Pied Shag. (Phalacrocorax varius)
Phalacrocoracidae is a family of some 40 species of aquatic birds commonly known as cormorants and shags. Several different classifications of the family have been proposed recently, and the number of genera is disputed.
Saddleback.(Philesturnus carunculatus), Bernard Spragg Photo
A native bird of New Zealand..A medium-sized black songbird with a chestnut-coloured saddle across the back, fleshy reddish-orange wattles at the base of the bill, and a pointed black bill. Juveniles have choco... More
Amanita sp, Bernard Spragg Photo
The genus Amanita contains about 600 species of agarics including some of the most toxic known mushrooms found worldwide, as well as some well-regarded edible species. This genus is responsible for approximatel... More
Keas., Bernard Spragg Photo. Bernard Spragg photography
The kea Nestor notabilis) is a large species of parrot of the superfamily Strigopoidea found in forested and alpine regions of the South Island of New Zealand. About 48 cm (19 in) long, it is mostly olive-gree... More
Shoveler Duck NZ, Bernard Spragg Photo
The Australasian shoveler (Anas rhynchotis) is a species of dabbling duck in the genus Anas. It ranges from 46–53 cm. It lives in heavily vegetated swamps. In Australia it is protected under the National Parks ... More
Clathrus archeri., Bernard Spragg Photo
Clathrus archeri, commonly known as octopus stinkhorn, or devil's fingers, is a fungus indigenous to Australia, including Tasmania, and New Zealand, and an introduced species in Europe, North America and Asia.
Laughing Jim (Gymnopilus junonius)
Gymnopilus junonius is a species of mushroom in the family Cortinariaceae. Commonly known as Laughing Gym, Laughing Cap, Laughing Jim, or the Spectacular Rustgill, this large orange mushroom is typically found ... More
Paradise shelduck. (Tadorna variegata)
Female has white head..The paradise shelduck is a large goose-like duck endemic to New Zealand. It is a shelduck, a group of large goose-like birds which are part of the bird family Anatidae. The genus name Tad... More
Silvereye (Zosterops lateralis), Bernard Spragg Photo
Silvereyes .. were self introduced in the 1800s and now have a wide distribution throughout New Zealand. They have made the forest their home and are now among the most common bird in suburbia too. .The silvere... More
Fairy Inkcap – Coprinus disseminatus.
Identification: Cap width 0.5 to 1.5cm. Stem height 1.5 to 4cm. A tiny species which grow in large troops producing bell-like caps. These caps are whitish and deeply pleated when young. As they age the flesh be... More
Leratiomyces., Bernard Spragg Photo
Common name: Redlead Roundhead..Leratiomyces ceres is a poisonous, saprobic mushroom which has a bright red to orange cap and dark purple-brown spore deposit. It is a landscaping "import" usually found growing ... More
Pholiota subflammans., Bernard Spragg Photo
Common name: None.Found: Native forest.Substrate: Wood.Spore: BrownHeight: 70 mm.Width: 30 mm.Season: Autumn.Edible: No
The white-faced heron (Egretta novaehollandiae)
The white-faced heron is New Zealand's most common heron, despite being a relatively new arrival to this country. It is a tall, elegant, blue-grey bird that can be seen stalking its prey in almost any aquatic h... More
White faced Heron.(Egretta novaehollandiae)
The white-faced heron (Egretta novaehollandiae) also known as the white-fronted heron,[2] and incorrectly as the grey heron,[3] or blue crane,[2] is a common bird throughout most of Australasia, including New G... More
Gymnopilus junonius, Bernard Spragg Photo
Gymnopilus junonius is a species of mushroom in the family Cortinariaceae. Commonly known as Laughing Gym, Laughing Cap, Laughing Jim, or the Spectacular Rustgill, this large orange mushroom is typically found ... More
The New Zealand fantail (Rhipidura fuliginosa)
The fantail is one of New Zealand’s best known birds, with its distinctive fanned tail and loud song, and particularly because it often approaches within a metre or two of people. Its wide distribution and habi... More
Redlead Roundhead, Bernard Spragg Photo
Leratiomyces ceres,commonly known as the Redlead Roundhead, is mushroom which has a bright red to orange cap and dark purple-brown spore deposit. It is usually found growing gregariously on wood chips and is on... More
Hypholoma brunneum., Bernard Spragg Photo
Grows on wood in small clusters during autumn - winter.Common name: None.Found: Native forest.Substrate: Found on wood in small groups or singly.Spore: BrownHeight: 60 mm.Width: 40 mm.Season: Early autumn to wi... More
Gymnopilus junonius,, Bernard Spragg Photo
This impressive mushroom is found growing in dense clusters on stumps and logs of both hardwoods and conifers--and a number of associated species names are found growing in a dense cluster, as well. These speci... More
New Zealand Dotterel., Bernard Spragg Photo
The New Zealand dotterel is a familiar bird of sandy east coast beaches in the northern North Island, but is sparsely distributed around much of the rest of the country. There are two widely separated subspecie... More
Leratiomyces ceres (Redlead Roundhead)
Redlead roundhead is an attractive fungus easily recognised by its orange, slimy cap and dark gills. It can be found growing in large clusters on woodchip mulch.
