I saw something when I was putting the video of this vlog together... not sure what it is, but take a look in the pink flower tree around min 8 and 9 to see what you think. Let me know what that looks like to you.
The tree is a Pohutukawa or "New Zealand Christmas Tree" and if it's blooming this early "we're in for a long hot summer". The creature you saw could possibly be a possum (an introduced "pest'" ) eating the fresh budding flowers for it's nectar, which should be the domain of native Tui's and Kereru who only drink the nectar. Glad you and Jon enjoyed your walk. Those trees will pop-up everywhere shortly until you're sick of the sight of them.
@Lennard, I'm guessing you might be correct about it being a possum. I've never seen one in the wild and unfortunately, I didn't notice it while I was there live, but only when I went back to see the video. I'm excited to see more of the New Zealand Christmas Trees. Thanks for sharing about that :)
That was definitely a tūī in the pōhutukawa tree; you can tell by its silhouette, especially its tail, and up close you can easily recognise them by their white throat tuft. They're gorgeous birds with beautiful songs, and can often be found drinking the nectar from native flowers in areas with a good cluster of native trees or flax bushes. Possums, which are an obscenely invasive species in NZ, are largely nocturnal, so you'll rarely see one during the day.
Tamaki drive is a nice flat walk along the waterfront . Or drive. Over the next month the Pohutukawa will be flowering , Stunning views well worth showing a visitor without the ability to hike up a hill .
If you plan to do any further explorations of the hikes around Auckland or elsewhere in NZ I suggest a good pair of tramping or hunting boots, available from practically any sports shop. They're not cheap but both your knees and ankles will thank you
The squirrel was probably a rat or possum An introduced pest. But I thought you might have seen a Tui because the pests usually nocturnal. The English called it the Parsons bird because of the tuft of white feathers on its neck. They feed on the nectar of the flowers on the trees.
@@DebMackey1 I checked the video again. Yes it was a Tui. Wait until late February when the nectar starts to ferment. Head up to Wenderholm beach, the Tuis get drunk and fall out of the trees.😂
Kiaora, welcome to NZ. Too small for a possum, and they don't move like that, and generally only come out at night. It was probably a tui. They are black, with a little white tuft on the neck, and have a unique song. I think I heard it, but the video was slowed down, which distorted its call. Summer is a good time to be in Auckland, lots of beaches and easy walks that are just a stone's throw from the CBD.
KiaOra, @gary s , thank you for your warm welcome 😊. The video before the slowdown shows it moving and the way it moved didn’t seem like a bird to me… I’m definitely going to be on the look out for tuis though . Just looked up what they look like and they look so pretty. Would be cool to see one in person.
There is something like 57 volcanic cones or basins in the Auckland area. The best is Rangitoto Island, and I think you can drive up a few of them- Mt Wellington , One Tree Hill, Mt Victoria.......
@timothyevans, that blew my mind when I first heard about all the volcanic cones here . We've not been to Mt. Wellington yet, but definitely on our list.
Welcome to the city of lava approx 50 volcanos dotted around Auckland city. Take a ferry cross the harbour to Devonport walk up Mt Vic the very best harbour views and out to the Hauraki Gulf also Rangitoto Island NZs Youngest Volcano Enjoy the variation of nature here
Until recently, cars and tour buses could drive to the top of Mount Eden. If your mother has knee problems, you can probably still drive close to the top of One Tree Hill instead.
@BitterSweet, I'm guessing a possum if it's not a squirrel. I've never seen a possum in the wild before, but am very used to seeing squirrels. So, my mind went to squirrel when I saw that in the video... We are living here in Auckland now - moved here recently. We explore whenever we can and I'm sure we'll be doing more exploring on the South Island once we are more settled in here in NZ.
I haven't seen Mt Eden for thirty years and it didn't look like that .... horrible absolutely horrible...I wonder who made money to make it look like that atrocious homage to tourism.
![MURIWAI GANNET COLONY [Auckland day trip] /Americans in New Zealand](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/tM4ShOzx6ho/mqdefault.jpg)
![MURIWAI GANNET COLONY [Auckland day trip] /Americans in New Zealand](/img/tr.png)
![What I learned about renting in New Zealand [2 questions to ask] /Americans in New Zealand](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/D6DAXJRp-68/mqdefault.jpg)
I saw something when I was putting the video of this vlog together... not sure what it is, but take a look in the pink flower tree around min 8 and 9 to see what you think. Let me know what that looks like to you.
It was a Tui , A native bird
@@stevencrutchley3234 ,thanks for chiming in :)
The tree is a Pohutukawa or "New Zealand Christmas Tree" and if it's blooming this early "we're in for a long hot summer". The creature you saw could possibly be a possum (an introduced "pest'" ) eating the fresh budding flowers for it's nectar, which should be the domain of native Tui's and Kereru who only drink the nectar. Glad you and Jon enjoyed your walk. Those trees will pop-up everywhere shortly until you're sick of the sight of them.
