. I like the idea that the photograph strengthens those kinds of connections. :^)
Hey Pete.
ReplyDeleteI love his dappled trousers! Great photo, thanks for posting.
Jono.
Cheers Jono. Hadn't thought of them as trousers, but now you mention it, I have to admit his sartorial sense seems pretty refined ;^)
ReplyDelete