Another estuary bird - the pied stilt/poaka
Pied stilts/ poaka (Himantopus himantopus) are another bird sometimes seen at the Hutt Estuary and sometimes there is a pair up the river by the Ewen Bridge. They are not here in huge numbers compared to some other places, and are usually spotted in ones, twos, and once I saw three. I find pied stilts/ poaka (Himantopus himantopus) just a touch ridiculous – like Montgomery Burns wearing a tuxedo and plague mask whilst walking badly on circus stilts. Their knees turn in unexpected directions making them look inherently unstable. Sometimes they stand on one leg just to show off, trying to convince the casual observer that they really have it together.
I also just want to let everyone know that my 2021 calendars are completely sold out. A big thank you to everyone who purchased one. I'll do it again next year for 2022 and make sure I get a few more printed next time.
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.
It’s Riddle Time – You Might Need an Extra Cup of Coffee!
Nobody has ever walked this way. Which way is it?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
.
Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
-
84.7% Yes
-
13.9% No
-
1.4% Other - I'll share below
Loading…
