This evening we met this Northern New Zealand Dotterel here on our home beach, Waihi Beach. Unbeknownst to us, we were very close to her little sand scrape which serves as a nest for two eggs. These birds are rather endangered and are more at risk than some species of Kiwi, according to the Department of Conservation. It certainly must be a tough job trying to raise a family right on the edge of the high tide mark, where animals and people could easily crush the eggs or the water could wash them away. I'll have to keep and eye on this pair to see if they can be successful this year. 

That's my bicycle in the background and luckily for me, I had my little Sony A6000 in my hands with the the Sigma art 19mm lens. I simply bent down to the birds level and used the tilt screen to frame my shot. I didn't even need a zoom as this little fellow was coming in rather close. I may return tomorrow with the Nikon d700 and the 70-200mm as I really don't want to get so close again and disturb the pair.  What a neat experience it was though. Lets hope the weather doesn't bring any nasty surprises for these guys. 

Time is speeding up! I'm convinced of it. As each day draws to a close, often I am left wondering if I did anything constructive today. I don't mean tasks only -although that is how we often measure our worth - by our productiveness. But what if it was more important to look at the differences we made for someone else each day? . Did I love someone today?  Did I make a positive difference in someone else's life? Is it that difficult? Often being friendly and asking people how they really are and sticking around for the answer can make all the difference. On those days when I am needing TLC from another and don't feel able to give out anything positive, choosing to bless someone anyway often makes me feel better too. Food for thought? 

This shot was taken at the destination of a days worth of riding on the back of a motorcycle. What an amazing experience, watching the