Nidula candida (woolly birdsnest fungi).
Birdsnest Fungi.These are very specialised for the dispersal of their spores..Nidula candida (woolly birdsnest fungi).They are very small cup-like structures which look like a tiny bird's nest covered by a thin... More
Sulphur Tuft - Hypholoma fasciculare.
Hypholoma fasciculare, commonly known as the sulphur tuft, sulfur tuft or clustered woodlover, is a common woodland mushroom, often in evidence when hardly any other mushrooms are to be found. This saprophagic ... More
Pelican at Sunset., Bernard Spragg Photo
Pelicans are found on many of the world's coastlines and also along lakes and rivers. They are social birds and typically travel in flocks, often strung out in a line. They also breed in groups called colonies,... More
Gymnopilus., Bernard Spragg Photo
Gymnopilus....Gymnopilus is a genus of gilled mushrooms within the fungal family Strophariaceae containing about 200 rusty-orange spored mushroom species formerly divided among Pholiota and the defunct genus Flammula.
Orange pore fungus (Favolaschia calocera, Marasmiaceae)
This little fungus is very bright orange in colour. It is fan shaped like a ping pong bat, with a short stem (up to 20 mm long), attached to the side of the cap and to logs or dead branches. Instead of gills it... More
Southern New Zealand Fur Seal.. Bernard Spragg photography
New Zealand fur seal/kekeno.Population: about 200,000, half of which are in Australia..Threat status: least concern (population trend: increasing)..Found on: rocky shores throughout mainland New Zealand, the Ch... More
Monarch Butterfly.(Danaus plexippus)
The Monarch is a common poisonous butterfly that eats poisonous milkweed in its larval stage and lays its eggs on the milkweed plant. Monarchs have a wingspan of 3 3/8 - 4 7/8 inches (8.6 - 12.4 cm)..Butterflie... More
Variable oystercatcher NZ, Bernard Spragg Photo
The variable oystercatcher (Haematopus unicolor, torea or toreapango) is found on rocky and sandy beaches. It is rare – there were around 3,500 birds in 1994, and they are found only in New Zealand...Also known... More
Gymnopilus, Bernard Spragg Photo
This impressive mushroom is found growing in dense clusters on stumps and logs of both hardwoods and conifers--and a number of associated species names are found growing in a dense cluster, as well. These speci... More
Bolete, Bernard Spragg Photo. Bernard Spragg photography
A bolete is a type of fungal fruiting body characterized by the presence of a pileus that is clearly differentiated from the stipe, with a spongy surface of pores (rather than gills) on the underside of the pil... More
Artomyces turgidus., Bernard Spragg Photo
Grows on well rotted wood in groups. Coral-like in form often running down the length of wood. Has a much tighter upright form compared to the other similar species. .Common name: None.Found: Native Forest.Subs... More
Oudemansiella Australis, Bernard Spragg Photo
Oudemansiella australis is a species of gilled mushroom in the Physalacriaceae family. It is found in Australasia, where it grows on rotting wood. It produces fruit bodies that are white, with caps up to 5.5 cm... More
Weka, or woodhen NZ.(Gallirallus australis)
Wekas, or woodhens, are members of the rail family which are mainly aquatic birds, all capable of swimming well. Apart from the Pukeko and Weka, rails are secretive birds, usually found skulking in freshwater s... More
Gymnopilus spectabilis., Bernard Spragg Photo
Gymnopilus junonius is a species of mushroom in the family Cortinariaceae. Commonly known as laughing gym, laughing Jim, or the spectacular rustgill, this large orange mushroom is typically found growing on tre... More
Hypholoma fasciculare., Bernard Spragg Photo
Hypholoma fasciculare, commonly known as the sulphur tuft, sulfur tuft or clustered woodlover, is a common woodland mushroom, often in evidence when hardly any other mushrooms are to be found. This saprophagic ... More
Freshwater Turtle, Bernard Spragg Photo
Tortoises and turtles are among the oldest of all living reptiles and have evolved little in the 200 million years they have lived on Earth.
