The Roaming Ecologist – noticing nature

noticing nature

Phillip Island – seabird islands exude a special energy, this island a few kilometres off Norfolk Island was no different – a rough landing followed by lots of WOW moments.

Masked booby spreads its wings

I’ve just been kayaking the final section of the Selwyn River before it flows into Canterbury’s largest lake – Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere. Greens co-leader Russell Norman and MP Eugene Sage were keen to see the current state of this once clean river which was loved for fishing and swimming. My Bushwise Women experience was called… [Continue Reading]

Wall to wall kotukutuku (Fuchsia excorticata) greeted me this morning when I paused along the Summit Road above Christchurch to do a short walk through Omahu Bush Reserve. I love the creamy-gold peeling bark of these trees that invites you to finger their paper-thin layers and the very delicate purple-pink flowers that sprinkle the forest… [Continue Reading]

Fuchsia in Omahu bush

Good news story: In a just published paper the Chatham petrel (Pterodroma axillaris) status has improved from a critically low 200-400 in 1990 to around 1400 birds (2010). I’ve watched the various techniques used in this effort while conducting my own research (Roberts et al 2007) over the last 12 years on the effects of… [Continue Reading]

Chatham petrel adult

‘A night with the stars’ according to Graeme Murray one of our guides on the recent Canterbury University Alumni weekend to Mt John observatory, has transformed Tekapo into a bustling ‘must visit’ location in NZ. Graeme regales the group of Alumni with stories of the land. The search for a southern astronomical observatory was initiated… [Continue Reading]

July 2015 in Western Park, Auckland What a mesmerising sight of colour and movement caught my eye when visiting an Auckland park this July – over 50 monarch butterflies dancing and feeding on the yellow flowers of the naturalised german ivy (Delairea odorata). The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is New Zealand’s most identifiable butterfly. We consider it… [Continue Reading]

The NZES conference is the yearly gathering of the ‘ecology whanau’, It was great to be part of this gathering last November and this was the piece I wrote for NZES newsletter. It’s a time to catch up with colleagues, hear what insights and discoveries have been made over the last year and to welcome… [Continue Reading]

Matakohe-Limestone Island was saved thanks to the hard lobbying by conservation groups over many years. Instead of being available for mining or a casino, golf course and hotel, this island became a scenic reserve in 1990 for all to enjoy.

The People’s Choice Regional Council Candidate’s Announcement The People’s Choice has selected three strong candidates for the first semi-democratic elections for Environment Canterbury for six years. The People’s Choice is a Labour-affiliated group of people who share the core values of fairness, sustainability and social justice. “We are thrilled with the Regional Council candidates we… [Continue Reading]

KEEEEAAAAA! Kea (Nestor notabilis) was named by Maori for the sound of its call. Listen to it here It is the world’s only mountain parrot and found only in the Southern Alps of New Zealand. These sociable and highly intelligent birds are well adapted to their harsh alpine environment. Their curiosity and omnivorous appetite, that they have developed… [Continue Reading]

photo by andrew walmsley

Latest Posts on Roaming Ecologist

Milnthorpe Park Scenic Reserve and Arboretum Golden Bay

Can introduced species play a role in restoration? Hugh Wilson of Hinewai Reserve, Banks Peninsula is well known advocate for gorse as a nursery plant for protecting regenerating seedlings. Milnthorpe Park is another interesting experiment.

Vote Kea for Bird of the Year

KEEEEAAAAA! Kea (Nestor notabilis) was named by Maori for the sound of its call. Listen to it here It is the world’s only mountain parrot and found only in the Southern Alps of New Zealand. These sociable and highly intelligent birds are well adapted to their harsh alpine environment. Their curiosity and omnivorous appetite, that they have developed […]

Cynthia is announced as one of The People’s Choice Candidates

The People’s Choice Regional Council Candidate’s Announcement The People’s Choice has selected three strong candidates for the first semi-democratic elections for Environment Canterbury for six years. The People’s Choice is a Labour-affiliated group of people who share the core values of fairness, sustainability and social justice. “We are thrilled with the Regional Council candidates we […]

Island refuges – Matakohe-Limestone Island in Northland

Matakohe-Limestone Island was saved thanks to the hard lobbying by conservation groups over many years. Instead of being available for mining or a casino, golf course and hotel, this island became a scenic reserve in 1990 for all to enjoy.

NZ Ecology Conference – Reflections

The NZES conference is the yearly gathering of the ‘ecology whanau’, It was great to be part of this gathering last November and this was the piece I wrote for NZES newsletter. It’s a time to catch up with colleagues, hear what insights and discoveries have been made over the last year and to welcome […]