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Pair of paradise ducks in Christchurch



Two ducks perched on rocks surrounded by calm water in their natural habitat.

Walking around Christchurch Botanic Gardens is always a good idea. I try to visit each time I am in the city centre. This was taken in July (mid winter here in New Zealand). There was frost on the ground but these two ducks weren’t bothered. They were enjoying the water garden. When I captured this photograph I knew the duck on the left was a female Paradise Shelduck (pūtangitangi) as the distinctive white head is easy to spot. I believe the darker coloured duck on the right is a male paradise duck but please correct me if I am wrong in a comment below.



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W Edinburgh hotel

A large building with a unique curved golden coloured roof design.

Each visit to Edinburgh I try to walk up Calton Hill. It is my favourite lookout over the city centre. Having not visited for nearly ten years it mostly looked the same. The skyline of Edinburgh city centre is dominated by the neoclassical Georgian stone terrace rooftops and chimneys. Standing out from this is the relatively new W Edinburgh hotel. A 12 story 5 star hotel in St James Square opened in November 2023. This striking modern architecture is a bold ribbon structure of metal ribbons that twist around the building. Depending on who you ask some locals many likening its shape to the poop emoji or walnut whip. 



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Lone tree at Lake Bala

A tranquil lake scene with a row of rocks leading to a lone tree on the water.

Llyn Tegid also known as Lake Bala in Wales is my most photographed lake in Wales. This is because I visit as often as I can for important family connections to the lake and area. This photograph was taken on an autumn afternoon on a rare sunny day with blue sky. The water level was higher than I had seen it before. In this image I thought the row of large rocks curving towards the tree made for a pleasing composition. Each time I visit for the day I wish I’d stayed over. One time I will and make a special effort to see the sunrise by the lake shore.

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Maraetotara waterfall

A fast moving waterfall cascading through a dense forest with vibrant greenery framing the scene.

The scenic Maraetotara falls are one of the best I have photographed in the Hawkes Bay region of New Zealand’s North Island. You might not believe it from this high view point but this is a popular swimming spot among the locals. It’s a 15 metre heigh waterfall and only a 10 minute walk from the road. It wasn’t particularly accessible when I visited. This photograph is taken from above the falls looking down on them. Previously I shared a Maraetotara Falls photograph showing the swimming spot in front of the falls.