Glen Webber ~ NZ Wildlife Photography. - Nature Photo's

Juvenile Black-backed Gull Photograph

nospam@example.com (Glen) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 01:01:00 +1200

Picture of a juvenile Black-backed Gull flying. Muriwai, New Zealand.

[black-backed gull photo]

Juvenile Black-backed Gull flying photograph.

So I've been saying "well here's one from the to review pile" a lot lately. Well here's one from the "lost on an old hard drive pile". In fact so lost I didn't even know I had it. It s a photo of a juvenile Black-backed Gull and judging by the date (back in 2007) it was taken not long after I got my Nikon D300. Also working from the the date it was probably taken out at Muriwai beach which is north of Auckland. This was back before we had got interested in New Zealand wildlife and I probably kept it for no other reason than its an OK photo.

Black-backed Gull are a large sea / shorebird that takes about 4 years to reach maturity. The adult form is quite different to what you see in the picture here. Adults are all white except the back of their wings (connected via their back) is black. Hence their name. They are the only "large" Gull found in NZ.

More NZ shorebird photographs : Australasian Gannet, White-capped Mollymawk, Red-billed Gull, Variable Oystercatcher.

This is digital photography post #32 for 2010.

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Black-backed Gull Information.

Maori name(s) : Karoro.
Other Name(s) : Southern Black-backed Gull, Kelp Gull.
Abundance : Abundant.
New Zealand Status : Protected native.
Found (in NZ): Main NZ Islands, Chatham and subantarctic islands.
Subspecies photographed : Larus dominicanus dominicanus. The nominate subspecies found around NZ.

Black-backed Gull Photograph.
Image Description:	Picture of a juvenile Black-backed Gull flying. Muriwai, New Zealand.
Camera Make:	Nikon Corporation.	Camera Model:	Nikon D300 Digital SLR (DSLR).	Date:	20th March 2007.
Focal Length:	46mm	35mm Equiv Focal Length:	69mm	Aperture:	f/4.5
White Balance:	Manual.	Flash Used:	No.	Exposure Time:	1/1250th second.
Light Source:	Fine Weather.	Metering Mode:	Center Weight.	Exposure Mode:	Manual.
ISO:	Not recorded		Lens Used:	Nikkor 18-200mm VR.
Accessories Utilised:	Scandisk Extreme IV CompactFlash, Nikon EN-EL3e Li-ion battery pack.
Software:	Converted from RAW with Nikon Capture NX. Post edited with The Gimp 2.6.
Photo edits:	Crop. Small levels. Selective sharpen. Border and scale.
Photographer Comments:		Cool old Gull image.
Model Credit:	Black-backed Gull.	Image Copyright: ©	Glen Webber 2007. All rights reserved.

More New Zealand wildlife photographs will be posted soon.

Want to see more of my photos? Click the subject links on the left.

Cheers everyone,
Glen.

Can't find something? Try the search box top left!

Like my photography? Follow me on twitter @glen_co_nz.

Thoughts or opinion? Leave a comment below, by clicking the comments link.

Bellbird Photograph

nospam@example.com (Glen) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 01:03:00 +1200

Picture of a New Zealand Bellbird feeding. Tiritiri Matangi Island, New Zealand.

[nz bellbird photo]

NZ Bellbird feeding on rosemary photograph.

See I promised there would be an actual NZ wildlife photograph post soon and here we go. Its one from this years trip to Tiritiri Matangi Island. The bird is a Bellbird and its feeding on a large rosemary bush that grows outside the Tiri bunk house. If you stay overnight on Tiri (which I recommend) the bunk house is where you stay. The Bellbird or Korimako, (sometimes Makomako) is like the Tui and Grey Warbler an endemic NZ passerine. These beautiful green and black birds have a gorgeous red eye, which can just be seen in the photo. There song in theory is quite distinctive, although I often get it confused with Tui.

Related NZ passerine bird photographs : NZ Pipit, Kokako, Tui.

This is digital photography post #31 for 2010.

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Bellbird Information.

Maori name(s) : Korimako, Makomako.
Abundance : Common.
New Zealand Status : Protected Endemic.
Found (in NZ): Main NZ Islands plus the Auckland Islands.
Subspecies photographed : Anthornis melanura melanura . The nominate subspecies.

New Zealand Bellbird Photograph.
Image Description:	Picture of a Bellbird feeding on rosemary. Taken at Tiritiri Matangi Island, New Zealand.
Camera Make:	Nikon Corporation.	Camera Model:	Nikon D300 Digital SLR (DSLR).	Date:	6th April 2010.
Focal Length:	200mm	35mm Equiv Focal Length:	300mm	Aperture:	f/5.6
White Balance:	Manual.	Flash Used:	No.	Exposure Time:	1/250th second.
Light Source:	Cloudy.	Metering Mode:	Matrix.	Exposure Mode:	Manual.
ISO:	250		Lens Used:	Nikkor 18-200mm VR.
Accessories Utilised:	Nikon MB-D10 battery grip, Scandisk Extreme IV CompactFlash, Nikon EN-EL3e Li-ion battery pack.
Software:	Converted from RAW with Nikon Capture NX. Post edited with The Gimp 2.6.
Photo edits:	Crop. Small levels. Selective sharpen. Border and scale.
Photographer Comments:		I really like this Bellbird image.
Model Credit:	Bellbird.	Image Copyright: ©	Glen Webber 2010. All rights reserved.

