Kereru in the Ribbonwood

It's been a glorious Spring-like day out in the valley today, and the birds have been out enjoying the unseasonal warmth.

Mrs H and I actually had a bit of a rare 'smell the flowers' moment earlier in the day as we watched the fantails, warblers, bellbirds, silvereyes and rifleman's flitting from tree to tree. This kereru was one of a pair that were perched up in the shade on a kanuka above the river, but then later decided to cross to the garden and have a preen in the sun.

For much of the time I was watching this pigeon, its bill was tucked under its wing as it sorted out its flight feathers, but as it took a breather from a bit of personal care I managed to fire off this shot.