Yesterday, I heard a Tui sing—and that was just one song of her repertoire. It was a beautiful pulsing beat, the sound of a flute, one note, mesmerizing and almost hypnotic. Like us, tuis sing different tunes—joyous, plaintive, flirtatious melodies, and sometimes, they click, cackle, wheeze and grunt. I assume that’s when they’re in a bad mood (like I am now; how could my Ravens not fly to the Super Bowl?) I’m glad I don’t have two voice boxes as tuis do; I’d have a double bout of laryngitis from yelling and cheering. Oh well!
I’ve learned to recognize tuis from their greenish-blue iridescent feathers and the white tufts on their throats, which turn into white shoulder pads when they fly. It’s beautiful to watch a flock in flight. Or even just a solitary little one flitting and flirting about in my sister and brother-in-law’s garden. Next year, there will be many more because the young kowhai (pronounced kofai) tree they’ve planted will burst into bloom—long, yellow, pendulous blossoms, so commonly seen everywhere in Auckland. Tuis feed on their nectar and fruit.
What they love equally well, perhaps even more, is the New Zealand flax plant, whose nectar ferments, causing them to totter a bit, and fly somewhat ungracefully. But hey, they don’t drive, so why begrudge them a little good cheer? Or a night cap?
Here are some pictures taken in Rotorua, about a three hour drive from Auckland, where I presently live.
This is lovely, Lalita. A nice antidote to post-Ravens letdown. I look forward to following your blog! – Rena
Oh, I remember them when I was in New Zealand. How fun that you are getting to know them so well! Keep up the good writing. I’m with you in spirit. hugs, mare
Good to hear from you. Beautiful photos and descriptions. Thanks for letting us see the birds and plants through your eyes! Here is fog and drizzle and hope that next year the Ravens can fly all the way to the Superbowl! yours, Liz
Hey Lalita–
Gorgeous and lyrical as always. Perhaps you can compile your NZ blog into something called the “Tui Chronicles,” after all is said and done. Miss you being in Mobtown–but it’s cold here, and, no doubt, warm there! Hope your adventure continues to be as bright at those tui wings!