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Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Stalking birds

Once the giant perennial dahlia growing outside of out lounge window had expired for the season, I was tempted by habit to cut down the tall, branched stalk but, remembering my advice to others to leave   such structures standing for the sake of any creature that might like to use it as a perch, I stayed my hand. I'm glad I did. That dried stalk is regularly used by birds of all sorts as a stopover on the way to and from wherever they go; nest, flower, roof or other lofty position, and I've enjoyed seeing them alight and sway there. There have been tui, bellbird, blackbird, finch, sparrow, starling and other tiny things to small to identify against the sky. Here's the stalk, unoccupied as it's raining presently but bound to be perched upon as soon as the weather improves.



4 comments:

fredinthegrass said...

Makes for a pleasant photo too, Rg.
Our late-flowering Kowhai is one of the last to flower around us, and, as a consequence, a great draw card for Tui.
A couple in this morning though one reckoned one was enough!!
Its just outside our family room and with a tinted window we can watch without disturbing their feeding.
"Up close and personal".

robertguyton said...

Birds have much to tell us, Fred, though they are not telling us. Watching them is a privilege and an education. I never cease to be amazed by the way in which they cut through the air.

fredinthegrass said...

Glimpsed a 'black' bird fly past our window - below said Kowhai, less than 30cm off the ground.
I marvelled at the speed, and accuracy of the flight path, and thought how cumbersome we humans are!.

robertguyton said...

Yes, Fred. I know what you are talking about. Magic.