Home is where the birds are

Lately there has been a flurry of birds hanging out in the trees surrounding my house. If you have read my previous posts you will know that I have a resident Bellbird that I'm very fond of. He has been living in one particular tree only a couple of metres from my lounge for a few months now. I love seeing him chase away the sparrows and especially love hearing his song ring out every day. On a rainy or windy day his voice can be heard above all the other birds, and his often melancholic one note chime seems to echo for miles.

My trip to Stewart Island is only a week away now, and I'm hoping that I'll have a few good photos to share from my 4 days on the island. I've been practising my photography skills in preparation for the trip, because if I see a rare bird I really don't want to miss out on getting a photo of it! I'm planning a day on Ulva Island, a half day sea-bird tour and some other walks in between. I didn't know until recently that Stewart Island Kiwi are sometimes spotted out in broad daylight. That would be a dream come true to see a Kiwi in the daytime, but I don't like to get my hopes up too much. I'm am hoping though to see some penguins and Albatross on a seabird tour, and really want to see Brown Creepers, South Island Robins, Tomtits, and especially Yellowheads. Can you tell I'm excited?! The more I read about Stewart Island the more excited I am to go. I don't have long to wait now! In the meantime here are some other birds that have been hanging out at my place...