Glen Webber ~ NZ Wildlife Photography. - Tiritiri Matangi Island

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.

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.

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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.

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Like my photography? Follow me on twitter @glen_co_nz.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

Close up picture of a takahe

nospam@example.com (Glen) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 16:28:04 +1200

Photograph of South Island Takahe. Tiritiri Matangi Island, New Zealand.

[south island takahe photo]

Male South Island Takahe close up photo.

Another quick photo post while I'm at it. Its a close up picture of Greg the Takahe, from Tiritiri Matangi Island last year. I found this pic while looking through my ever increasing backlog of photographs. Its actually an alternative edit of my other Takahe photograph published, which I guess I'd decided not to publish. Usually I'd never bother posting two versions of the same photo, or even two photos from the same series. But this one does look good, so why not. Perhaps I should review that policy.

Related photographs : South Island Takahe, Kakapo, Kokako.

This is photographic post #15 for 2010.

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South Island Takahe Information.

Other names : Notornis, Moho (although only for North Island subspecies).
Abundance (In NZ): Extremely rare.
New Zealand Status : Fully protected endangered endemic (only found in NZ).
Found (in NZ): "Takahe Valley" in the South Island. Selected protected Islands and restricted entry reserves.
Subspecies photographed : Prophyrio mantelli hochstetteri from New Zealand's South Island.

Takahe Close Up Photograph.
Image Description:	Close up photo of a male Takahe. Tiritiri Matangi Island, New Zealand.
Camera Make:	Nikon Corporation.	Camera Model:	Nikon D300 Digital SLR (DSLR).	Date:	15th April 2009.
Focal Length:	105mm	35mm Equiv Focal Length:	157mm	Aperture:	f/5.6
White Balance:	Manual.	Flash Used:	No.	Exposure Time:	1/40th second.
Light Source:	Cloudy.	Metering Mode:	Spot.	Exposure Mode:	Manual.
ISO:	400		Lens Used:	Nikkor 18-105mm 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 2.4.
Photo edits:	Crop and align. Slight levels. Border and scale.
Photographer Comments:		Alternative edit of already published photo.
Model Credit:	Takahe.	Photograph Copyright: ©	Glen Webber 2009. All rights reserved.

I will find some more original bird photos to post 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.

North Island Kokako bathing photograph

nospam@example.com (Glen) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 15:35:06 +1200

Photo of a North Island Kokako bathing. Tiritiri Matangi Island, New Zealand.

[north island kokako photo]

North Island Kokako bathing photograph.
See folks I said I'd find a much happier Kokako picture for today. (See yesterdays post of Kokako remains if you missed it.) As you can see its a Kokako having a bath. This picture was taken early morning during our last trip to Tiritiri Matangi Island. There are several water troughs like this one around the island. They were originally put in place by DoC rangers and volunteers to help the wildlife in times of drought. However more often than not they are used as giant bird baths. Which also makes them a good place to take photos. Especially in summer. This is the one by the visitors centre. Usually you find Bellbird and Tui there. It was cool to see a Kokako mucking about.

Given that I've been regularly posting photos on GCN for a couple of weeks; I've decided to start counting them.

This is photograph post #9 for 2010.

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North Island Kokako Information.

Other names : Blue-wattled Crow.
Abundance : Very rare.
New Zealand Status : Native, protected.
Found : Isolated areas of bush in NZs North Island and protected offshore Islands.
Subspecies photographed : North Island Kokako.

North Island Kokako Bathing Photograph.
Image Description:	Photo of a North Island Kokako bathing. 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:	Fine Weather.	Metering Mode:	Matrix.	Exposure Mode:	Manual.
ISO:	250		Lens Used:	Nikkor 18-200mm VR.
Accessories Utilised:	Nikon MB-D10 battery grip. Nikon EN-EL3e Li-ion battery pack. Scandisk Extream IV CompactFlash.
Software:	Converted from RAW with Nikon Capture NX. Post editing with The Gimp 2.6.
Photo edits:	Crop. Small amount of levels. Selective sharpen. Border and scale.
Photographer Comments:		A happy Kokako photo.
Model Credit:	Kokako.	Photograph Copyright: ©	Glen Webber 2010. All rights reserved.

Yes I will have another photograph up tomorrow.

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

Thanks everybody,
Glen.

Like my photography? Follow me on twitter @glen_co_nz.

