Description
While out photographing birds at Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush in Wellington, I heard a loud commotion from several trees high up in the canopy. A group of four Tūī had discovered a family of Ruru roosting nearby. As I moved in for a closer look, I saw one of the Tūī knock an owlet off its perch at high speed, sending it tumbling to the base of the tree. Fortunately, the owlet was unharmed and could still fly, but each time it tried to reach a tree, a Tūī would knock it out of the air again. It was amazing to watch the mother Ruru in action. She courageously swooped in, luring three of the Tūī away from her baby by putting herself in harm’s way.
One Tūī, however, stayed behind and continued its relentless attacks on the young owlet as it tried to defend itself on the ground. I intervened with a stick to fend off the crazed tūī as best I could. After gathering its bearings, the owlet attempted to reach a tree again, but the same tūī knocked it down. This back-and-forth continued for over an hour. Although unharmed, the owlet seemed more bewildered than anything else. The mother Ruru spent the entire time trying to keep the other birds away while frequently checking on her other owlets, still hiding in the tree.
Eventually, after about six attempts, the exhausted little ruru found refuge behind a fallen tree with its parent still close, keeping watch. I left it there, where it likely stayed until nightfall, when it could reunite with its family.
I selected this photo as a limited edition print because it poignantly captures the vulnerability of a young ruru, isolated from the safety of its parent.
Camera Settings
- ƒ/7.1
- 1/640
- ISO 200
- EV +.3
- FL 500 mm
Location
This Ruru Owlet photograph was taken at Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush, Wellington City, New Zealand
Print Size & Specs
Ruru Owlet
Limited Edition Photo ~ By Tony Stoddard
Large Print
Paper Size 700 x 1000mm
Edition Number 10
*Unframed
Medium Print:
Paper Size 355 x 508mm
Edition Number 40
*Unframed
Shipping
Please allow a minimum of 7 working days for printing to shipping. Photos are printed to order, then signed, numbered & embossed. For print safety, larger prints will be tube-shipped. Tracking details will be emailed as soon as your order is ready to ship.
Fine Art Print
Each limited edition photo fine art print comes signed, numbered & embossed, and comes with a COA.
Photos are archival pigment prints on Fine Art Smooth Cotton Rag 330gsm. Professionally printed by: Print Art – Fine Art Imaging
Helping to support our native birds
A portion of every print sold will be donated to The Nest Te Kōhanga, wildlife hospital that’s dedicated in caring for New Zealand’s native species since 2009.
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