Our job is to tell people about our company's beliefs and values. We work hard to do things honestly and always try to do our best. Our team of experts works together to meet our goals and improve the way we do things. We know our achievements help us, but we also know that our relationships with other people are really important. We want to work with you and share what makes us special. We believe that if we work hard and stay determined, we can achieve great things together and make a good impact on society.

Our Mission

Good Day Wild World from Down under. Our country, New Zealand is increasingly being called New Zealand, Aotearoa. Getting around is super easy. Finding wildlife and getting the magic 200 bird species has never been easier. But there’s more. New Zealanders (Kiwis) travel and so Have we. I want to showcase places visited and highlights through the lens. People met and places visited reflect the wild diverse nature of our existence. There are links to these places on this page.

Extraordinary Experiences

We want to share the excitement generated by discovering rare species and showcase why our environment is vital to our health. Check out our birds and sea life.

Our Core Values

To be honest in our portrayal of the natural world as we know it. To share our knowledge and to support conservation efforts.

10 Unexpected, Uplifting Excavator Uses for Retired Surgeons

Introduction: When Scalpel Meets Steel Arm

Digger in action — Working with Excavator

After decades in the operating room, your hands are still steady and your precision unmatched — but now, instead of saving lives, you’re saving your lawn. Welcome to the world of excavator adventures for retired surgeons — where fine motor skills meet heavy metal.

Forget golf. Forget bridge. You’ve earned something with more horsepower.

Why Surgeons and Excavators Click

Precision Never Retires — It Just Gets Bigger

That same surgical grace that used to handle arteries now carves perfect trenches for irrigation. Same skill, bigger tools.

From Microsurgery to Megadigging

Excavators reward finesse, not brute strength. You’re sculpting soil instead of sutures.

Top 10 Fun and Functional Excavator Uses for Retired Surgeons

1. Landscaping Surgery: Perfect Lawns, Perfect Lines
2. Excavation Therapy: The Joy of Controlled Destruction
3. Art Meets Engineering: Sculpting with Dirt
4. Backyard Spa Installation (Because You’ve Earned It)
5. Helping Neighbours: ‘Doctor Digs-a-Lot’ Community Projects
6. Extreme Gardening — Now with 8 Tons of Power
7. Precision Parking Practice (Who Needs a Golf Cart?)
8. Fossil Hunting: Because You’ve Always Loved Anatomy
9. Excavator Yoga — Mindful Movement for Big Machines
10. Teaching Grandkids ‘Surgery for the Earth’

Safety First: Even the Best Surgeons Need Hard Hats

Even if you’ve mastered anatomy, excavators don’t have nerves — they don’t feel when they hit something important. Always use safety gear.

How to Choose the Right Excavator for Your Post-Medical Adventures

Mini Excavator: Ideal for backyard fun — compact, manageable, and powerful.

Standard Excavator: For larger property projects — offers reach, power, and satisfaction.

Wheeled Excavator: Great for urban or paved spaces — smooth ride and mobility.

From Operating Rooms to Operating Machines: The Emotional Payoff

Retirement can feel weirdly empty after decades of structure. Excavators fill that gap — they offer challenge, purpose, and joy in motion.

FAQs About Excavator Uses for Retired Surgeons

Q: Is it legal to operate an excavator on private property?

A: Yes, as long as you follow local safety and zoning rules.

Q: Do I need a special license to operate an excavator?

A: For small personal machines, typically no. Larger ones may require certification.

Q: Can I rent instead of buying?

A: Absolutely! Rental companies love retirees with responsible habits.

Q: What’s the learning curve like?

A: If you can perform a bypass, you can handle a bucket. Expect a day or two of practice.

Q: Are there clubs or communities for hobbyist excavator users?

A: Yes! Search ‘DIY excavator enthusiasts’ — you’ll find plenty of like-minded diggers.

Q: What if I accidentally dig too deep?

A: Call it an ‘unplanned exploratory procedure.’ Then fill it in carefully.

Conclusion: Trade Your Scalpel for a Shovel (With Style)

Retirement doesn’t have to mean slowing down — it can mean digging deeper. The world of excavator uses for retired surgeons is where precision meets playtime. So rev that engine, don your hard hat, and remember: you may have hung up your scrubs, but your steady hands still have plenty of work to do.

Photos of Australian Wildlife; a Safe Link

Here’s a link to some of my Australian Wildlife Photos.

It is safe, as is this website, and connects to my Adobe Account.

