Tiritiri Matangi

Tiritiri Matangi is an open island sanctuary northeast of Auckland. After over a century of farming, it has been replanted with native vegetation and given over to providing a haven for wildlife. I’ve been to Tiri twice before, but not in recent years. On my last trip I’d managed some passable photos, but the goal of this trip was to get some good ones – especially of the Stitchbirds. Armed with the D700 and the 70-200mm f2.8 with a 1.4x teleconverter and a lot more technique than last time, I was ready for some great bird photography opportunities.

The weather was gorgeous, summery and hot, which wasn’t all that great in terms of light. The contrast between sun and shade was harsh, which made dappled shade an exposure nightmare. We kept to photographing birds in full shade if possible to preserve detail in their plumage. The dense bush on the island makes getting clear shots difficult, but also provides lovely backgrounds.

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North-Island Saddleback in song
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Saddlebacks forage in leaf litter, resulting in muddy beaks

The birds were out in full-force – we compiled a list of over 20 different species in a few hours. Favourite sightings were 4 separate encounters with elusive Kokako – which unfortunately didn’t result in any photographs, a very friendly Fantail, Fernbirds and Saddlebacks having a bath, and the handfuls upon handfuls of Bellbirds and Stitchbirds at the nectar feeder. The island is alive with song during the day, and I can only imagine the intensity of the dawn chorus! I’d love to stay there overnight and wake up with the birds – a few hours in the middle of the day is fantastic, but spending the night would be a dream. Early morning and evening light would be lovely.

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Male Stitchbird sussing out the nectar feeder

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Bellbirds flock to the nectar feeders and set up a cacophony of song – it’s quite an experience!

Despite difficulties with the light, I’m very pleased with the photographs I took and can’t wait for my next visit – hopefully sooner than the last! Goals for next time are getting photographs of the Kokako, Whitehead, and Rifleman (fingers crossed, I’ve never even seen one!). I’d really recommend anyone interested in birds or bird photography to visit the island – it’s a worthwhile trip at any time of year. Tickets for the ferry are limited, and it takes on passengers at Auckland City and Gulf Harbour, which I prefer as the ride is much shorter and the ticket price cheaper! Here’s how to get there.

Edin

Seabird scientist and conservation photographer working in Aotearoa New Zealand.

This Post Has 5 Comments

    1. Thanks! It was a great day.

  1. Some pretty cool images here, Edin. Well done…

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