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

North Island Kokako remains photo

nospam@example.com (Glen) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 17:19:17 +1200

Photograph of Kokako remains. Tiritiri Matangi Island, New Zealand.

[remains of a north island kokako]

Remains of a North Island Kokako photo.
As some may have noticed, I'm in the process of playing with the layout of GCN. There are now less photographs displayed on each page, but no content has been lost. You can still scroll through each pic using the pager links at the top or bottom of each page, or the subject links on the left. Please do leave a comment and let know what you think.

Now on to today's photo. It is of the remains of a North Island Kokako. A rather sad photo I admit. Especially given how rare the Kokako is. Its estimated there are only a few hundred pairs left in the world. (The South Island Kokako is now officially extinct.) This photo was taken on Tiritiri Matangi Island a couple of months back. As you can see there is not much left of the poor bird. As Tiri has had all pest species removed the most likely culprit is a Australasian Harrier (Kahu). This does raise one of the ethical questions those working in conservation have to deal with. What do you do when one native is killing off another? Generally in NZ if a threatened species is involved, least threatened gets killed. Kahu are an abundant native. Kokako are a very rare endemic. While Kahu is a protected species in NZ, Tiri is one of the few places where DoC rangers are authorised to kill Kahu if required. I don't know the exact outcome in this situation, but it doesn't take a genius to work it out.

I will come up with a much nicer photograph of a Kokako for everyone very soon.

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North Island Kokako Information.

Other names : Blue-wattled Crow.
Abundance : Very rare.
New Zealand Status : Native, protected.
Found : Isolated areas of bush in NZs North Island and protected offshore Islands.

North Island Kokako Remains Photograph.
Image Description:	Photo of the remains of a killed North Island Kokako. 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/5.6
White Balance:	Manual.	Flash Used:	No.	Exposure Time:	1/160th second.
Light Source:	Cloudy.	Metering Mode:	Spot.	Exposure Mode:	Manual.
ISO:	500		Lens Used:	Nikkor 18-200mm VR.
Accessories Utilised:	Nikon MB-D10 battery grip. Nikon EN-EL3e Li-ion battery pack. Scandisk Extream IV CompactFlash.
Software:	Converted from RAW with Nikon Capture NX. Post editing with The Gimp 2.6.
Photo edits:	Small crop. Small amount of levels. Selective sharpen. Border then scale.
Photographer Comments:		Sad this is my first posted Kokako photo.
Model Credit:	n/a.	Photograph Copyright: ©	Glen Webber 2010. All rights reserved.

Happier another photo 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.

New Zealand Fernbird Photo

nospam@example.com (Glen) — Thu, 20 May 2010 10:50:26 +1200

Photograph of a Fernbird. Tiritiri Matangi Island, New Zealand

[fernbird picture]

A Fernbird photograph.
For me this is a very cool photograph. No so much for its photographic qualities, but its subject.
Fernbirds are very difficult to find let alone photograph. This one is only the second we have seen, and it was pure luck. While checking out the "bunkhouse dam" on Tiri one just happened to appear. Originally on the other side and well outside the range of the 200mm lens I had with me; it slowly crept around the edge towards us. Keeping very still I simply sat there and let the little guy come over. I suspect it was checking out the humans as much as anything else.

There are 6 six subspecies of fernbird now - the Chatham Island subspecies being extinct. I'm unsure exactly which variety this is. North Island (Bowdleria punctata vealeae) would be a fair bet. However since this was taken on Tiri anything is possible.

Fernbird Info.

Maori Name(s) : Kotata, Matata.
Other names : Swamp Sparrow.
Abundance : uncommon. (although difficult to know as they are such shy birds.)
Status : Endemic, protected.
Found : Generally a swamp / wetland bird.

Fernbird Photograph.
Image Description:	Photo of a Fernbird on Tiritiri Matangi Island, New Zealand.
Camera Make:	Nikon Corporation.	Camera Model:	Nikon D300 Digital SLR (DSLR).	Date:	7th April 2010.
Focal Length:	200mm	35mm Equiv Focal Length:	300mm	Aperture:	f/5.6
White Balance:	Manual.	Flash Used:	No.	Exposure Time:	1/1000 second.
Light Source:	Not recorded.	Metering Mode:	Spot.	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 editing with The Gimp 2.6.
Photo edits:	Small align and crop. Levels, then selective sharpen. Add vignette and border then scale.
Photographer Comments:		Even more NZ bird photos.
Model Credit:	Fernbird.	Photograph Copyright: ©	Glen Webber 2010. All rights reserved.