Of course there will more New Zealand wildlife photographs posted soon.

Want to see more of my photos? Click the subject links on the left.

Cheers everyone,
Glen.

Can't find something? Try the search box top left!

Like my photography? Follow me on twitter @glen_co_nz.

Thoughts or opinion? Leave a comment below, by clicking the comments link.

Tiritiri Matangi At Night Landscape Photo

nospam@example.com (Glen) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 02:36:00 +1200

Landscape picture from Tiritiri Matangi Island, New Zealand at night.

[tiritiri matangi island landscape photo]

Tiritiri Matangi Island landscape photograph at night.

Something a little different again today.... except its similar to my last photo post. Another landscape photograph. This time taken at night on Tiritiri Matangi Island. This shot was taken from just the other side of the Tiri lighthouse photographed last year. I did have a completely different wide angle shot in mind for the light house this year, however once again the weather wouldn't play ball. So that plan will have to wait. I got this image while waiting for one of the many storms that came in at night to hit. I was hoping to get some more lightning photos. Of course the weather wouldn't play there either. Figures... Still I did get this little image. Its looking across the Hauraki Gulf towards the Coromandel.

Some more Tiritiri Matangi Island photographs : North Island Kokako, Kereru, Pateke.

This is digital photography post #30 for 2010.

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Tiritiri Matangi Island Landscape Photograph.
Image Description:	Night time landscape photograph taken at Tiritiri Matangi Island, New Zealand.
Camera Make:	Nikon Corporation.	Camera Model:	Nikon D300 Digital SLR (DSLR).	Date:	7th April 2010.
Focal Length:	10mm	35mm Equiv Focal Length:	15mm	Aperture:	f/2.8
White Balance:	Auto.	Flash Used:	No.	Exposure Time:	30 seconds.
Light Source:	N/A.	Metering Mode:	Spot.	Exposure Mode:	Manual.
ISO:	400		Lens Used:	Sigma 10mm f/2.8 HSM.
Accessories Utilised:	Manfrotto 055x Pro-b tripod and 486RC2 head. Nikon MB-D10 battery grip, Scandisk Extream IV CompactFlash, Nikon EN-EL3e Li-ion battery pack.
Software:	Converted from RAW with Nikon Capture NX. Post edited with The Gimp 2.6.
Photo edits:	Small levels and sharpen. Border and scale.
Photographer Comments:		Nice little Tawharanui capture.
Model Credit:	N/A.	Copyright: ©	Glen Webber 2010. All rights reserved.

I promise. There will be an actual NZ wildlife photograph posted soon.

Want to see more of my photos? Click the subject links on the left.

Cheers,
Glen.

Can't find something? Try the search box top left!

Like my photography? Follow me on twitter @glen_co_nz.

Thoughts or opinion? Leave a comment below, by clicking the comments link.

Tawharanui Landscape Photograph

nospam@example.com (Glen) — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:53:49 +1200

Picture from Tawharanui, New Zealand.

[tawharanui photo]

Tawharanui landscape photo.

Quick post and something a little different today. Its a landscape snapped at Tawharanui, New Zealand last year. I've written about Tawharanui several times before. Yep its another photo found in the "to review" pile. Its on one of the north facing beaches whose name I forget. One thing I do remember about this shot is the temperature was about zero when this was taken. Not the nicest weather to be camping in.

Some more Tawharanui photographs : Reef Heron, NZ Pipit, Pied Shag.

This is digital photography post #29 for 2010.

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Tawharanui Landscape Photograph.
Image Description:	Night time landscape photograph taken at Tawharanui, New Zealand.
Camera Make:	Nikon Corporation.	Camera Model:	Nikon D300 Digital SLR (DSLR).	Date:	25th July 2009.
Focal Length:	10mm	35mm Equiv Focal Length:	15mm	Aperture:	f/2.8
White Balance:	Manual.	Flash Used:	No.	Exposure Time:	20 seconds.
Light Source:	Fine Weather	Metering Mode:	Spot.	Exposure Mode:	Manual.
ISO:	Not Recorded		Lens Used:	Sigma 10mm f/2.8 HSM.
Accessories Utilised:	Manfrotto 055x Pro-b tripod and 486RC2 head. Nikon MB-D10 battery grip, Scandisk Extream IV CompactFlash, Nikon EN-EL3e Li-ion battery pack.
Software:	Converted from RAW with Nikon Capture NX. Post edited with The Gimp 2.6.
Photo edits:	Slight crop. Small levels and sharpen. Border and scale.
Photographer Comments:		Nice little Tawharanui capture.
Model Credit:	N/A.	Copyright: ©	Glen Webber 2009. All rights reserved.

Yes there will be an actual NZ wildlife photograph posted soon.

Want to see more of my photos? Click the subject links on the left.

Cheers,
Glen.

Can't find something? Try the search box top left!

Like my photography? Follow me on twitter @glen_co_nz.

Thoughts or opinion? Leave a comment below, by clicking the comments link.

NZ White-capped Mollymawk Photograph

nospam@example.com (Glen) — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 16:49:03 +1200

Picture of a New Zealand White-capped Mollymawk flying. Stewart Island, New Zealand.

