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Wednesday <strong>January</strong> <strong>10</strong> <strong>2024</strong> <strong>Selwyn</strong> <strong>Times</strong> 29<br />
SELWYN RURAL LIFE<br />
Advertising Feature<br />
Thoughts on sharing rural<br />
life with the birds<br />
• By Isabelle Teresa<br />
We think we own the land, but we don’t.<br />
There are other beings, boundaries, homes,<br />
families, tussles…<br />
In rural life, birds are our constant<br />
companions. The dawn chorus starts our<br />
days, conversations build and different<br />
species tune in. Throughout the day, flocks<br />
of small birds soar and swirl, acting as<br />
one. Nestbuilders fly above with sticks and<br />
straw, consummate designers and builders.<br />
The falcon, kārearea, is sophisticated<br />
enough to harness the winds in its flight –<br />
but falls for the dangerous temptation of<br />
roadkill – Icarus?<br />
Families of pheasants bustle and snuffle,<br />
bursting away with an explosion of sound,<br />
leaving a tailfeather gift for the lucky. Quail<br />
couples call to each other, loving, always<br />
checking in, issuing a “Chicago” at the<br />
slightest concern. Fantails, pῑwakawaka,<br />
friendly or two-faced? The same darting<br />
dance that beguiles humans turns<br />
downright nasty when repelling its own<br />
kind.<br />
Magpies raise their family in our<br />
presence. Recognising the faces of<br />
humans who live on their land, they also<br />
communicate to their kids whether you<br />
are to be trusted. Magpie younglings patrol<br />
the grass until a parent’s return – when the<br />
incessant squawking would put anyone off<br />
parenthood! In autumn, the adolescents<br />
hilariously find their voice. Winter brings<br />
eviction, with re-groupings hard fought for<br />
next year.<br />
Birds also teach geography and<br />
perspective. Living rurally in <strong>Selwyn</strong>, I feel<br />
land-based, grounded – my world is green<br />
as far as the eye can see. Then water birds<br />
swoop through and it’s like zooming out on<br />
a map – we’re just a stopping point between<br />
lakes, rivers and the sea.<br />
Every winter, for two weeks, a pair of<br />
Canadian geese arrive honkily in the<br />
morning, rest on the same tree for five<br />
minutes then fly on. Why??<br />
After bad storms, a black shag chose our<br />
woodpile as refuge, settling for the night<br />
and dealing confidently with our curious<br />
cat.<br />
Most wonderful of all, late every<br />
afternoon, the heron couple swoops in,<br />
creaking and rasping – you don’t need<br />
to sound tuneful when you look that<br />
fabulous! I was told that the same couple<br />
had been nesting in the same tree for 18<br />
years. What a privilege to share this space.<br />
Nighttime, and it’s still not over. The little<br />
owl calls throughout the night, making the<br />
most of our land while other birds sleep.<br />
Did I say “our” land? Many other<br />
beings say the same.<br />
Firewood & Coal<br />
Coal<br />
20 kg bags or<br />
500kg bulk bags<br />
Firewood<br />
Pick up or deliver<br />
(delivery charges apply)<br />
Free delivery to Darfield township when<br />
3 cubic metres or more is ordered.<br />
<strong>Selwyn</strong> Auto<br />
ALL YOUR MOTORING NEEDS<br />
› WOF’s › Diagnostics<br />
› Repairs › Servicing<br />
› Batteries › Tyres<br />
› Courtesy Cars Available<br />
Phone 329 5841 | 132 Leeston Road, Springston<br />
www.selwynauto.com | office@selwynauto.com<br />
Landscape Products<br />
Now Available!<br />
• Forest Mulch<br />
• Bark Mulch<br />
• Bark Nuggets (<strong>10</strong>/20mm)<br />
• Premium Organic Compost<br />
• Screened Soil<br />
• Landscape Rocks<br />
• Paparoa Red Rock available in 3 grades<br />
• Railway Sleepers (2.1 Lengths)<br />
• Kindling Wood<br />
• Unscreened Bark<br />
Delivery fees apply.<br />
417 Creyke Road,<br />
Darfield<br />
Phone 03 975 4502<br />
Eftpos now available<br />
Open Monday to Friday 6am-6pm, Saturday 8am-1pm or after hours by appointment
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