@Lennard, I'm guessing you might be correct about it being a possum. I've never seen one in the wild and unfortunately, I didn't notice it while I was there live, but only when I went back to see the video. I'm excited to see more of the New Zealand Christmas Trees. Thanks for sharing about that :)
That was definitely a tūī in the pōhutukawa tree; you can tell by its silhouette, especially its tail, and up close you can easily recognise them by their white throat tuft. They're gorgeous birds with beautiful songs, and can often be found drinking the nectar from native flowers in areas with a good cluster of native trees or flax bushes. Possums, which are an obscenely invasive species in NZ, are largely nocturnal, so you'll rarely see one during the day.
Beautiful birds.
I've seen one recently and I agree that they are so beautiful :)
Tamaki drive is a nice flat walk along the waterfront .
Or drive.
Over the next month the Pohutukawa will be flowering ,
Stunning views well worth showing a visitor without the ability to hike up a hill .
@Martin Smallwood , thanks for the recommendation. 😊 Definitely going to take her to Tamaki drive. It’s beautiful there .
If you plan to do any further explorations of the hikes around Auckland or elsewhere in NZ I suggest a good pair of tramping or hunting boots, available from practically any sports shop. They're not cheap but both your knees and ankles will thank you
@Johan Meischke, thanks for the advice. We'll definitely be doing lots more exploring and hiking. :)
You may consider taking the ferry to Waiheke Island one day on a weekend.
We actually did that for Jon's birthday. We did one of the winery tours and had so much fun. Love Waiheke Island.
The squirrel was probably a rat or possum An introduced pest. But I thought you might have seen a Tui because the pests usually nocturnal. The English called it the Parsons bird because of the tuft of white feathers on its neck. They feed on the nectar of the flowers on the trees.
@petnzme, thanks for chiming in. I wished I'd seen it when we were there instead of just on the video :)
@@DebMackey1 I checked the video again. Yes it was a Tui. Wait until late February when the nectar starts to ferment. Head up to Wenderholm beach, the Tuis get drunk and fall out of the trees.😂
Kiaora, welcome to NZ. Too small for a possum, and they don't move like that, and generally only come out at night. It was probably a tui. They are black, with a little white tuft on the neck, and have a unique song. I think I heard it, but the video was slowed down, which distorted its call. Summer is a good time to be in Auckland, lots of beaches and easy walks that are just a stone's throw from the CBD.
KiaOra, @gary s , thank you for your warm welcome 😊. The video before the slowdown shows it moving and the way it moved didn’t seem like a bird to me… I’m definitely going to be on the look out for tuis though . Just looked up what they look like and they look so pretty. Would be cool to see one in person.
Also, we are really loving that aspect of Auckland. So many beautiful beaches so close🌊✨
There is something like 57 volcanic cones or basins in the Auckland area. The best is Rangitoto Island, and I think you can drive up a few of them- Mt Wellington , One Tree Hill, Mt Victoria.......
@timothyevans, that blew my mind when I first heard about all the volcanic cones here . We've not been to Mt. Wellington yet, but definitely on our list.
Nice! Just subscribed😊
Thank you 💕
Great part of town up there 😎
@ Rockin Rocketman , totally agree. 😊
Deb- How’s life?~enjoyed, what a gorgeous picture~
@Prohodaction, life in NZ is going great for us. Thanks for your kind words :)
Welcome to the city of lava approx 50 volcanos dotted around Auckland city. Take a ferry cross the harbour to Devonport walk up Mt Vic the very best harbour views and out to the Hauraki Gulf also Rangitoto Island NZs
Youngest Volcano Enjoy the variation of nature here
@Lorena Newman, thanks for the warm welcome and suggestions 😊
You’re so right about the variation of nature here. So fabulous!
Until recently, cars and tour buses could drive to the top of Mount Eden. If your mother has knee problems, you can probably still drive close to the top of One Tree Hill instead.
@snich63 , yeah, we couldn't drive to the top of Mount Eden. Good to know about One Tree Hill ! Thanks :)
Can't you drive to the top anymore?
@Storm4155 couldn't when we were there.
Not sure what was in the tree whether it was a bird or a possum... Don't know if you's were plaining visit else than Auckland.
@BitterSweet, I'm guessing a possum if it's not a squirrel. I've never seen a possum in the wild before, but am very used to seeing squirrels. So, my mind went to squirrel when I saw that in the video... We are living here in Auckland now - moved here recently. We explore whenever we can and I'm sure we'll be doing more exploring on the South Island once we are more settled in here in NZ.
I haven't seen Mt Eden for thirty years and it didn't look like that .... horrible absolutely horrible...I wonder who made money to make it look like that atrocious homage to tourism.