[nz white-capped mollymawk photo]

New Zealand White-capped Mollymawk photo.

So I'm well and truly overdue for a new update. As I mentioned a couple of weekends ago we went bird stalking in Tongarero National Park. In particular looking for Whio or Blue Duck. Photographically speaking it was a bit of a bust with terrible weather the whole time. You get that with alpine conditions in winter. However Whio was seen in the wild, a first. I also managed to see rifleman another first for me. Additionally we managed to photograph Kotuko or White Heron along the Miranda Coast on the way home. I'll have to get a picture of the bird up soon.

Today's photograph is of a Shy Mollymawk from the "to review" stack from last years Stewart Island trip. This being the New Zealand White-capped Mollymawk subspecies. Actually the White-capped Mollymawk may be a full species now, my references aren't 100% up to date. Mollymawk along with Albatross, Gannet and Boobies are the most incredible looking seabirds. They almost look fake. Like their faces and bills have been carved out of wood then hand painted. Just amazing. Unfortunately you miss that a little bit in this photograph. But I wanted to give some sense of the wingspan of these awesome birds.

The White-capped Mollymawk bread on the NZ subantarctic Auckland Islands. So while easily within its range this bird is still a long way from home. I think this bird is an "almost adult". It doesn't seam to have its complete adult colouring.

Related NZ seabird photographs : Australasian Gannet flying, Gannet colony, Red-billed Gull.

This is digital photography post #28 for 2010.

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Shy Mollymawk Information.

Abundance : Common.
New Zealand Status : Protected Native.
Found (in NZ): Over waters of most NZ Islands.
Subspecies photographed : Diomedea cauta steadi. New Zealand White-capped Mollymawk.

New Zealand White-capped Mollymawk Photograph.
Image Description:	Picture of a Shy Mollymawk flying. Taken at Stewart Island, New Zealand.
Camera Make:	Nikon Corporation.	Camera Model:	Nikon D300 Digital SLR (DSLR).	Date:	23rd October 2009.
Focal Length:	500mm	35mm Equiv Focal Length:	750mm	Aperture:	f/6.3
White Balance:	Manual.	Flash Used:	No.	Exposure Time:	1/6400th second.
Light Source:	Fine Weather	Metering Mode:	Spot.	Exposure Mode:	Manual.
ISO:	500		Lens Used:	Sigma 150-500mm OS APO.
Accessories Utilised:	Manfrotto 055x Pro-b tripod and 486RC2 head. Nikon MB-D10 battery grip, Scandisk Extream IV CompactFlash, Nikon EN-EL3e Li-ion battery pack.
Software:	Converted from RAW with Nikon Capture NX. Post edited with The Gimp 2.6.
Photo edits:	Crop. Removed a couple of small blemishes caused by dirt on lens from sky. Small levels. Selective sharpen. Border and scale.
Photographer Comments:		I so like Mollymawk.
Model Credit:	NZ White-capped Mollymawk.	Photograph Copyright: ©	Glen Webber 2009. All rights reserved.

Yes there will be another NZ wildlife photograph posted soon.

Want to see more of my photos? Click the subject links on the left.

Cheers,
Glen.

Can't find something? Try the search box top left!

Like my photography? Follow me on twitter @glen_co_nz.

Thoughts or opinion? Leave a comment below, by clicking the comments link.

NZ Pipit Photograph

nospam@example.com (Glen) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 16:02:47 +1200

Picture of New Zealand Pipit. Tawharanui, New Zealand.

[nz pipit photo]

New Zealand Pipit photo.

About time I posted a more up to date wildlife picture. So heres one from a recent photo trip to Tawharanui. As I've already mentioned Tawharanui is not just a great place, but an excellent wildlife photography spot. The photograph is of a New Zealand Pipit or Pihoihoi. There is 4 native subspecies of Pipit that breed in NZ, and this is the variant found on the major NZ islands. This little guy was taking a dust bath on one of the bush tracks, under terrible dark lighting conditions. I was not hopeful of getting a decent photo. Then at the last minute he jumped up on a near by fence post and posed beautifully in the sun. So we get the picture above. Enjoy.

Related NZ wildlife photographs : Tui, Fernbird, Kokako.

This is digital photography post #27 for 2010.

Like my photography? Follow me on twitter @glen_co_nz.

New Zealand Pipit Information.

Maori name(s) : Pihoihoi
Abundance (In NZ): Uncommon.
New Zealand Status : Protected Native.
Found (in NZ): Most NZ Islands.
Subspecies photographed : Anthus novaeseelandiae novaeseelandiae. Subspecies found on main NZ islands.

New Zealand Pipit Photograph.
Image Description:	Picture of a NZ Pipit on fence post. Taken at Tawharanui, New Zealand.
Camera Make:	Nikon Corporation.	Camera Model:	Nikon D300 Digital SLR (DSLR).	Date:	18th July 2010.
Focal Length:	200mm	35mm Equiv Focal Length:	300mm	Aperture:	f/5.6
White Balance:	Manual.	Flash Used:	No.	Exposure Time:	1/1600th second.
Light Source:	Fine Weather	Metering Mode:	Spot.	Exposure Mode:	Manual.
ISO:	320		Lens Used:	Nikkor 18-200 VR.
Accessories Utilised:	Nikon MB-D10 battery grip, Scandisk Extream IV CompactFlash, Nikon EN-EL3e Li-ion battery pack.
Software:	Converted from RAW with Nikon Capture NX. Post edited with The Gimp 2.6.
Photo edits:	Crop and align. Small levels. Selective sharpen. Border and scale.
Photographer Comments:		Great little NZ Pipit image.
Model Credit:	NZ Pipit.	Photograph Copyright: ©	Glen Webber 2010. All rights reserved.