Here it is :https://adobe.ly/4iYtrPz

Here is a slide show link:https://lightroom.adobe.com/embed/shares/43fd459154fa44c1982eabbbcc80fcab/slideshow?background_color=%232D2D2D&color=%23999999

My wildlife photos from past trips, using every opportunity to add to my collections

Mauritius:

There is no doubt about it that this place is a jewel in the Indian Ocean and boasts fantastic opportunities for adventure and photography. Check out my link by clicking below.

https://lightroom.adobe.com/embed/shares/3167c12b797c4c9f92854bcbe296f9f3/slideshow?background_color=%232D2D2D&color=%23999999

One Week in Tasmania : Auckland to Hobart direct

Three crazy birders hired a car and off we went. First target species picked up at the airport. A blackbird haha. We had days on land and Bruny Island and two days at sea of Eaglehawk Neck.

The weather was inclement and our flight to Melaleuca was cancelled.

However, we cleaned up on nearly all the endemics but our owls hunting at night failed (dipped)

But here is a link to some of the species seen.

https://adobe.ly/49ESFOR

Here is a site list of the places we visited

Kingborough, Tasmania, Australia:

Missionary Rd (Multiple visits: 27 Nov, 02 Dec)
- Coordinates: -43.141016, 147.355750
Cape Queen Elizabeth Track (02 Dec, 1:22 PM)
Rotary Centennial Park (Kingston Beach) (01 Dec, 5:49 PM)
Browns River Saltmarsh and Estuary (Multiple visits: 01 Dec, 26 Nov)
Oyster Cove/putalina (01 Dec, 3:59 PM)
Meredith’s Orchard Dam (01 Dec, 3:24 PM)
Peter Murrell Reserves (01 Dec, 12:41 PM)
Mortimer Bay Reserve (01 Dec, 10:14 AM)
Clennetts Top Mill Site (27 Nov, 2:45 PM)
Mavista Nature Walk (27 Nov, 12:58 PM)
Adventure Bay (East Cove, Captain Cook Creek Mouth) (27 Nov, 11:40 AM, 10:55 AM)
Bruny Island Ferry Crossing (27 Nov, 7:31 AM)

Tasman, Tasmania, Australia:

Tasman National Park (Eaglehawk Neck, Tasman Arch) (Multiple visits: 30 Nov, 29 Nov)
Eaglehawk Neck Pelagic Trip (Multiple visits: 30 Nov, 29 Nov)
Inshore Eastern Track, Tasman Sea, Eaglehawk Neck (Multiple visits: 30 Nov, 29 Nov)
47 Waterfall Bay Rd, Eaglehawk Neck (28 Nov, 5:07 PM)
Saltwater River (28 Nov, 2:56 PM)
Premaydena (Multiple visits: 28 Nov, 2:25 PM, 2:49 PM)
Port Arthur (28 Nov, 1:06 PM)
Taranna Creek Dam (28 Nov, 12:32 PM)

Sorell, Tasmania, Australia:

Marion Bay (Long Spit) (28 Nov, 8:56 AM)
Marion Bay (28 Nov, 7:58 AM)
Orielton Lagoon–Greenshank Bay (26 Nov, 1:52 PM)
Orielton Lagoon–Orielton Rivulet (26 Nov, 1:13 PM)

Huon Valley, Tasmania, Australia:

Snug Tiers Nature Recreation Area (02 Dec, 8:38 AM)

Glenorchy, Tasmania, Australia:

Goulds Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary (26 Nov, 5:19 PM)

Clarence, Tasmania, Australia:

Mortimer Bay Reserve (01 Dec, 10:14 AM)

These locations feature a variety of birding environments, from coastal and estuarine sites to parks, reserves, and national parks, all situated in Tasmania, Australia. Most visits were in late November and early December 2024.

Every Birders Dream ; Papua New Guinea

The itinerary, in summary, was this:

Papua New Guinea Itinerary: 18 Days of Exploration and Birding (July 20 – August 6)

Arrival Days:

- July 20: Main arrival day for seven participants.
  - - Accommodation: Raintree Lodge, Port Moresby.
  - - Activities: Bonus birding at Varirata National Park (afternoon).

Day-by-Day Breakdown:

1. July 21: Full day birding at Varirata National Park.
  - - Activities: Early breakfast, birding on various trails, checklist review.

1. July 22 – 23: Birding in the Greater Port Moresby Area.
  - - Activities: Exploring diverse habitats, birding along specific roads and trails.

1. July 24 – 25: Travel to and birding in the Tari Valley.
  - - Accommodation: Local lodge.
  - - Activities: Birding in high-altitude forests, searching for unique species.
      Police escort in the highlands near Kumul

1. July 26 – 27: Birding in the Ambua Lodge area.
  - - Activities: Exploring trails, checklist reviews, and evening discussions.

1. July 28 – 29: Birding in the Mount Hagen area.
  - - Accommodation: Local lodge.
  - - Activities: Birding in montane forests, searching for endemic species.

