Macwerta Macwerta

That is what this Californian Quail had to say for himself this morning.

It was not my intention to blip what is essentially the same photo (and totally the same subject) as Kiwilizzie, but today it has to be.

This guy sat on a post right beside us this morning while we were sitting on the deck having a cuppa. Although I've taken plenty of other photos today, the ones of this quail are what I'm most pleased with - because I'm so chuffed at photographing one rather than any particular photographic merit.

It's been a dull day in Golden Bay but we've still managed a jaunt into Takaka for lunch and a little retail therapy (on my part). Then a drive around towards Totaranui - though we didn't bother doing the last 10km over the hill as the weather was lousy anyway.

We've also stood in the rain trying for photos of kingfishers and bellbirds - neither very successful. Now an evening in with dinner and books. Ahh, bliss, that's what holidays are for.