Yes I will be posting another NZ wildlife picture soon.

Want to see more of my photos? Click the subject links on the left.

Cheers,
Glen.

Can't find something? Try the search box top left!

Like my photography? Follow me on twitter @glen_co_nz.

Thoughts or opinion? Leave a comment below, by clicking the comments link.

Female Paradise Shelduck Picture

nospam@example.com (Glen) — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 16:08:06 +1200

Photograph of female Paradise Shelduck. Auckland, New Zealand.

[paradise shelduck photo]

Female Paradise Shelduck photo.

Quite unintentionally I seam to have a thing about ducks of late. This is the 3rd duck photo in a row I've posted and my second of a female Paradise Shelduck. I remember saying I'd find a decent picture of a male Paradise Shelduck and post. Will have to do that soon. In more duck related news, we're off next week to hopefully to get some good Whio / Blue Duck photos. Another rare NZ endemic duck. Anyway its the weekend. So enjoy the picture.

Related NZ wildlife photographs : Brown Teal, NZ Scaup, NZ Shoveler, Australian Coot.

This is digital photography post #26 for 2010.

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Paradise Shelduck Information.

Maori name(s) : Putangitangi
Other names : Paradise duck, Parry.
Abundance (In NZ): Common.
New Zealand Status : Semi-protected endemic (only found in NZ). Legally killed during duck shooting season each year.
Found (in NZ): Around most parts of New Zealand. In particular farmland and sometimes city parkland.
Species photographed : Tadorna variegata.

Female Paradise Shelduck Photograph.
Image Description:	Picture of a female Paradise Shelduck. Taken near Auckland, New Zealand.
Camera Make:	Nikon Corporation.	Camera Model:	Nikon D300 Digital SLR (DSLR).	Date:	11th October 2009.
Focal Length:	500mm	35mm Equiv Focal Length:	750mm	Aperture:	f/6.3
White Balance:	Manual.	Flash Used:	No.	Exposure Time:	1/1600th second.
Light Source:	Fine Weather	Metering Mode:	Spot.	Exposure Mode:	Manual.
ISO:	320		Lens Used:	Sigma 150-500mm OS APO.
Accessories Utilised:	Nikon MB-D10 battery grip, Scandisk Extream IV CompactFlash, Manfrotto 055x Pro-b tripod and 486RC2 head. Nikon EN-EL3e Li-ion battery pack.
Software:	Converted from RAW with Nikon Capture NX. Post edited with The Gimp 2.6.
Photo edits:	Crop. Small levels. Selective sharpen. Border and scale.
Photographer Comments:		My second Paradise Shelduck shot up.
Model Credit:	Paradise Shelduck.	Photograph Copyright: ©	Glen Webber 2009. All rights reserved.

I will post another NZ wildlife picture soon.

Want to see more of my photos? Click the subject links on the left.

Cheers all,
Glen.

Can't find something? Try the search box top left!

Like my photography? Follow me on twitter @glen_co_nz.

Thoughts or opinion? Leave a comment below, by clicking the comments link.

Brown Teal Photograph

nospam@example.com (Glen) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 16:20:18 +1200

Photograph of Brown Teal. Tiritiri Matangi Island, New Zealand.

[pateke photo]

Pateke picture.

Today's wildlife picture is another from the "to review" pile. In fact another from the Tiri stack. Its of Pateke or New Zealand Brown Teal. An endangered endemic NZ duck which as you can see are very beautiful. Its sad to think there are only about 1000 of these birds left in the world. These ones were part of a small group on Tiritiri Matangi Island. The water colour here is partly due to it being late in the day (note the long shadows) and partly to the drought conditions and lack of water at the time.

It is always really great to see Pateke somewhere. I also have photos of these great ducks from Tawharanui. I'll have to dig one up and post soon.

Related pictures : Paradise Shelduck, NZ Shoveler, NZ Scaup.

This is photographic post #25 for 2010.

Like my photography? Follow me on twitter @glen_co_nz.

Brown Teal Information.

Maori name(s) : Pateke.
Abundance (In NZ): Rare.
New Zealand Status : Threatened protected endemic (Only found in NZ).
Found (in NZ): Very small parts of North and South Islands. Auckland and Campbell Islands.
Subspecies photographed : Anus aucklandica chlorotis. The subspecies that breads on the NZ mainland.

