The endemic tomtit is one of the common forest birds found throughout New Zealand. Here are 8 facts about the tomtit, including identification tips and the 5 subspecies. I’m thrilled any time that I’m out on a walk in the bush and happen to see…
Tag: forest
Scale insects form the basis of an ecosystem in the native beech forests of New Zealand. Here is an explanation of this ecosystem and how introduced wasps are changing it. This sounds like it could be the title of some horror movie – scale insects,…
Puawhananga or bush clematis is a beautiful splash of white flowers in the green forests of New Zealand in the spring. Here are some cool facts about this common spring flower. I spent many years living in the Rocky Mountains of the USA where spring…
New Zealand’s land cover has changed heaps since people arrived to these islands. The place that those first settlers saw and what we see today is very different. Prior to the arrival of people the islands of New Zealand were heavily forested. The wildlife of…
The bellbird is an endemic bird to New Zealand whose calls are quite pleasing to hear. Here are 7 facts about this bird. I live in the Taranaki area of New Zealand and as such I am not as familiar with these birds as with…
You are likely to see these common New Zealand forest birds the next time you go tramping in a forest. Here are photos and information about these common birds. The islands that eventually became the country of New Zealand became isolated from other land masses…
One of New Zealand’s two main types of forest is a podocarp/broadleaf forest. Here is some basic information about this native forest and where you can find it. For millions of year before people arrived the islands of New Zealand were covered in forest. Then…
Plantation forests now make up about 6% of the land in the country of New Zealand. Learn about these forests, including where they are & what trees make them up. For millions of years the islands of New Zealand evolved without the presence of any…
New Zealand is home to 5 beech tree species. These broadleaf trees can be found throughout the country, but especially on the south island. The islands of New Zealand used to be covered in native forest. Sadly, with the arrival of people much of that…
New Zealand’s beech forest covers a large part of the country. Here are some facts about the types of trees in the beech forest, and where to find it. A walk in the forest is always good for the soul. In New Zealand a walk…