1955 days ago

Friday Bird of the Week.

Reporter Community News

Hey Neighbourly folk, I am adding a new feature to Neighbourly every Friday. There are some amazing bird photographers in the region and I will be highlighting their best pictures.
This week's picture features my favourtite bird, the beautiful karearea (NZ Falcon). Simon Wooolf took the picture at Wrights Hill, Karori, and wrote an interesting account of the observation.

It settled itself down on a wooden structure, preened itself, and then dosed off! Then the action started.
Three, or four Welcome Swallows decided to dive bomb the Falcon! Now in flight, and in dive mode, Falcon's are the worlds fastest birds. This bird was obviously stationary. Swallows and Swifts feature in the Top Ten Fastest Birds too. The Karearea is a threatened species in NZ. Predators are man, and while breeding cats, ferrets etc, and believe it or not hedgehogs! I have never seen other bird species attack a karearea!
Normally our falcons are fearless. I have had them land a metre away from me. If threatened, and especially in breeding season they are not just fearless, but are brave, and ruthless. Even we humans will depart the scene rapidly if attacked!
Incidentally once awake the karearea took the aerial attacks in its stride and was pretty non-plussed!
I'm pretty rapt with the series of shots I gained, as the swallows were attacking at over 150kph. There was contact made on a couple of occasions, however I wasn't quick enough to catch that part of the action, even with my camera set a1/4000 sec and with my trusty Sigma 150 - 600 lens.
If you get the opportunity to observe these wonderful Taonga of our New Bush, do so. I have never been disappointed!
Simon Woolf.

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More messages from your neighbours
3 days ago

Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙

One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.

So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?

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Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
  • 59.3% Yes, supporting people is important!
    59.3% Complete
  • 25.3% No, individuals should take responsibility
    25.3% Complete
  • 15.4% ... It is complicated
    15.4% Complete
755 votes
4 days ago

A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?

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6 days ago

Lost dogs

Rachael from Naenae

I'm so sick of seeing stray dogs no collars,under fed, just like the one I saw running past me while I was waiting for the bus, poor fella Before u get a dog, do your research owning a dog is a big responsibility
They depend on us
Is your house fenced
Does your landlord know u have a pet? Don't forget vet bills
And a comfortable place to sleep hopefully inside..
Don't forget good nutritious food,and daily walks,just remember check foot path on hot days by placing your hand or bare foot on it to see if too hot for your doggies paws, best early in the morning or late in afternoon when temperature is cooler..OK im not saying I'm the best owner my girl was left home alone while I was at work even though I took her for long walks in the morning..sensitive subject If u have to put your precious fur baby to rest because of horrible uncurable
Illness have the vet come to your home don't do it at a vet clinic that is the place stresses them out..
My girl had cancer
And the vet wanted to put to sleep in the clinic he made up every excuse, but I rang around and found wonderful vet in waterloo, they were so kind and we agreed on a day..
Cost $370..
My girl was not stressed at all she was chilled out on her couch watching TV, she was clueless
She thought vet were there to visit Lol it was quick my girl fell asleep went back to Our creator in heaven
So guys please do your research before u get a dog😁