Our journey with the resident Ruru family began when we noticed the Moreporks in the trees at the back of the house each day. Our 2-acre property is a haven for various bird species, thanks to the abundance of trees and plants. Being a photographer, I wanted to document their lives, and the bonus was being able to photograph them raising their chicks each year, witnessing the close relationship they have with each other. This article is a detailed account of our experiences and the joy we have from observing these magnificent birds.
The first sighting of our Morepork/Ruru pair was humbling. Their distinctive call, a haunting “more-pork,” echoed through the trees, capturing our attention and curiosity. Seeing them perched in the palm behind the house, their large eyes focused on us, we were immediately intrigued.
For me, as a photographer the discovery of the Moreporks/Ruru was completely unexpected, as my focus had been planting for other native birds. My goal now is to document their lives , and capture as much detail as I can. This passion for photography allows me to observe the Moreporks/Ruru closely, and share their unique story with others.
Each day brings new experiences as we observe the Moreporks/Ruru in their roosts. We notice patterns in their behaviour, they are most active at dawn and dusk, and often change their roosts during the day to another tree, depending on sun or rain. In the evening watching them catching insects mid-flight is a testament to their agility and precision.
Back in 2018 one of the most rewarding experiences was witnessing the Moreporks/Ruru raising their chicks. The first time we saw the tiny, fluffy chicks was unforgettable. We observed their growth and development, from their initial awkward flutters to becoming confident fliers, practising flying by launching from one tall tree to another close by. Since then they have raised chicks every year.
The Morepork/Ruru family display a close-knit relationship. The parents are always attentive, teaching and protecting their chicks. The social behaviours and interactions within the family are fascinating, providing insights into their communication and care.
Our property, with its diverse range of trees and plants, proved to be an ideal habitat for the Moreporks/Ruru and other bird species. The tall trees offered perfect perches, while the dense foliage provided ample cover and nesting sites.
Feeding the birds is a daily routine. We have a small flat dish we fill with sugar water so we can control the amount of food we provide at one time. This helps us to keep it clean and prevent any disease. We provide a variety of foods to attract different species. For the Tui and Waxeyes, we set up feeders with sugar water and fruit. The Doves, Blackbirds, and Sparrows enjoy grains and seeds. Each species has its preferences, and catering to them is a rewarding task.
The Morepork/Ruru primarily feed on insects, birds and small mammals (rats and mice). Our property, rich in natural food sources, supports their diet.
Attracting and feeding Tui and Waxeyes add another layer of joy to our bird-watching activities. These birds, with their vibrant plumage and lively songs, bring life and colour to our property. Their presence is a testament to the health of our ecosystem. Sometimes at the bird feeder there is a rush of 10-20 waxeyes for first place, and often there is 8 Tui deciding who is next in line.
Interactions with other bird species, such as Doves, Blackbirds, and Sparrows, added to the richness of our observations. Each species brought its unique behaviors and characteristics, contributing to the diverse avian community in our backyard.
Capturing unique moments and behaviours of the Morepork/Ruru and other birds is both challenging and rewarding. I use various techniques to photograph these elusive creatures, often spending quite a bit of time to get the perfect shot. The photographs not only document their lives but also tell a story of their world. I never use a flash as it damages their large sensitive eyes and blinds them in the dark. My continuing presence throughout the days has led the Morepork/Ruru to become very familiar with me. This often leads to the problem of them refusing to wake up from their sleep when its portrait time. They will take one quick look at me and go back to sleep, refusing to open their eyes.
Our journey with the Morepork/Ruru is a profound learning experience. Observing their behaviours, understanding their needs, and witnessing their interactions teaches us a great deal about nature and bird life. This knowledge enriches our lives and deepens our appreciation for the natural world.
The journey is not without its challenges. Weather conditions, the elusive nature of the birds, and the sheer patience required to observe and photograph them tests our resolve. Sometimes there will be no sightings of them for a few days. We know they are here as we hear them call at night and hear the birds making a noise when they come back home to roost in the morning. But I cannot find them during the day. However, the rewards far outweigh the difficulties. The memorable moments, the joy of discovery, and the connection we feel with the Morepork/Ruru make every effort worthwhile.
Our journey with the resident Morepork/Ruru family is an ongoing extraordinary adventure. From the initial discovery of the Morepork/Ruru to documenting their daily lives and witnessing them raise their chicks, every day is filled with surprises. Our 2-acre property is a sanctuary for these birds, and in return, they enrich our lives with their presence. This experience not only enhances our understanding of nature but also brings us closer to the incredible world of birds.
Q1: What attracted the Moreporks to your property? A1: Our 2-acre property is rich in trees and plants, providing an ideal habitat with ample food sources and nesting sites, attracting the Moreporks.
Q2: How did you manage to photograph the Moreporks? A2: Patience and careful observation were key. Irwin spent hours each day watching and waiting for the right moments to capture unique behaviors and interactions.
Q3: What do Moreporks primarily feed on? A3: Moreporks primarily feed on insects and small mammals. Our property’s natural environment provided plenty of food for them.
Q4: How did you attract other bird species to your property? A4: We set up feeders with different types of food to cater to various bird species, such as sugar water and fruit for Tui and Waxeyes, and grains and seeds for Doves, Blackbirds, and Sparrows.
Q5: What have you learned from observing the Moreporks? A5: We learned a great deal about their behaviors, social interactions, and the importance of a healthy ecosystem. This experience deepened our appreciation for nature and the role birds play in it.