New Zealand Sea Birds
Living in my tiny house right next to the sea and beautiful Hongoeka Bay. I get to watch our native sea birds every day. I hope you enjoy my interpretation of our local birdlife.
The White-fronted Tern
The White-fronted Tern (Sterna striata), also known locally as the tara or sea swallow, is the most common and widespread tern species found along the New Zealand coastline.
I often see them in our bay, especially when the large bait balls arrive from late summer to early autumn.
These birds were painted in a number of layers and took some time to get the look I was after.
Acrylic Paint on canvas. 36cms x 28cms
Australasian Gannet
Next in my NZ Sea Bird series inspired by our local Gannet who entertains me with their dramatic but very effective fishing skills.
The Australasian gannet (Morus serrator), natively known in New Zealand as the tākapu, is a large, striking seabird celebrated for its remarkable high-speed plunge-diving capabilities. Found primarily across the coastal waters of New Zealand, southern Australia, and Tasmania, these birds are easily recognizable by their distinctive appearance and dramatic hunting behaviour.
‘Fearless Fisherman’
Acrylic on canvas 40.5cm x 30.5cm
Tāiko - The Westland petrel
Three hours of painting layers and trying to make this NZ Seabird something special.
The Westland petrel (Procellaria westlandica), also known by its Māori name tāiko, is a large, burrow-nesting seabird. It is endemic to New Zealand and has the unique distinction of being the largest mainland burrowing petrel left in the country. Discovered by school children in Barrytown in 1945, the tāiko is highly significant as the last remnant of a unique mainland ecosystem.
This was a challenge to paint in acrylics as other than the yellowish/white beak this bird is blackish/dark-brown.
Third bird in my NZ Seabird collection now painted and ready for varnish.
Acrylic paint on canvas. 45cm x 30.5cm
I am very happy with the final result.
Dad on duty
Pictured here on the hills above Dunedin where these beautiful birds nest. Both Mum and Dad take turns looking after the chick while the other gathers food.
The Northern Royal Albatross (Diomedea sanfordi), known natively in New Zealand as Toroa, is one of the largest flying seabirds on Earth. Endemic to New Zealand, these magnificent giants spend roughly 85% of their lives at sea and are classified as Nationally Vulnerable.
Acrylic on Canvas 405mm x 305mm