GCN note: I'm in the process of ramping up how often I post. So there will be photos to come.

Cheers,
G/.

Like my photos? Follow me on twitter @glen_co_nz.

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

Tiritiri lighthouse at night photograph

nospam@example.com (Glen) — Fri, 08 May 2009 12:51:34 +1200

Self portrait photo by the lighthouse on Tiritiri Matangi Island at night.

[tiri lighthouse picture]

Another photograph from Tiri.
Time for another update I think. Its a photo of the Tiritiri Matangi Island Lighthouse. If you look closely you can see me standing by the door to the lighthouse. This picture was originally intended to be part of the foreground in a stacked star trail photo. However I somehow stuffed up the programming on my camera and ended up with only 6 frames. Not sure what I did there. But at least I was able to salvage this shot.

If you're able to visit Tiri and haven't been there before head straight for the lighthouse on the hill. Not only is it beside the visitor center / tea rooms, but this is where several Takahe hang out and will be easily seen. If there is only one place you go on the island on a day trip go here. Also if you are able to spend the night on Tiri. Do so. Its awesome. Little spotted kiwi are everywhere. There are Tuatara's walking about, Morepork (Ruru) around and Teal taking their ducklings (tealings?) for midnight walks. Very Cool, and so worth while.

Picture taken with the D300 DSLR.

About the Tiritiri Matangi Lighthouse.

Tiritiri Matangi Lighthouse is owned and operated by Maritime New Zealand. The Tiritiri Matangi light is the oldest lighthouse in New Zealand still in operation. Constructed in 1864 from cast iron, the light was first lit on 1 January, 1865. The light was first automated in 1925 and used an acetylene burning revolving light. Keepers returned to the light in 1947 and it remained manned until 1984 when the light was fully automated.
Check out the Wikipedia page.

BTW this is the first photograph I've posted where I've used my 10mm Sigma Fisheye lens. I used the same technique here as I did for my self portrait photo on Lake Manona, Wisconsin.

Lighthouse photograph information.
Image Description:	Self portrait by lighthouse at night on, Tiritiri Matangi Island, New Zealand.
Camera Make:	Nikon Corporation.	Camera Model:	Nikon D300 Digital SLR (DSLR).	Date:	13th April 2009.
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:	1000		Lens Used:	Sigma 10mm Fisheye DX.
Accessories Utilised:	Nikon EN-EL3e Li-ion battery pack, Nikon MB-D10 battery grip, Scandisk Extream IV CompactFlash, Manfrotto 055x Prob tripod and 486RC2 head.
Software:	Converted from RAW with Nikon Capture NX. Post editing with The Gimp 2.4.
Photo edits:	Small align and crop. Levels, then sharpen. Add border and scale.
Photographer Comments:		Another self portrait at night.
Model Credit:	Glen Webber.	Photograph Copyright: ©	Glen Webber 2009. All rights reserved.

Thats all for the moment.
Cyas,
Glen.

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

Photograph of a Takahe

nospam@example.com (Glen) — Fri, 01 May 2009 13:14:30 +1200

Photo of a Takahe on Tiritiri Matangi Island, New Zealand.

[takahe picture]

Woohoo photo number 3 for the year.
This is a photograph of a Takahe on Tiritiri Matangi Island. I think this is "Greg", but I'm not 100% sure. I'll need to look up some photos from the Island and compare the leg bands. Takahe are the most amazing birds. Its a real treat to be able to get this close to one. I completely recommend a trip to Tiri, if for no other reason than to see Takahe in the flesh.

This is of course a South Island Takahe. Its such a shame that there are only about 200 left in the world. Its even more sad when you think that the North Island Takahe (Moho) is extinct, and has probably only been for a few generations.

Photograph taken with my Nikon D300 DSLR, of course.

Some information about the South Island Takahe.

The South Island Takahe is a flightless bird indigenous to New Zealand and belonging to the rail family. It was thought to be extinct in 1898. However, after a carefully planned search effort the bird was rediscovered by Dr Geoffrey Orbell near Lake Te Anau in the Murchison Mountains, South Island, on November 20, 1948.

The Takahe is the largest living member of the Rallidae; its overall length is up to 63 cm (24.8 in) and its average weight is about 2.75 kg (6 lbs), ranging from 1.8-4.2 kg (4-9.2 lbs). It is a stocky bird, with reduced wings, strong legs and a massive bill.

