Kuaka, Torea and a single Taranui

One hundred and one years ago on this day (14 February 1920) S’ mother was born. Although it seemed that she would make three figures, in mid-2019 she had an admission to hospital, and while there developed pneumonia and died.. last year at this time much else was going on, and private memories were order of the day.

This year, S and her brother P decided to hold a family memorial meeting. In her old house. Lockdown in Melbourne, and quarantine in NZ meant the Melbourne and Blue Mountains members joined by Zoom..

It was an emotional and supportive time. And we also saw (by zoom) the latest addition. S’ younger brother’s daughter gave birth to her first child three days ago, and he was shown to the wider family for the first time. A great demonstration of the continuation of life. 

Early this morning I stopped at the northern end of Snells Beach and saw the gathering of the Kuaka (godwits), as they waited for the ebbing tide. There were over 150 Kuaka resting on sand that was unlikely to be submerged, even at high tide. These little bids fly from the Arctic circle to New Zealand, and back again after spending the summer months here. One of the regular visitors to Snells Beach is tagged and has been recorded for more than ten years now. I am loath to go close enough to see it’s tag, but did perchance a year or two ago.