Pateke Photograph.
Image Description:	Brown Teal in sun. Tiritiri Matangi Island, New Zealand.
Camera Make:	Nikon Corporation.	Camera Model:	Nikon D300 Digital SLR (DSLR).	Date:	5th April 2010.
Focal Length:	200mm	35mm Equiv Focal Length:	300mm	Aperture:	f/11
White Balance:	Manual.	Flash Used:	No.	Exposure Time:	1/640th second.
Light Source:	Fine Weather.	Metering Mode:	Matrix.	Exposure Mode:	Manual.
ISO:	500		Lens Used:	Nikkor 18-200mm VR.
Accessories Utilised:	Nikon MB-D10 battery grip, Scandisk Extream IV CompactFlash. Nikon EN-EL3e Li-ion battery pack.
Software:	Converted from RAW with Nikon Capture NX. Post edited with The Gimp 2.6.
Photo edits:	Crop. Levels. Selective sharpen. Border and scale.
Photographer Comments:		Beautiful pair of Brown Teal.
Model Credit:	Pateke.	Photograph Copyright: ©	Glen Webber 2010. All rights reserved.

There will be another birding photograph up soon. Stay tuned!

Want to see more of my photos? Click the subject links on the left.

Cheers,
Glen.

Can't find something? Try the search box top left!

Like my photography? Follow me on twitter @glen_co_nz.

Thoughts or opinion? Leave a comment below, by clicking the comments link.

New Zealand Scaup Picture

nospam@example.com (Glen) — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 14:55:02 +1200

Photograph of NZ Scaup. Auckland, New Zealand.

[nz scaup photo]

New Zealand Scaup photo.

As promised another birding photo posted today. New Zealand Scaup are beautiful little endemic (only found in NZ) diving ducks. This photo is not a great "descriptive" image, but I really like this shot. It shows some character of the little duck. Usually you'll see see pictures of them sitting on the water with oversized looking heads. Like the Tui (as you can see here) they have more colour in them than you might normally see. Their bright yellow is pretty also.

The water in this photo is a little dirty. But I don't have time to clean up the image. So enjoy as it. :-)

Related photographs : Paradise Shelduck, NZ Shoveler.

This is photographic post #24 for 2010.

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NZ Scaup Information.

Maori name(s) : Papango.
Other names : Black Teal.
Abundance (In NZ): Uncommon.
New Zealand Status : Threatened protected endemic (Only found in NZ).
Found (in NZ): Lake areas and ponds around the North and South Islands.
Subspecies photographed : Aythya novaeseelandiae

NZ Scaup Photograph.
Image Description:	New Zealand Scaup scratching chin. Auckland, New Zealand.
Camera Make:	Nikon Corporation.	Camera Model:	Nikon D300 Digital SLR (DSLR).	Date:	11th January 2009.
Focal Length:	200mm	35mm Equiv Focal Length:	300mm	Aperture:	f/5.6
White Balance:	Manual.	Flash Used:	No.	Exposure Time:	1/400th second.
Light Source:	Cloudy.	Metering Mode:	Spot.	Exposure Mode:	Manual.
ISO:	320		Lens Used:	Nikkor 18-200mm VR.
Accessories Utilised:	Nikon MB-D10 battery grip, Scandisk Extream IV CompactFlash. Nikon EN-EL3e Li-ion battery pack.
Software:	Converted from RAW with Nikon Capture NX. Post edited with The Gimp 2.6.
Photo edits:	Slight crop and align. Levels. Selective sharpen. Border and scale.
Photographer Comments:		Cute NZ Scaup.
Model Credit:	New Zealand Scaup.	Photograph Copyright: ©	Glen Webber 2009. All rights reserved.

Yep will post another birding picture tomorrow.

Want to see more of my photos? Click the subject links on the left.

Cheers,
Glen.

Like my photography? Follow me on twitter @glen_co_nz.

Thoughts or opinion? Leave a comment below, by clicking the comments link.

Pied Shag Picture

nospam@example.com (Glen) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 17:13:55 +1200

Photograph of Pied Shag. Tawharanui, New Zealand.

[pied shag photo]

Pied Shag photo.

Finally another wildlife photo posted. Real life being what it is I haven't been keeping up with the posts the last few days. But here we are. Today's picture is of a Pied Shag drying its wings after a swim in the lagoon at Tawharanui. Yet another great shot from Tawharanui. I must like Pied-Shag photos as this is the second I've posted. I know I've got a lot of Shag pictures in the stack to review. I think I'll have to make a point of getting photographs of all 12 subspecies of Shag found in New Zealand. Some of the colour variations in the different subspecies are really great.

Shags are generally called Cormorants in most parts of the world.

Related photographs : Pied Shag fishing, Variable Oystercatcher, Red-billed Gull.

This is photographic post #23 for 2010.

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Pied Shag Information.

Maori name(s) : Karuhiruhi.
Other names : Pied Cormorant.
Abundance (In NZ): Locally common.
New Zealand Status : Protected native.
Found (in NZ): Some coastal areas around the major NZ islands.
Subspecies photographed : Phalacrocorax varius varius That breads in NZ.

