Friday Feathered Friend
This week we are featuring the kingfisher, with words and a picture from Louise Thomas. They are often hard to spot but are one of the most beautiful birds you will see.
"Sacred kingfishers/kōtare (Todiramphus sanctus) seem special to me. A lightning flash of brilliant blue as they nip down from the power lines over the river or one of the posts they like to perch on to snatch a crab or little fish – the strike operation takes only seconds, barely breaking the water. I’ve almost given up trying to catch one on my camera diving. They are ruthless with their food, smashing in on their post, presumably to kill it, before swallowing it whole. I haven’t seen him for a few months, but I had one who liked to visit the garden off and on. He was a loveable, if badly behaved, guest, throwing up indigestible crab bits and staking out the compost bin where a mouse lives – he used to watch it with such intensity, like he was trying to use his mind meld powers to make the mouse run out. Come to think of it, I haven't seen the mouse for awhile either. Hmmm. Here is a young chap (an immature) with his chest still mottled from Pauatahanui the other day."
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.
Summer on the South Coast
Summer is here again! Fantastic weather beckoning all to get out and enjoy it.
So my request is, if you are cycling, running, walking on our beautiful south coast roads between Breaker Bay and Ohwiro Bay - please be courteous to all road users, even those of us stuck in cars.
The roads are scenic, but they are also narrow, with lots of blind corners. This makes it very difficult for faster moving traffic (cars) to pass slower moving traffic (cycles, walkers, runners). On a bad day this can result in frustrated cars making rash decisions to overtake - putting everyone in danger.
If you are enjoying the coast road on a cycle, and there are cars behind you, please do be considerate and pull over when you have a chance so that they can pass. "Hugging the left" does not really help on a narrow road with blindspots. Stopping is ideal.
If you are enjoying coast on foot, please be conscious of visibility and stay off the road where possible.
If you are enjoying the coast in a car, please be courteous to others - good will spreads, unfortunately so does selfishness.
Lastly - everyone watch out for penguins, they were here first but they don't read Neighbourly or road signs.
Happy and Safe summer everyone.
It’s Riddle Time! Beat the Neighbourhood with Your Smarts!
Which of the following words don't belong in the group and why?
CORSET, COSTER, SECTOR, ESCORT, COURTS
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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