sabbatical

noun

: a period of time during which someone does not work at her regular job and is able to rest, travel, do research, etc.

Sunday, March 2, 2014

Day 21: Kaikoura & Birds

I also saw a lot of different kinds of birds today.  Not sure what they all are though.  So for the most part, pictures will have to suffice.  I am very glad I brought my binoculars with me -- great for bird watching and seal watching (fantastic to watch them swim).

I know that some of these are albatrosses (there are a lot of different types though) -- and the 1st one is obviously a duck.  And I think the geese are English Grey (and I have discovered that they are somewhat domestic - and not native to NZ).

A couple of tidbits about albatrosses -- they are one of the largest flying birds & you won't find them in the North Atlantic.  And of course there is the metaphor about the wearing an albatross around your neck (click on the link) -- which is kind of sad because they were known to be omen of good luck.


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Unrelated to any wildlife viewings -- observation of the day:  there are a lot of backpackers in NZ.  There have been hostels in every town that I've stayed in -- so they have lots of options.  Not sure how they get around -- I have seen a lot of them hitchhiking, only 6 on bicycles (with packs, etc.)  I guess there is always the bus ...




















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