Yesterday I was out walking (sans camera of course), when I saw a bellbird feeding on this kowhai tree. Rather than being annoyed with myself that I only had my cellphone camera with me, I decided to enjoy the moment. The bellbird was only a few feet away from me and I couldn’t believe my luck at it being there and so close just as I went past. So, I decided to test my luck and go back today.
Initially, all I could see was wax eyes feeding, but after a short time of just standing very still and watching the tree, a bellbird finally arrived. My only problem now was that it was intent on being on the other side of the branches and never that close to me. Fortunately I had my long lens, but no matter how quietly I stood or tried to be invisible, it was just not keen on coming closer and into the sunny spot. But, I got this shot and I love it as I didn’t realise at the time that I had actually captured the shadows on the bird, so it looks like it has a crest!
If you live near a kowhai tree I encourage you to spend 10 minutes near it and wait – you could be rewarded with a vision like this.
Ōtautahi / Christchurch Daily Photo 
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