White rhinoceros, Bernard Spragg Photo
The white rhinoceros or square-lipped rhinoceros is the largest and most numerous species of rhinoceros that exists. It has a wide mouth used for grazing and is the most social of all rhino species
New Zealand Bush Robin. Bernard Spragg photography
New Zealand robins and tomtits resemble British robins, but the two groups are not closely related. The New Zealand species belong to the Australian–New Guinean family Petroicidae...Robins and tomtits have larg... More
New Zealand Bush Robin. (Philesturnus carunculatus)
New Zealand robins and tomtits resemble British robins, but the two groups are not closely related. The New Zealand species belong to the Australian–New Guinean family Petroicidae...Robins and tomtits have larg... More
Gymnopilus, Bernard Spragg Photo
Gymnopilus is a genus of gilled mushrooms within the fungal family Strophariaceae containing about 200 rusty-orange spored mushroom species formerly divided among Pholiota and the defunct genus Flammula.
Coprinopsis sp, Bernard Spragg Photo
Common name: Ink Caps.Found: Native bush.Substrate: Buried Wood.Spore: BlackHeight: 100 mm.Width: 40 mm.Season: Spring.Edible: No
Coprinus., Bernard Spragg Photo
Coprinus is a small genus of mushroom-forming fungi consisting of Coprinus comatus and several of its close relatives.
Sperm Whale., Bernard Spragg Photo
The sperm whale's unique body is unlikely to be confused with any other species. The sperm whale's distinctive shape comes from its very large, block-shaped head, which can be one-quarter to one-third of the an... More
Clathrus archeri.Devils fingers., Bernard Spragg Photo
When it come to creepy looking plants, Clathrus archeri has creeps to spare. Commonly known as Devils Fingers (or the rather less scary name of Octopus Stinkhorn), it is a native to Australia and Tasmania, alth... More
Mycena., Bernard Spragg Photo. Bernard Spragg photography
Mycena is a large genus of small saprotrophic mushrooms that are rarely more than a few centimeters in width. They are characterized by a white spore print, a small conical or bell-shaped cap, and a thin fragile stem.
Shaggy Parasol. (Chlorophyllum rhacodes)
The shaggy parasol is a large and conspicuous agaric, with thick brown scales and protuberances on its fleshy white cap. The gills and spore print are both white in colour. Its stipe is slender, but bulbous at ... More
Gymnopilus junonius., Bernard Spragg Photo
Gymnopilus junonius is a large and colourful wood-rotting species that occurs in small groups at the bases of dead broad-leaf trees and occasionally conifers from spring through to early winter. When seen in fu... More
Hypholoma brunneum., Bernard Spragg Photo
Hypholoma brunneum (Strophariaceae) is a species known from Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand, and Argentina, which grows on wood in small clusters.
Pied Shag NZ. (Phalacrocorax varius)
This large black-and-white shag is often seen individually or in small groups roosting on rocky headlands, trees or artificial structures. In regions where it occurs it can usually be readily seen about harbour... More
Goanna. Australia., Bernard Spragg Photo
Goannas or monitor lizards are a common sight in Australia...There are over 20 different species, adapted to different habitats, and interestingly they all look very similair...But there is a big difference in ... More
Basket Fungi., Bernard Spragg Photo
Ileodictyon cibarium is a saprobic species of fungus in the family Phallaceae. It is endemic to New Zealand, where it commonly known as the basket fungus or the white basket fungus, alluding to the fruiting bod... More
Gymnopilus junonius, Bernard Spragg Photo
Gymnopilus junonius is a species of mushroom in the family Cortinariaceae. Commonly known as laughing gym, laughing Jim, or the spectacular rustgill, this large orange mushroom is typically found growing on tre... More
Gymnopilus junonius. Rustgill Mushroom
Gymnopilus junonius is a species of mushroom in the family Cortinariaceae. Commonly known as laughing gym, laughing Jim, or the spectacular rustgill, this large orange mushroom is typically found growing on tre... More
Worlds only Alpine Parrot. Kea NZ.
