Archive for the ‘nesting’ Category

One hawk has fledged into our environment.

Sunday, January 8th, 2012

Australasian harriers/hawk nesting, wetland, Marlborough, NZ

Saturday, December 31st, 2011

While out in the wetland in early November I stumbled upon a hawks nest. I was clearing around the trees we had planted prior to our trip to Italy and was most surprised when a adult hawk burst out of the grass leaving a nest of 3 eggs. I took a few quick shots and carried on with my work. Shortly afterwards the adult returned. This was on the 11/11/11 and on the 3/12/11 I found 2 chicks and one egg. Since then I’ve monitored them every few days watching them slowly grow.  The adults have been surprisingly receptive and always returned after each visit. I was very concerned for there well being today as we have had so much rain and thought they might be flooded out but was pleasantly surprised that they were high and dry.

Fantails have left their nest and all have survived.

Saturday, December 3rd, 2011

We were so relieved when we spotted our freshly fledged fantails in the garden this morning. What was more remarkable was that they had all survived considering the strong winds during the week. This fantail blog has taught us much about the life of these little birds in our environment here at Driftwood Ecotours. We hope you have enjoyed it as much as we have.

Nesting fantails at Mississippi Park, Blenheim, Marlborough, NZ.

Friday, October 28th, 2011

Today I was rewarded in my birding by finding the site where a pair of Fantails (Rhipidura fuliginosa) were nesting. One is black and I’m sure is the female as she is the most busy in building the nest. My wife thinks it is the other way round!! The other is pied and periodically inspects the nest and makes a few alterations. It is fascinating to watch as they bring material, deposit, thump and pound with their breasts until satisfied. The nest is made of twigs, grass, cobwebs, feathers, mud and any other material at hand. A delightful bird to watch and for those with an interest in bird watching one can only marvel at the skill of these birds. I shall continue to watch and keep you updated.