Pied Shag Photograph.
Image Description:	Pied Shag drying wings. Tawharanui, New Zealand.
Camera Make:	Nikon Corporation.	Camera Model:	Nikon D300 Digital SLR (DSLR).	Date:	1st November 2009.
Focal Length:	500mm	35mm Equiv Focal Length:	750mm	Aperture:	f/6.3
White Balance:	Auto.	Flash Used:	No.	Exposure Time:	1/1600th second.
Light Source:	N/a.	Metering Mode:	Spot.	Exposure Mode:	Manual.
ISO:	400		Lens Used:	Sigma 150-500mm OS APO.
Accessories Utilised:	Nikon MB-D10 battery grip, Scandisk Extream IV CompactFlash, Manfrotto 055x Pro-b tripod and 486RC2 head. Nikon EN-EL3e Li-ion battery pack.
Software:	Converted from RAW with Nikon Capture NX. Post edited with The Gimp 2.6.
Photo edits:	Slight crop and align. Very small levels. Selective sharpen. Border and scale.
Photographer Comments:		Good Shag photo.
Model Credit:	Pied Shag.	Photograph Copyright: ©	Glen Webber 2010. All rights reserved.

There will actually be another bird picture posted tomorrow. You'll see.

Want to see more of my photos? Click the subject links on the left.

Cheers,
Glen.

Like my photography? Follow me on twitter @glen_co_nz.

Thoughts or opinion? Leave a comment below, by clicking the comments link.

Tui Photograph

nospam@example.com (Glen) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 14:01:57 +1200

Tui picture. Tiritiri Matangi Island, New Zealand.

[tui photo]

Tui photograph.

Hey look another birding photograph posted. Thats 4 so far this week. The photo today is a Tui photographed on Tiritiri Matangi Island last April. Tui are one of the more common New Zealand endemics. Unlike many NZ birds they have been able to adapt to the massive changes in NZs environment in the last few hundred years. They remain relatively common today. Still you will see more Tui about in areas with higher concentration of native forest.

Tui are native passerines like the Kokako, Hihi, Bellbird, Fantail and New Zealand Robin. Most passerines are considered songbirds and Tui are no exception. Their song is very distinctive and one I think most people either really like or dislike. Tui generally look black, (with the white tuft under neck) but once you see them in sunlight a whole heap of green and purple comes out. Tui are really beautiful birds and I don't think this photo does the species 100% justice, but its not bad. So enjoy.

Related photographs : Furnbird, Weka, Kakapo.

This is photographic post #22 for 2010.

Like my photography? Follow me on twitter @glen_co_nz.

Tui Information.

Other name(s) : Parsons Bird.
Abundance : Common.
New Zealand Status : Protected endemic (Only found in NZ).
Found : Main NZ Islands, The Kermadec, Auckland and Chatham Islands.
Subspecies photographed : Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae. Nominate subspecies.

Tui Photograph.
Image Description:	New Zealand Tui. Photographed on Tiritiri Matangi Island, New Zealand.
Camera Make:	Nikon Corporation.	Camera Model:	Nikon D300 Digital SLR (DSLR).	Date:	6th April 2010.
Focal Length:	200mm	35mm Equiv Focal Length:	300mm	Aperture:	f/5.6
White Balance:	Manual.	Flash Used:	No.	Exposure Time:	1/2500th second.
Light Source:	Fine Weather	Metering Mode:	Matrix.	Exposure Mode:	Manual.
ISO:	800		Lens Used:	Nikkor 18-200mm AFS VR.
Accessories Utilised:	Nikon MB-D10 battery grip. Scandisk Extream IV CompactFlash. Nikon EN-EL3e Li-ion battery pack.
Software:	Converted from RAW with Nikon Capture NX. Post edited with The Gimp 2.6.
Photo edits:	Small crop and align, levels and selective sharpen. Border and scale.
Photographer Comments:		My 1st Tui photo posted.
Model Credit:	Tui.	Photograph Copyright: ©	Glen Webber 2010. All rights reserved.

There will be another birding photograph up tomorrow. Yes a photo post on the weekend!

Want to see more of my photos? Click the subject links on the left.

Cheers everyone,
Glen.

Like my photography? Follow me on twitter @glen_co_nz.

Thoughts or opinion? Leave a comment below, by clicking the comments link.

Australian Coot Picture

nospam@example.com (Glen) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:51:00 +1200

Photograph of a Australian Coot. Auckland, New Zealand.

[australian coot photo]

Australian Coot photograph.

A little later in the day. Still I haven't forgotten. Another wildlife photograph up. Today is an Australian Coot photographed in an Auckland park. They are really cute little birds. With their simple black coat, white bill and shield and red eye they are very different to their young. Baby Australian Coots are an insane mix of many different colours, and you would never guess this is how they turn out.

Related photographs : NZ Shoveler, Paradise Shelduck, Weka.

This is photographic post #21 for 2010. Yay past the 20 mark!

Like my photography? Follow me on twitter @glen_co_nz.

Australian Coot Information.

Other name(s) : Eurasian Coot.
Abundance (In NZ): Locally common.
New Zealand Status : Protected native.
Found (in NZ): Mainly in freshwater lakes of the main NZ Islands.
Subspecies photographed : Fulica atra australis The subspecies found throughout Australasia.