1. July 30 – 31: Travel to and birding in the Kumul Lodge area.
  - - Activities: Birding in high-altitude regions, checklist reviews.
    - Preparing the Pig for the mumu,( earth oven )
      
      Magic Mountain and finding King-of-Saxony

1. August 1 – 2: Birding in the Rondon Ridge area.
  - - Accommodation: Local lodge.
  - - Activities: Exploring trails, birding in diverse habitats.

1. August 3 – 4: Travel to and birding in the Kiunga area.
  - - Activities: Birding along rivers and lowland forests, checklist reviews.
      On the Elevala River
      
      The terminal at Kiunga Airport was basic but seemed reliable
      
      Happy people on local transport
      
      Flat tyre quickly changed

1. August 5: Return to Port Moresby.
  - - Activities: Final birding session, group discussions, and checklist reviews.

1. August 6: Departure day.
  - - Activities: Transfer to the airport for flights home. But we had a morning at Vairata. And witnessed the Ragging Bird-of-Paradise Lek

General Notes:

- Guides: Local guide Max Pakao and tour leader Leio De Souza.

- Meals: Supper included on July 20; other meals available at lodges.

- Laundry: Facilities available at Raintree Lodge.

- Currency Exchange: Recommended upon arrival in Port Moresby.

This itinerary offers a rich birding experience across various regions of Papua New Guinea, with expert guidance and diverse habitats to explore.

The key targets for me were Birds-of-Paradise. While most of the party seemed content to simply see the birds, and quickly move on, I wanted to take photographs so that I could review and relive the experience again and again. As a bonus, there were many Parrot species and some rare examples of forest birds. The highlight of the trip for me was the Flame Bowerbird, a species I did not expect to see.

The Birds-of-Paradise were simply stunning in their appearance and antics.Examples here are the King of Saxony Bird-of-Paradise, the King Bird-of-Paradise and the Stephanie’s Astrapia
King -of-Saxony Bird-of-Paradise

King Bird-of-Paradise

Stephanie’s Astrapia

A Pelagic Adventure in the Chatham Islands

Embarking on a seven-day pelagic birding expedition to the enchanting Chatham Islands, our group of eight avid bird enthusiasts, led by the seasoned organiser Steve Wood who contracted Owenga Charters, set out for an unforgettable adventure. Nestled near Owenga Wharf, we found our haven in two cozy units provided by Owenga Charters, complete with the convenience of their trusty mini-van.

Over the course of four exhilarating days, we ventured into the vast ocean, exploring The Pyramid, The Forty Fours, Rangatira South-East Island, Mangere Island, and Rekohu Chatham Island. Our primary focus was on spotting the elusive Chatham Petrel, Chatham Taiko/Magenta Petrel, and the recently distinguished Pyramid Prion (formerly Fulmar Prion). Delightfully, both the Pyramid Prion and Chatham Petrel graced us with their presence, allowing us to capture their beauty through our lenses.

A very rare endemic Petrel found with difficulty near the nesting sites

The avian wonders continued as Forbes’ Parakeet made a predicted appearance, posing for photographs off Robin Bay at Mangere Island. Between birding sessions, we dedicated our time on Rekohu Chatham Island to seek out and photograph other Chatham endemics, including the Parea Chatham Pigeon and Chatham Warbler at Tuku Reserve. The rugged coast near Owenga treated us to sightings of the Chatham Oystercatcher, Chatham Island Shag, and Pitt Island Shag.

Our birding tally reached an impressive 67 species, with highlights such as a Gould’s Petrel and a Snowy Albatross spotted at sea. Back on the main island, we marveled at the Chatham subspecies of Tui and Red-crowned Parakeet, alongside Yellowhammer, Pūkeko, Pacific Golden Plover, Ruddy Turnstone, and Bar-tailed Godwit.

Beyond the avian wonders, our journey unfolded with enchanting wildlife encounters, including the bustling New Zealand Fur Seal rookery at Point Munning, a Subantarctic Fur Seal, a playful pod of Common Dolphins, and the sleek Blue Sharks. Our adventure also introduced us to the endemic Chatham Red Admiral Butterfly, adding a touch of ethereal beauty to our experience.

A member of our group, with a keen eye for detail, immersed himself in the island’s flora. His botanical exploration unveiled Chatham endemics like Rautini (Chatham Christmas Tree), Keketerehe (Chatham Tree Daisy), Chatham Forget-me-not, Dracophyllum, Pseudopanax, Spear Grass Aciphylla, Mahoe, and Akeake, painting a vibrant tapestry of the islands’ unique biodiversity.

As the sun set on our pelagic odyssey, each day brought new wonders, leaving us with cherished memories and a profound appreciation for the ecological treasures of the Chatham Islands.