Meet the photographers of NZ Birds Online #2 – Peter Reese

North Island New Zealand fantail on nest with chicks. , October 2007. Photographer: Peter Reese © Peter Reese, courtesy NZ Birds Online

Packed full of stunning pictures, detailed information and beautiful bird calls, NZ Birds Online is an online encyclopaedia of birds created in collaboration between Te Papa, DOC and OSNZ.

We’re indebted to the photographers who’ve shared their images with us – and now the world! Continuing our Meet the photographers series, we have Peter Reese, a part-time Te Papa Host (and former House Manager until he semi-retired some years ago) and birding enthusiast.

Colin Miskelly, the NZ Birds Online project manager, and Peter have been friends since Colin was a student “way back in the 1980s” and Peter was a keen birder in charge of security at Canterbury University, where Colin was studying.

Peter got involved in the NZ Birds Online project when Colin, who knew about his ornithological obsession, asked if he had any images to contribute.

What images are you most proud of on NZ Birds Online?

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Probably the series of fantails at their nest. They had three clutches in the same nest and successfully reared eleven chicks. I was able to take photos from eggs through to nearly fledged chicks.

What’s your favourite bird species to photograph?

I haven’t really got a favourite, all birds have a different challenge, even house sparrows and blackbirds.