The Flight Of Birds

Hihi gathering around the feeder
taking their turn.
Korimako pushes in
then sits on a branch singing.

The hihi scatter with flashes of yellow
then return one by one
sneaking in while the korimako
concentrates on his song.

In the distance tieke calling out
notes rippling through the bush.
A shadow overhead, a flight of kaka,
cries echoing in the valley.

Beauty manifesting herself in form,
a movement, a song, a beat of wings
the flight of birds expressing
the unconstrained joy of existence.

I managed to spend a couple of mornings in Zealandia this week while down in Wellington for my daughters graduation. It was wet and poor light for taking photos but despite the conditions, it is always a thrill to be able to spend time in the bush amongst the birds of Zealandia. The hihi are such a delight as they gather around, calling to each other, at the feeding stations until a korimako (bellbird) bullies its way in and chases them out.

I heard and saw lots of tieke (saddleback) but was unable to get any decent photos of them as they fosicked around on the dark forest floor or fed on clusters of berries.