The adult Takahe is mainly purple-blue in colour, with a greenish back and inner wings. It has a red frontal shield and red-based pink bill. The legs are pink. Sexes are similar, the females being slightly smaller, but young birds have mainly pale brown plumage.

The Takahe is found in alpine grasslands habitats today, although it is known to have inhabited most of New Zealand. It eats a wide range of plant food, and its diet is similar to that of the pukeko (Know to Australian's as a Purple Swamphen), the closest living relative of the Takahe and the Moho (North Island Takahe). The Takahe can often be seen to pluck a snow grass stalk, taking it into one claw and eating only the soft lower parts which is a favorite food. The rest is discarded.
You can read more over at Wikipedia.

South Island Takahe data.

Maori Name : Takahe.
Abundance : Extremely Rare.
Status : Endemic, protected.
Found : A small number of Island sanctuaries, Mt Bruce wildlife centre, and the Murchison Mountains in the South Island.
The Takahe has a New Zealand conservation status of "Nationally Critical". The most seriously threatened of species in NZ.
Please visit the Department Of Conservations Takahe pages, to see what you can to help the Takahe.
http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/native-animals/birds/land-birds/takahe/you-can-help/

Takahe photograph information.
Image Description:	Takahe Portrait, Tiritiri Matangi Island, New Zealand.
Camera Make:	Nikon Corporation.	Camera Model:	Nikon D300 Digital SLR (DSLR).	Date:	15th April 2009.
Focal Length:	105mm	35mm Equiv Focal Length:	157mm	Aperture:	f/5.6
White Balance:	Manual.	Flash Used:	No.	Exposure Time:	1/40th of a second.
Light Source:	Cloudy.	Metering Mode:	Spot.	Exposure Mode:	Manual.
Software:	Post editing with The Gimp 2.4.
Accessories Utilised:	Nikon MB-D10 battery grip, Scandisk Extream IV CompactFlash. Nikon EN-EL3e Li-ion battery pack.
Photographer Comments:	My first published Takahe photograph.		Lens Used:	Nikkor 18-105mm VR DX lens. The "kit" lens from the D90.
Model Credit:	Takahe.	Photograph Copyright: ©	Glen Webber 2009. All rights reserved.

GCN News:
As you can see I'm still playing with things. There is now a title on the photo.
I might add this to the others in the future.

Also my second photo I can add to the New Zealand Birds section of GCN.

Cyas all,
Glen.

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

Purple Rock Crab photograph

nospam@example.com (Glen) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:19:46 +1200

Photograph of a Purple Rock Crab, Tiritiri Matangi Island, Auckland, New Zealand.

[purple rock crab photo]

Yay! Another photoblog post already!

This photo was taken last week on our trip to Tiritiri Matangi Island. This was around Fishermans bay if I remember correctly.

I really cannot recommend a visit to the Island enough. It is so worth while. Also if you can swing an overnight stay you won't be disappointed. All going well there will be more photographs from Tiri soon. I have yet to sort through all my pics.

About the Purple Rock Crab.

Actually its been difficult to find any serious amount of information about this crab. They are found in many countries, in particular Australia, and New Zealand. In Australia different colour's have been know to crop up from time to time.
Interestingly I've seen it stated in several places they grow up to 50mm (across the shell). Yet This one was easily twice that. Unfortunately I didn't think to place something else in a frame, so I could more accurately compare sizes.
So :
Photo Tip : Take a metal machinists ruler out with you in the field.

The Wikipedia article is only a stub.
Hopefully someone who knows what they're talking about will update it.

Purple Rock Crab photograph information.
Image Description:	Purple Rock Crab, Tiritiri Matangi Island, New Zealand.
Camera Make:	Nikon Corporation.	Camera Model:	Nikon D300 Digital SLR (DSLR).	Date:	13th April 2009.
Focal Length:	105mm	35mm Equiv Focal Length:	157mm	Aperture:	f/5.6
White Balance:	Auto.	Flash Used:	No.	Exposure Time:	1/200th of a second.
Light Source:	N/A	Metering Mode:	Spot.	Exposure Mode:	Manual.
Software:	Editing with The Gimp 2.4.
Accessories Utilised:	Nikon MB-D10 battery grip, Scandisk Extream IV CompactFlash. Nikon EN-EL3e Li-ion battery pack.
Photographer Comments:	I like this little crab photo.		Lens Used:	Nikkor 18-105mm VR DX lens. Yes the "kit" lens from the D90. Yes its a good lens.
Model Credit:	Purple Rock Crab.	Photograph Copyright: ©	Glen Webber 2009. All rights reserved.