Australian Coot Photograph.
Image Description:	Australian Coot, photographed in Auckland, New Zealand.
Camera Make:	Nikon Corporation.	Camera Model:	Nikon D300 Digital SLR (DSLR).	Date:	14th September 2009.
Focal Length:	105mm	35mm Equiv Focal Length:	157mm	Aperture:	f/5.6
White Balance:	Manual.	Flash Used:	No.	Exposure Time:	1/640th second.
Light Source:	Fine Weather	Metering Mode:	Spot.	Exposure Mode:	Manual.
ISO:	320		Lens Used:	Nikkor 18-105mm AFS VR.
Accessories Utilised:	Nikon MB-D10 battery grip. Scandisk Extream IV CompactFlash. Nikon EN-EL3e Li-ion battery pack.
Software:	Converted from RAW with Nikon Capture NX. Post edited with The Gimp 2.6.
Photo edits:	Slight crop and align. Small levels. Selective sharpen. Border and scale.
Photographer Comments:		The Coot's eye colour is awesome.
Model Credit:	Australian Coot.	Photograph Copyright: ©	Glen Webber 2009. All rights reserved.

Yes there will another birding photograph posted tomorrow too.

Want to see more of my photos? Click the subject links on the left.

Thanks all,
Glen.

Like my photography? Follow me on twitter @glen_co_nz.

Thoughts or opinion? Leave a comment below, by clicking the comments link.

New Zealand Pigeon Photo

nospam@example.com (Glen) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:56:34 +1200

Close-up photograph of Kereru. Tiritiri Matangi Island, New Zealand.

[kereru picture]

Kereru photo.

Today's photograph is of a New Zealand Pigeon or Kereru. I really like this shot. A nice close-up of Kereru showing some character. Kereru are absolutely great birds. Much prettier than the introduced Rock Pigeon common in NZ cities. A real friendly animal to meet when out in the bush. They also have one of the most loud and recognisable wing noises of any New Zealand bird. I'm surprised its taken this long for me to post a picture of one.

This photo was taken back in April on our last visit to Tiritiri Matangi Island. The tree Kereru is in, is a NZ native the Kowhai. A common tree to see Kereru in. All going well I'll get a good shot of Kereru in a Kowhai next spring, when the trees beautiful yellow flowers are out.

Related photographs : Kokako, Fernbird, Pied Shag.

This is photographic post #20 for 2010.

Like my photography? Follow me on twitter @glen_co_nz.

NZ Pigeon Information.

Maori name(s) : Kereru, Kukupa, Parea (in the Chathams).
Other names : Woodpigeon.
Abundance : Common.
New Zealand Status : Protected endemic (Only found in NZ).
Found (in NZ): Usually native forest. Any area with sufficient quantity of native trees. Even suburban gardens.
Subspecies photographed : Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae.

Kereru Photograph.
Image Description:	Close-up of Kereru photographed on Tiritiri Matangi Island, New Zealand.
Camera Make:	Nikon Corporation.	Camera Model:	Nikon D300 Digital SLR (DSLR).	Date:	6th April 2010.
Focal Length:	200mm	35mm Equiv Focal Length:	300mm	Aperture:	f/5.6
White Balance:	Manual.	Flash Used:	No.	Exposure Time:	1/1000th second.
Light Source:	Cloudy	Metering Mode:	Matrix.	Exposure Mode:	Manual.
ISO:	250		Lens Used:	Nikkor 18-200mm AFS VR.
Accessories Utilised:	Nikon MB-D10 battery grip. Scandisk Extream IV CompactFlash. Nikon EN-EL3e Li-ion battery pack.
Software:	Converted from RAW with Nikon Capture NX. Post edited with The Gimp 2.6.
Photo edits:	Slight align and crop. Small levels. Selective sharpen. Border and scale.
Photographer Comments:		Beautiful bird.
Model Credit:	Kereru.	Photograph Copyright: ©	Glen Webber 2010. All rights reserved.

And yes there will be more bird photos tomorrow.

Want to see more of my photos? Click the subject links on the left.

Cheers,
Glen.

Like my photography? Follow me on twitter @glen_co_nz.

Thoughts or opinion? Leave a comment below, by clicking the comments link.

Weka picture

nospam@example.com (Glen) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:09:58 +1200

Photograph of a coffee drinking Weka. Ulva Island, New Zealand.

[weka drinking coffee photo]

Weka photograph.

So its been a while since I last updated GCN. Mainly due to having a nasty case of the flu. So here is another older pic. Its from Ulva Island last year. Ulva is a wildlife sanctuary of the coast of Stewart Island in New Zealand's south. I mentioned Ulva briefly in my Kakapo post. Ulva is a great place and well worth a visit if you're in that part of the world.

This photo was taken when we had stopped for a coffee on one of the Island's beaches. A NZ robin had flitted down in to some near by tree branches. So we turned our attention to it, and tried to grab a decent shot. Meanwhile one of the Weka on the beach decided to take the chance to investigate our stuff. As you can see this included sampling the coffee. As I had to scare the bird off to reclaim our coffee I guess it liked the taste. Weka are such opportunistic birds this behaviour doesn't surprise me. I'm not sure if this really falls under "modified behaviour". It was a great chance to get a different Weka photograph for once.

Related photographs : Takahe, Red-billed Gull, Sirocco.

This is photographic post #19 for 2010.

Like my photography? Follow me on twitter @glen_co_nz.

Weka Information.

Other name(s) : Woodhen.
Abundance : Considered locally common, although this is a little misleading.
New Zealand Status : Protected threatened endemic (Only found in NZ).
Found : Small parts of North Island NZ, some parts of the South Island, and several offshore Islands. Also Chatham Islands.
Subspecies photographed : Probably Gallirallus australis scotti. Stewart Island Weka.

