1860 days ago

Chaffinch - a common garden bird

Louise from Woburn

Chaffinch/pahirini (Fringilla coelebs) are a common backyard bird with the male sporting a rusty-red breast and a steel-grey hood. They love a bit of bird seed and will quite happily feed with the sparrows. Interestingly, during the winter before they pair up for breeding, the males and females separate to hang out in little groups of their own sex - hence the Latin name "coelebs" meaning bachelor. They pair up in September with the male first establishing his territory (in my garden this is one side of the back lawn from the shed to the back deck) and commencing singing to attract his mate. I'm pleased to report that he was successful and his lady love has built a fine little nest in one of the camellias. When the chicks have fledged both parents will look after them and feed them. The pair will stay together until March when they will separate to join their own little same sex groups again. I read in a UK birding report that they usually keep the same partners for life, with the female returning to the same territory in Spring to find her mate. I couldn't find anything one way or another to say it was the same in New Zealand, but I assume it would be.

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Create a Stunning Stain Feature Wall with Resene Colorwood

The Team from Resene ColorShop Petone

Transform your living room into a work of art with Resene Colorwood wood stains. Find out how to create your own stain feature wall with these easy step by step instructions.

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4 days ago

Poll: Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

🎁 Holiday Gift Chat!

Do you ever regift?
What’s your take on asking for a receipt if a gift doesn’t fit?

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Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?
  • 79.7% Yes! It's better to regift what I don't need
    79.7% Complete
  • 20.3% No. It's the thought and effort that matters
    20.3% Complete
812 votes
10 days ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.

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