Whio, Pohangina headwaters

When I visited the Pohangina headwaters a few weeks ago, I photographed a male whio a short distance down the river in the evening. The following morning I explored down the river again and found this male only a few hundred metres downriver from the hut. He quickly relaxed and began preening, but still kept an eye on me. I hope to return soon, before the days get too short and the river too cold, and I hope I get to meet him again.

All content © 2016 Pete McGregor

Rove beetle

This rove beetle looked black until I saw it more closely and the beautiful, shiny colours became apparent. It was an aggressive little animal, though: when I gently coaxed it into a more accessible position to be photographed, it seemed keen on taking on my finger. Given how sharp those mandibles appear, I'm glad it wasn't larger.

[I've published a new post on Pohanginapete. If you're interested, check it out.]

All content © 2016 Pete McGregor

Whio habitat — Pohangina river headwaters

Once, whio probably lived throughout much of Aotearoa, inhabiting lowland rivers as well as the mountain headwaters to which they're now restricted. The sad fact is that now, with few exceptions, the lowland forests have long gone and as soon as the rivers leave the mountains and begin to make their way through intensively farmed lowlands, they begin to deteriorate. It's rare to find water as clear and clean as this outside the headwaters.

All content © 2016 Pete McGregor

Whio, Pohangina headwaters

Yesterday I walked over the Ngamoko Range to Leon Kinvig hut in the headwaters of the Pohangina river. In the evening I explored a short distance down the river until, on the verge of turning back, I heard a whistle. The light had almost gone, but by bracing the camera on a huge boulder I managed some photographs of this lone male whio.

All content © 2016 Pete McGregor

Autumn grasses

The cold of autumn has just started to become noticeable. But autumn has consolations, too, and the greatest of those is the light in the evenings.

[The poll about the blog format has closed. Opinions were divided exactly down the middle, and I've had thoughtful feedback supporting both formats. In the meantime, I'll leave the blog with the old, dark background. Thanks to everyone who provided feedback or voted.]

All content © 2016 Pete McGregor