Weka Photograph.
Image Description:	Weka drinking coffee. Photographed on Ulva Island, New Zealand.
Camera Make:	Nikon Corporation.	Camera Model:	Nikon D300 Digital SLR (DSLR).	Date:	25th October 2009.
Focal Length:	50mm	35mm Equiv Focal Length:	75mm	Aperture:	f/1.8
White Balance:	Manual.	Flash Used:	No.	Exposure Time:	1/250th second.
Light Source:	Cloudy	Metering Mode:	Spot.	Exposure Mode:	Manual.
ISO:	200		Lens Used:	Nikkor 50mm AF.
Accessories Utilised:	Nikon MB-D10 battery grip. Scandisk Extream IV CompactFlash. Nikon EN-EL3e Li-ion battery pack.
Software:	Converted from RAW with Nikon Capture NX. Post edited with The Gimp 2.6.
Photo edits:	Small crop, levels and selective sharpen. Border and scale.
Photographer Comments:		My 1st Weka photo posted.
Model Credit:	Weka.	Photograph Copyright: ©	Glen Webber 2009. All rights reserved.

And yes now I'm back at it there will be some more NZ photographs posted tomorrow.

Want to see more of my photos? Click the subject links on the left.

Cheers everyone,
Glen.

Like my photography? Follow me on twitter @glen_co_nz.

Thoughts or opinion? Leave a comment below, by clicking the comments link.

Photo of a Reef Heron in New Zealand

nospam@example.com (Glen) — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 14:13:21 +1200

Picture of a Reef Heron. Tawharanui, New Zealand.

[reef heron photo]

Reef Heron photograph.

Since I didn't post a bird photo yesterday, I figured I'd post two today. So here we are. Its a cool little shot of a Reef Heron photographed at Tawharanui last year. More accurately at the ARC (Auckland Regional Council) park that makes up the tip of the Tawharanui Peninsula. This is a really great place, which has had a pest proof fence placed across the mainland end boundary. Then with a lot of work from Rangers and volunteers is being restored. The result is a great mix of farming and regenerating coastal bush, native animals and stock, marine reserve and sports fishing, camping, surfing, swimming, bush walks etc. In my opinion Tawharanui is an awesome model of how New Zealand could be in the future, with a little bit of hard work.

You can read more about Tawharanui on the ARC Tawharanui page, and The Tawharanui Open Sanctuary Society website.

Tawharanui is also one of our favourite photographic hunting grounds. Especially as its so close to Auckalnd city. Even if this photo of a Reef Heron is only the first published from there it definitely won't be the last. There is a great array of different wildlife to be seen, and much of it more easily than elsewhere. Only two weekends ago, we managed to find Ruru or Morepork (a nocturnal owl) there roosting during the day. Unfortunately the camera gear I had with me, and the weather conspired to prevent me getting a decent picture. But I will be back soon, and will get that capture. We could even hear Kiwi as we were leaving at dusk. So look forward to more great photos from Tawharanui.

A further note about the Reef Heron picture. Its probable this is a almost grown immature bird. However given the strong mottled colouring this may be a intermediate phase (morph) bird. Partway between the full white, and very dark charcoal grey colour variations. If so this is a much rarer sighting for New Zealand.

Related photographs : White-faced Heron, Red-billed Gull, Pied Shag.

This is photographic post #18 for 2010.

Like my photography? Follow me on twitter @glen_co_nz.

Reef Heron Information.

Maori name(s) : Matuku Moana.
Other names : Eastern Reef Egret, Pacific Reef Heron, Blue Reef Heron.
Abundance (In NZ): Uncommon.
New Zealand Status : Protected rare native.
Found (in NZ): Some parts of coastal areas around the major islands. A rare vagrant to the Chatham and other Islands.
Subspecies photographed : Egretta sacra.

Reef Heron Photograph.
Image Description:	Reef Heron, photographed at Tawharanui, New Zealand.
Camera Make:	Nikon Corporation.	Camera Model:	Nikon D300 Digital SLR (DSLR).	Date:	1st November 2009.
Focal Length:	500mm	35mm Equiv Focal Length:	750mm	Aperture:	f/6.3
White Balance:	Auto.	Flash Used:	No.	Exposure Time:	1/1600th second.
Light Source:	n/a	Metering Mode:	Spot.	Exposure Mode:	Manual.
ISO:	500		Lens Used:	Sigma 150-500mm OS APO.
Accessories Utilised:	Nikon MB-D10 battery grip. Scandisk Extream IV CompactFlash. Manfrotto 055x Pro-b tripod and 486RC2 head. Nikon EN-EL3e Li-ion battery pack.
Software:	Converted from RAW with Nikon Capture NX. Post edited with The Gimp 2.5.
Photo edits:	Slight crop. Small levels. Selective sharpen. Border and scale.
Photographer Comments:		My 1st Reef Heron photo.
Model Credit:	Reef Heron.	Photograph Copyright: ©	Glen Webber 2009. All rights reserved.

Yes there will be more bird photos tomorrow.

Want to see more of my photos? Click the subject links on the left.

Cheers,
Glen.

Like my photography? Follow me on twitter @glen_co_nz.

Thoughts or opinion? Leave a comment below, by clicking the comments link.