Sheetweb and rewarewa leaf

The huge rimu that grow at several points along the No. 1 Line track are home to all sorts of creatures. One of the more spectacular of these is the sheetweb spider, Cambridgea sp. (I haven't photographed these yet because they're nocturnal, but eventually I'll take the time to explore the track at night and maybe manage a photograph.) During the day, the only sign of these sometimes large spiders is their webs, under which the spiders hang upside down at night. This one caught my eye mostly because of the dead rewarewa leaf, and when I looked more carefully I noticed the spider's retreat in the background.


[12 March 2014, Olympus OM-D EM-1, 60mm f/2.8 macro , ISO 800, 1/60 at f/4]

All content © 2014 Pete McGregor

Gibbous moon and tree

We've been having mixed weather here in the valley. Rain and cold, but some beautiful days too, leading to evenings like this.


[11 May 2014, Olympus OM-D EM-1, 12–40mm f/2.8 at 18mm, ISO 200, 1/50 at f/8]

All content © 2014 Pete McGregor

Forest floor fungi

Low on the No. 1 Line track where tawa trees are common, I came across these tiny fungi growing from the litter. I liked the late afternoon light so opted not to use the flash.

Still awaiting an identification from the NatureWatch experts. Genus Mycena.


[16 May 2014, Olympus OM-D EM-1, 12–40mm f/2.8 at 40mm, ISO 200, 4s at f/8]

All content © 2014 Pete McGregor

On the Cusp at the Celtic

A few months ago I photographed — or tried to photograph — some friends at the Celtic. Fine musicians, they play under the name On the Cusp. The Celtic, however, is one of the most difficult of all situations in which to photograph: not only is the light extremely dim, what little there is of it comes from red and green spotlights. Couple that with actively moving musicians and the only feasible photographic solution is to abandon technically fine photography and try a more creative approach.

I'm reasonably satisfied with a small proportion of the photographs but, more importantly, Craig (shown here) and Paul seemed pretty chuffed with the results.


[21 March 2014, Olympus OM-D EM-1, 12–40mm f/2.8 at 40mm, ISO 3200, 1/30 at f/2.8]

All content © 2014 Pete McGregor

Thysanoplusia orichalcea: the 'Slender burnished brass'

I hadn't seen one of these moths for years, so when I noticed this on near an outside light at work, I had to stop and admire it. Although the photograph doesn't do it justice, that yellowish patch on the wing is almost iridescent; it looks like gold leaf or, as some common names ('Slender burnished brass' or 'Scarce burnish') suggest, like polished brass. These moths (454 Kb pdf file) were discovered in New Zealand in 1984 and feed on a wide range of cultivated plants, including legumes and brassicas.

As usual, I had all the camera gear with me so was able to photograph it. Who knows when I'll get another chance?


[7 May 2014, Olympus OM-D EM-1, 60mm f/2.8 macro , ISO 200, 1/200 at f/8; diffused flash]

All content © 2014 Pete McGregor

Titipounamu (rifleman) on the No. 1 Line track

Returning down the No. 1 Line track last Sunday, I was treated to an uncommon visit by Aotearoa's smallest bird. I saw a pair in roughly the same location earlier in the year, but other than that I don't remember ever seeing them on this track. I hope this is a good sign — they're utterly delightful little birds and I'd love to see more of them.

I'm pretty sure this is an adult  female. Of course, I had the wrong lens on the camera, so I've had to crop the photograph heavily.


[12 March 2014, Olympus OM-D EM-1, 60mm f/2.8 macro, ISO 800, 1/100 at f/2.8]

All content © 2014 Pete McGregor

Toadstool season

Insects might be less abundant now autumn's here, but the tiny world compensates with a proliferation of fungi. Sometimes you have to look hard, though — these are common at the moment along parts of the No. 1 Line track, but they're so small they're easily overlooked. I'll add an identification if I get one from NatureWatch.

Update: These are Galerina sp. Apparently they often grow in moss, which is where I noticed them along the track. Many species are highly toxic.


[4 May 2014, Olympus OM-D EM-1, 60mm f/2.8 macro , ISO 200, 1/200 at f/8; diffused flash]

All content © 2014 Pete McGregor

Weather at Leon Kinvig hut

At Leon Kinvig hut the wind raged most of the day and the cloud hung low. Crossing the Ngamoko Range would have been possible, but might have entailed crawling. We were glad we weren't due out until the following day.

This is a photograph looking down river from the hut verandah.


[25 April 2014, Olympus OM-D EM-1,Panasonic 100–300mm at 177mm, ISO 400, 1/125 at f/4.7]

All content © 2014 Pete McGregor