Tui in the Cherry Tree

Recent weather has been all over the place. August was the warmest on record. Spring has arrived with a rush, and blossom trees and spring bulbs are bursting out all over.

That's not to say there haven't been cold or wet episodes. In fact the last day of August saw part of our back lawn under water. This isn't unusual, as the section straddles what was once an old stream bed, and our section is somewhat lower than the neighbours on either side. However, there have been few occasions this year.

You might also notice that the flowering cherry tree at the back of the garden is blossoming, producing what is, for me, one of the most spectacular displays of colour we get in the garden. The flowers are delicate and detailed up close, strikingly beautiful against a clear blue sky, and produce lovely effects when the morning sun ripples through them.

And then this morning, we had Tuis visit and feed. That, also, is not unusual. We have a large, albeit late-flowering, Kowhai tree, and there are several other kowhai in the neighbourhood, so Tuis are often in the area, especially when the kowhai are in flower. What I noticed this morning, however, was that the Tuis were feeding in the cherry blossom. I haven't noticed that before, and was intrigued.