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: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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76.3% Yes
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22.3% No
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1.4% Other - I'll share below
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.
Begonia house to be demolished at botanic gardens
It's outrageous that the Wellington City Council are going to demolish the Begonia house at the Botanic gardens. This is an asset. One would have thought the green faction of the council would have supported fixing it. It's strange no one has questioned the price required to fix it. Cycle ways more important than begonia house i think not
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