Delightful view of birds
TheCountry Camera: AnAlbum ofNewZealand Birds byChristina Ferens, self published, $44.90
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.. .. .. The world would be a poorer placewithout the joyous sound of birdsong and the pleasurewe get aswe watch birds in flight.
Most of us know the names of somecommon birds and a little about their habits, butnow author Christina Ferens takes us deep into their lives thanks to her keen eye, photographic talent, endless patience and a poetic waywith words.
Her latest book, TheCountryCamera:An AlbumofNewZealandBirds, is a charming, treasure trove that celebrates the beauty and habits of some of our most well-known birds.
The stars of the book are revealed in four categories: endemic— resident of only NewZealand; native— members of a species which migrated here long ago; self-introduced— relatively recent migrants; and introduced.
These distinctions are of interest in themselves: how manyof us appreciate that the much-maligned paradise shelduck is endemic along with our much-treasured pigeon? These birds have greater residency claims than many, as do the grey teal duck, the colourful kingfisher and pukeko.
Our much-loved fantail or piwakawaka is also endemic. But Ferens also includes introduced species like turkey, blackbirds and California quail.
The overarching feelings it inspired inmewere sensitivity and gentleness.
Ferens must have waited, camera at the ready, for manyhours to photograph birds as theywent about their lives, oblivious to her presence. Alarge clutch of quail chicks huddled in a cream and brown spotted moundis one of manystand-out images.
And each photo is accompanied by poetic words which somehowhad the effect of calming me. To read her thoughtful, well-researched descriptions of the lives of some of our country’s most precious residents felt akin to ameditation.
This book is designed to be read at leisure and shared with the same generous spirit its author has shared results of the time-consuming business of capturing birds as they busied themselves in their family lives both via wellchosen words and heart-warming photos.
Ferens has devoted several years to gathering material for this book which will delight your friends and family whether they find it on your coffee table or as their Christmas gift.