Starlings - a variety of plumage as they mature
The variety of plumage at the moment on young birds as they transition into their adult feathers is amazing. I think a few years ago I would have thought of common starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) as a dozen different species if I thought of them at all. Many of the new generation still have their brown heads, but are developing their star-spangled chest feathers. Mature feathers coming in on their backs are beautiful, with pale brown borders and the middles an iridescent green in the sunlight. Nature is an artist. Notes: "Common" means they occur in other countries (...common to). Very different species of birds don't interbreed (while there is some hybrids among ducks, gulls, geese, and pheasants, it is not that common in the wild outside of closely related species), while mynas are in the same family (Sturnidae), they are a different species and don't breed with starlings. There are no official reports of mynas in Lower Hutt, they are not known to occur this far South, so if you do see one, make sure you get a photo and send it to me or log it on iNaturalist. While there are several species of starling around the world and 12 subspecies, we only have the subspecies vulgaris in New Zealand.
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.7% Yes
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14.7% No
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2.6% Other - I'll share below
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we are having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
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