My garden favourite - goldfinch
Goldfinches (Carduelis carduelis) are one of my favourite garden birds. I can’t quite give a rational reason, but there is something appealing about the way they fly in urgent parabolic arcs and stuff their faces with thistledown. The colouring too seems exotic, like I can feel warm spice-laden winds and hear the clink of tea glasses at the bazaar. Christians believed their red faces were from the blood of Christ as the ‘saviour’ bird sought to pull the thorns from his head. It’s a beautiful and tragic legend about a bird that has obviously endeared itself into human history. What's your favourite wild bird (it can be endemic, native, or introduced)?
I have just four of my large A3-sized 2021 Wild birds of New Zealand calendars left for sale if anyone would like to buy one ($27 picked up from Woburn, Lower Hutt, or plus $9.60 courier), email me on louise@louisethomas.co.nz or message me if you would like one.
Calling All Puzzle Masters! Can You Solve This?
When John was six years old he hammered a nail into his favorite tree to mark his height.
Ten years later at age sixteen, John returned to see how much higher the nail was.
If the tree grew by five centimetres each year, how much higher would the nail be?
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 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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