I spotted this bird at the far end of the bull paddock.
I'd never seen one on the farm, but after some research found out it was a Cattle Egret. They fly over from Australia in autumn to over-winter and are usually found around cattle and sheep.
A small stocky egret similar in size to a white faced heron, with a shorter neck and hunched posture. This is the smallest egret found in New Zealand and their numbers are dwindling after poor breeding seasons in Australia.
Another visitor to the farm is this white goose. We don't know where he came from but he seems to be enjoying the bull paddocks too.
Winter pruning time.
The cleanup crew arrive.
I haven't pruned much over the last 2-3 years so it was a big job. The girls got stuck in eating soft shoots, bark and trimming branches.
I think this hedge needed a trim too.
Team chicken cleanup at ground level.
The last week of autumn and the first big frost.
The dogs love the cooler weather and were keen to get out there and explore.
The sun was thawing out the paddocks fast. The best part of a frosty morning is the beautiful clear sunny day that follows.
The water troughs will need a bit longer , quite a thick layer of ice still on this one.
The last few leaves on the Elm tree edged in frost.
An abandoned driveway off a little rural road.
And at the end an old farm house no one loves anymore.
My destination was the seat on top of the hill. This is the high point on the farm. It's a bit of a walk, and certainly warms you up, but it's worth the effort. My Dad and I towed, dragged and muscled this seat up here years ago. It was quite a job, not sure how we did it, more good luck and will power than brains I think!
Nearly there and I'm ready for a sit down. It is a great place to sit and think ..... or to empty your mind and just enjoy.
The views are great - this is looking to the left,
And looking to the right,
And sitting back and looking straight ahead. Sometimes a crazy idea is worth the effort.
Last weekend we returned from a trip to the South Island. Our first stop was at Blenheim.
Pollard Park is over 24ha and includes a Golf course. The summer gardens were in full bloom.
The park has a stream meandering through it and the ducks and seagulls were there in good numbers.
There are a number of bridges over the stream, and a 1km fitness track which includes press up bars, stretching posts and all sorts of other equipment for the energetically minded.
This floral display is to mark the 100 year anniversary of World War 1.
A lot of beautiful large trees are scattered throughout the park and would probably date back to before it was opened 150 years ago.
Wonderful signs of spring are the trees leafing up, blue blue skies and wispy white clouds.
Some trees are still waiting for that moment to move but these ones are well on the way.
Spring has begun and the blossoms are coming out.
The Almond is in full flower and the bees are humming. It's great weather for them, no wind or rain, so they are all out and about.
This is a flowering cherry which is also very popular the with bees, and our native birds.
