We’ve had heaps of birds around lately including the tui who are out in full force – I was delighted the other day to see a tui land on our harakeke plant to eat the kōrari (flax flowers) and that was after it had a feed on the neighbours kōwhai tree – my goodness!

There are many birds that are kaitiaki for me – the kahu (hawk) is one, the tīrairaka (fantail) and the kererū (pigeon) or kūkupa. There are others, but these birds are always on my pathway.

When driving on a long journey, guaranteed I’ll see at least one kahu. With massive wingspans and freedom in flight, I always get excited when I see one, especially when they come close. And having photographed them often over the past five years, there is not one that is like another – they are all unique. Such amazing birds…

And the fantail – the tīrairaka – I see also while on a journey, in the bush or in another place away from home. They often catch me unaware and appear out of no-where. This is an amazing bird to photograph if you can catch it in a still moment but they are the most beautiful birds – just like friends – they are cheeky, intelligent, funny and clever.

And then the kererū – you can hear their wings before you see them, whoooooosh…they’re impressive flyers and beautiful birds with golden coats of glistening green, they are royalty to me and I’ve been privileged enough to have lived amongst them, in the realms of Tāne in their territory, in their forest.
I’ve been priveleged enough to have all of these birds in my life as kaitiaki – as guardians looking over me.
For me they are the link between the physical and the spiritual world, they move in both worlds and are our link to our ancestors and those who have gone before. They also remind us of our aspirations, our dreams and hopes for the future and our ability to fly again.
Arohanui,
Jo x