Friday Feathered Friend: Bush robin/toutouwai
Photographer Louise Thomas made a visit to Bushy Park, prior to lockdown. Now that we are all at home, please feel free to post a picture of the birds you have in your garden.
"Bush robins/toutouwai (Petroica longipes) have an open heart, they roam tramping tracks without fear because it doesn’t occur to them to be afraid. They have no armour on their personalities. If they were humans they would help you change your tyre and laugh about the experience.
They will stand on your shoes if you sit too long. And rummage inquiringly while you unpack your pack. I read once that the open-hearted will inherit the Earth. I hope it’s true – that it is better to be possibly hurt than hardened. But the open-hearted are often preyed upon by the ambitious. It might be why the robin is at risk and declining – he’s just a little too trusting of those that would eat him. Bushy Park, July 2021."
Poll: How should Guy Fawkes be celebrated?
While it is a fun occasion, fireworks on Guy Fawkes Night has caused much conflict over the years, upsetting our pets and disrupting the sleep of neighbours.
How should we celebrate Guy Fawkes Night? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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28.8% With a city-wide public fireworks display
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19.6% Small fireworks displays in each community
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7.6% Keep it as is
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33% We shouldn't celebrate it!
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10.5% Anything but fireworks
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0.4% Other - I'll share below
Riddle Me That: Ready to Test Your Wits?
If the prisoner tells a lie, he'll be hanged;
if he tells the truth, he'll be beheaded.
What can he say to save himself?
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.
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What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.