The red-billed gull or Tarāpunga is the most common of our native gull species but is experiencing serious decline. This bird has adapted remarkably well to living near humans, often aggressively taking advantage of our presence compared to other species that retreat to wild areas or become extinct. Despite their reputation, red-billed gulls are incredibly interesting and surprising creatures, and in my opinion, they don’t deserve the negative attention.

Those of us who are interested in nature will often spend our bushwalks craning our necks for a glimpse of native birds in the canopy or keeping an ear out for birdsong. However, while being so attentive to one group of animals, it is easy to miss another, often hiding in plain sight, such as mokomoko, geckos.

Many of us will have had the pleasure of swimming or sitting on a stream bank and encountering an eel (or tuna). While their serpent-like appearance may not lead them to win a beauty contest, eels are absolutely fascinating creatures.

After days of torrential rain, stepping outside into the bush is so rewarding. The track slides beneath my boots, slick with mud a loose gravel.