Flight magazine has a copy of The Forest for the Trees, a book by Wayne Bennett, of Forest Flora, to give away.
Wayne says his book explains the benefit of observing natural areas carefully and using this knowledge as a template for restoring forests and wetlands.
He is the co-ordinator for Ecosourced Waikato, a project manager for Waikato Rivercare and is on the committee of Ngaruawahia Action Group.
“Our native plants vary across the country and there is value in retaining this natural diversity.
“If we are to ensure we only plant species that cope well with the conditions and want to minimise weed incursions, we can learn so much from observing what remnants we have left of natural areas,” Wayne says.
“I may be known to some DU members through the taxidermy work I did through the 1980s, 90s and 2000s. I have been restoring forests and wetlands for nearly 40 years and learn best from my mistakes. The book does not gloss over mistakes but takes lessons from them.”
He says there are many books on the identification of native plants but few describing how they grow, what they tolerate and what they are vulnerable to.
“These are things that usually only experience can tell but there is a section discussing the ecology of all of the plants mentioned elsewhere in the book, both native plants and weeds.
“There are many native plants, not well known, that contribute to the welfare of waterfowl. This book is intended to help provide that knowledge.”
You can access a copy online at: www.forestflora.co.nz/Forest_for_trees.html for free but for those who like to have a copy to hold and take with you, hard copies are available from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for $45 including GST postage and packaging. An invoice will be emailed out once the book has been sent.
To go into the draw to win a copy, email the Flight editor at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with “Forest for the trees” in the subject line and provide your name and address in the email
Birds of New Zealand – A photographic guide put together by Paul Scofield and Brent Stephenson, published last year by Auckland University Press, it has information on 365 species of our birds.
I have been working my way through this amazingly interesting book. It is not the sort of book you just pick up and read from cover to cover. Reading is only part of it, there are so many wonderful photographs to examine and admire.
As one reviewer said, “It is an essential guide to the birds of New Zealand”. With more than 1000 colour photographs, and maps to pinpoint locations, the book covers species that occur naturally in the wild, those that have established wild populations and also rare visitors.
The introduction alone has a plethora of information, including tips on photographing birds and advice on learning to identify songs and calls.Taking pride of place as the first bird in the book are Kiwi – all five of them.
The introduction to each also gives the reader an indication of its current status. I.e. At risk, Critically endangered, Threatened, Endangered, Self introduced, Rare vagrant, Common migrant, Abundant naturalised introduction and so forth.
Jodi Salinsky of Southern Bird wrote “Overall, this book gets an A+. It is a “must have” extremely current resource for the naturalist, avian enthusiast, novice bird watcher and serious birder alike.”
Jim Mora, Radio NZ National said “Two fantastic talents involved – Brent Stephenson the photographer and Paul Scofield the natural historian. That’s a great collaboration.”
Available from all good booksellers, $59.99.
Flight has one of these books to give away to a lucky Ducks Unlimited member.
To go into the draw send me an email with Bird Book in the subject line. Include your address and phone number, or put your address and phone number on the back of an envelope and post it to me.
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Post: Liz Brook, 766 Beaconsfield Valley Rd, RD9, Feilding 4779.
Deadline is August 15.
A chance to show off your photographic skills.
Flight will have space for three winners from each of four categories. So take your camera where ever you go these coming months. We are looking for photos of ducks and other water birds. Or good scenic shots of the wetlands where they live.
Categories are:
Three photos only in each category.
Email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
or if you do not have email, send prints to: Liz Brook, Brightnook Farm, RD9, 766 Beaconsfield Valley Rd,Feilding 4799. (Check Flight, bottom of page 2).
Send photos before March 31. 2017.
There will be an independent judge, not a member of DUNZ.
PS – There are prizes – good ones. And one outstanding top prize that includes a stay at Blue Duck lodge.
