Bellbird Magnet

The large, spreading kowhai tree was claimed by the local male bellbird as soon as the flower buds were showing colour. Native nectar eating birds and the flowers they feed from have evolved together. He has spent more and more time here as the flowers opened. Mostly he comes early morning and late afternoon, but today at lunch-time he spent more than a hour singing a variety of different songs. The notes were true and bell-like, free of the harsh sounds bellbirds often make. I couldn’t see him, but it was pure joy to listen to him.