The kea is an unusual parrot. It is the only truly alpine parrot in the world, and gained early notoriety among settler farmers for attacks on their sheep. Innately curious, kea are attracted to people wherever... More
Boletus Suillus grevillei., Bernard Spragg Photo
Boletes..Boletus, Leccinum, Suillus..If there is a universally popular wild mushroom, it may be Boletus edulis. The French refer to them affectionately as cèpes, the Germans glorify them as Steinpilz, and the I... More
Hypholoma brunneum., Bernard Spragg Photo
Grows on wood in small clusters during autumn - winter .Common name: None.Found: Native forest.Substrate: Found on wood in small groups or singly.Spore: BrownHeight: 60 mm.Width: 40 mm.Season: Early autumn to w... More
Yellow fairy cups or lemon discos.
Bisporella citrina, commonly known as yellow fairy cups or lemon discos, is a species of fungus in the family Helotiaceae. The fungus produces tiny yellow cups up to 3 mm (0.12 in) in diameter, often without st... More
Orange Bracket Fungi., Bernard Spragg Photo
Pycnoporus coccineus (Orange Bracket).Kingdom: Fungi.Phylum: Basidiomycota.Class: Agaricomycetes.Order: Polyporales.Family: Polyporaceae.Genus: Polyporus.Scientific name: Pycnoporus coccineus.Common Name: Orang... More
Coprinellus, Bernard Spragg Photo
Coprinellus is a genus of mushrooms in the family Psathyrellaceae. The genus was first described by Petter Karsten in 1879.
Crepidotus versutus, Bernard Spragg Photo
Crepidotus versutus .Crepidotus versutus, commonly known as the evasive agaric, is a species of fungi in the family Crepidotaceae. It is saprobic on wood, like other Crepidotus species, but it can also decompos... More
Oudemansiella austrororida., Bernard Spragg Photo
Common name: None.Found: Mixed Forest.Substrate: Wood.Spore: WhiteHeight: 40 - 80 mm.Width: 20 mm.Season: After rain.Edible: No
Armillaria novae-zelandiae., Bernard Spragg Photo
Has a cap which is slimy when fresh. .Common name: Honey Mushroom.Found: Native and introduced hardwoods and softwoods.Substrate: Wood.Spore: WhiteHeight: 100 mm.Width: 60 mm.Season: Autumn.Edible: Unknown
Hypholoma. sp, Bernard Spragg Photo
These fungi are found on stumps and fallen logs. It can be seen as a cluster of red brown mushrooms growing from the soil but they will be growning on buried wood. The cap is from 20 - 70mm. Initially it is ca... More
Hypholoma fasciculare., Bernard Spragg Photo
This widely distributed mushroom is fairly common, and is often found fruiting in large, striking clusters on the wood of conifers or hardwoods. When fresh, the clustered caps are bright yellow to greenish yell... More
Pukeko. (Porphyrio porphyrio)., Bernard Spragg Photo
Also known as the swamp hen, this is the most commonly encountered of the five living species of the rail family native to New Zealand, the others being the closely related takahe or Notornis, weka, banded rail... More
Squirrel, Bernard Spragg Photo. Bernard Spragg photography
Squirrels belong to a large family of small or medium-sized rodents called the Sciuridae. The family includes tree squirrels, ground squirrels, chipmunks, marmots (including woodchucks), flying squirrels, and p... More
Hypholoma australe., Bernard Spragg Photo
These fungi are found on stumps and fallen logs. It can be seen as a cluster of red brown mushrooms growing from the soil but they will be growning on buried wood. The cap is from 20 - 70mm. Initially it is ca... More
Paradise shelduck young., Bernard Spragg Photo
The paradise shelduck is a colourful, conspicuous and noisy waterfowl that could be mistaken for a small goose. It has undergone a remarkable increase in population and distribution since about 1990, including ... More
Gymnopilus spectabilis., Bernard Spragg Photo
Gymnopilus junonius is a species of mushroom in the family Cortinariaceae. Commonly known as laughing gym, laughing Jim, or the spectacular rustgill, this large orange mushroom is typically found growing on tre... More
Amanita muscaria (2), Bernard Spragg Photo
Amanita muscaria, commonly known as the fly agaric or fly amanita, is a poisonous and psychoactive basidiomycete fungus, one of many in the genus Amanita
Bush Robin. (Petroica australis)
New Zealand robins and tomtits resemble British robins, but the two groups are not closely related. The New Zealand species belong to the Australian–New Guinean family Petroicidae...Robins and tomtits have larg... More
Orange peel fungi. (Aleuria aurantia)
The orange peel fungus (Aleuria aurantia) is a widespread ascomycete fungus in the order Pezizales. The brilliant orange, cup-shaped ascocarps often resemble orange peels strewn on the ground, giving this speci... More