Yay 2 pics up this year. More to come.
Cheers,
Glen.

Like my photos? Follow me on twitter @glen_co_nz.

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

Little Blue Penguin swimming photograph

nospam@example.com (Glen) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 15:51:50 +1200

Photo of a Little Blue Penguin swimming at Gulf Harbour, Auckland, New Zealand.

[little blue penguin swimming picture]

So ummmm yes it has been a while since I last photoblog'd.
Actually its been something like 9 months. :-) I have been taking photos during this time. Lots in fact.
About a 15,000 shutter count over the nine months taken in 7 different countries.

Its just the whole looking after my photoblog, and posting photographs I've been having trouble with.

Still onwards and upwards. So here is my first new photo. Its a nice little photograph of a Little Blue Penguin swimming.
It was taken in Gulf Harbour last Wednesday evening, about dusk. We had just returned from our trip to Tiritiri Matangi Island.
The penguin was swimming in the entrance to the marina. The wind was up, and the waves were a little big. I suspect it was just taking a brake before heading back out in to the sea.
Photographed of course with my wonderful Nikon D300 DSLR.

Some information about the Little Blue Penguin.

The Little Penguin (Eudyptula minor) is the smallest species of penguin. The penguin, which is about 43 cm (16 in) tall, is found on the coastlines of southern Australia and New Zealand.

Apart from Little Penguins, they have several common names. In Australia, they are also referred to as Fairy Penguins because of their tiny size. In New Zealand, they are called Little Blue Penguins, or just Blue Penguins, owing to their indigo-blue plumage, and they are called Korora in Maori. These birds feed by hunting fish, squid and other small sea animals, for which they travel and dive quite extensively. They are generally inshore feeders.

The Little Penguin breeds along the entire coastline of New Zealand, the Chatham Islands, Tasmania, and southern Australia. Little penguins have also been reported in Chile. It has been suggested that there might be a yet undiscovered breeding population in the Chilean part of Patagonia. In 2005 the first record of a living Little Blue Penguin has been reported from Ichaboe Island, Namibia.

You can read more over at Wikipedia.

Little Blue Penguin data. (NZ).

Maori Name : Korora.
Abundance : Common.
Status : Native, protected.
Found : Around New Zealand's entire coastline.
Both the Northern little blue penguin and Southern little blue penguin have a NZ conservation status of "Chronically Threatened". Threat classified as being in gradual decline.
Check out the Department Of Conservation's Penguin pages to learn more about what you can do to help.
http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/native-animals/birds/sea-and-shore-birds/penguins/

Little Blue Penguin swimming photograph information.
Image Description:	Little Blue Penguin swimming, Gulf Harbour, New Zealand.
Camera Make:	Nikon Corporation.	Camera Model:	Nikon D300 Digital SLR (DSLR).	Date:	15th April 2009.
Focal Length:	105mm	35mm Equiv Focal Length:	157mm	Aperture:	f/5.6
White Balance:	Manual.	Flash Used:	No.	Exposure Time:	1/800th of a second.
Light Source:	Cloudy.	Metering Mode:	Spot.	Exposure Mode:	Manual.
Software:	Converted from RAW using Nikon ViewNX. Post editing with The Gimp 2.4.
Accessories Utilised:	Nikon MB-D10 battery grip. Nikon EN-EL3e Li-ion battery pack. Scandisk Extream IV CompactFlash.
Photographer Comments:	None at this time.		Lens Used:	Nikkor 18-105mm VR DX lens. Yes the "kit" lens from the D90. Yes its a good lens.
Model Credit:	Little Blue Penguin.	Photograph Copyright: ©	Glen Webber 2009. All rights reserved.

GCN News:
I have made a number of small improvements in the background for this site. So it should be easier for me to post. Meaning that I should post more often.
We'll see if that works or not.
Also you'll see above that I've added a nice border to this photograph. This lets me display things nicely, while also retaining my copyright info and website URL.
Much better than the nasty was I was doing it before.
Also you'll see I've filed this under my New Zealand native bird photographs section. All going well I'll be adding more NZ sections as I add more pics.

Thats all for now. The Grand Prix is on soon and I'm off to watch that.
Cheers,
Glen.

Like my photos? Follow me on twitter @glen_co_nz.

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