Wellington and a Tui

 Some photos taken by my GKB and me as we wandered around the area of Wellington we were staying in last week. The hotel we stayed in overlooked Oriental Bay and our room was on the 11th floor overlooking the bay/harbour. We got a shot of the Bluebridge Ferry departing one evening for the South Island and saw lots of small yachts out sailing another evening, we must have been near a yacht club we think.

Street scenes.

The Michael Fowler Centre, where I spent most of my time.

Parliament building aka The Beehive.

Three different views from our hotel window.

My GKB at the bayside after lunch at Te Papa.

And this beautiful Tui was sitting on a flax bush outside Te Papa, 

the national museum.

A few New Zealand birds

I thought I would share some photos taken over the years of some of our native birds. I have written the Maori name for them first followed by the English version. Usually they are known by the Maori name. If you would like to know a little about the birds just click on the name and it should take you to a link. Some of these birds have the most beautiful and colourful plumage which is not possible to see unless you get really close up or see them in flight. Some are flightless and others are beautiful songbirds. Some are pesky thieves and will strip the rubber from around the windscreen of your car before you know it. And then come back for the wipers!
 Happy bird watching :)

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Weka or Wood hen

Pukeko or Swamp hen

Tui or Parson bird

Kea or Mountain parrot

Kereru or Wood pigeon

If you were hoping to see a Kiwi I'm sorry. I have only ever seen one in my life and that was in captivity. I've never seen one in the wild, I don't think many people have, sightings are rare.

 Joining the gang at FAST

 for Five on Friday

Diana

Daffodils and blossom

Did you see the Tui in the bottom photo?

Tuis are beautiful native birds.

There were dozens of them feeding 

on the nectar, so lovely to see and listen to.

If you would like to see a better picture of,

 or read a little about, the tui, click here.

joining Amy and friends for:
Five on Friday 
and
Friday foto friends
with

Lunch in Outram

It was a beautiful spring day and as life has been a tad busy lately we decided to head over to Outram for a bite of lunch. It seems everyone else had the same idea but we managed to get a little table outside and dined al fresco.

That's my GKB sitting under the hanging basket on the left.

I had a cinnamon roll and cup of tea which was served in a lovely Queen Anne rose patterned china teacup. Lovely. It's nice to get your tea served in one of these dainty cups when you're out.

One of the reasons we decided on Outram was that we wanted to get some photos of the blossoms and daffodils. And although it is country it's only 10 minutes drive from home.

The pink and white blossom is really beautiful and we could hear the tuis calling to each other as they fed. I have more photos and will put some up next week if I get the chance. 

We had parked in the gateway to a farm road and it is absolutely beautiful. Either side of the driveway is absolutely smothered in daffodils. More photos of those as well for next week, so I guess this post is a bit of a tease.

And finally on the other side of the road were the paddocks with the ewes and lambs. Sure signs that spring is here.

I hope you have enjoyed my springtime photos.

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Thank you for your concern for my little mother.

She has had a bad year and for someone who is not used to being ill and is very independent she has not coped well. On Monday she had her annual checkup with the heart specialist and on Friday she goes in for tests to ascertain what to do next. She is much happier now she knows something is being done. 

joining:
Five on Friday
Friday foto friends
Teacup Tuesday