Big and Small, or Not at All
Getting a feel for things
At first I wasn’t quite sure why I was disoriented, but soon I realized why. It’s because there are no land mammals here, except for introduced species.
That’s not the only unfamiliar aspect of New Zealand, for sure.
But the absence of land mammals is disorienting when I’m used to seeing lots of them in wild regions of the Americas, in places which otherwise might look similar. The experience feels surreal. I expect deer, elk, moose, and others to roam the region, along with bear, coyote, and other predators. Squirrels and marmots in the ground. I keep looking for them, every time I climb a new mountain or descend into the next valley. But they just aren’t there. As if they’ve somehow evacuated their pristine homes.
It’s not true of course. This branch of the wild kingdom simply never arrived on these isolated, large islands. Not until people brought them here. There are wild rabbits that I’ve seen hopping about, and weasel-like creatures that I have not seen.
Otherwise all land mammals are the domesticated variety.
But in the wild, away from ranchers’ pastures, it’s all birds or sea-going creatures, and nothing in between. No “middle ground.”
To be fair, some mammals do pop ashore. Marine mammals are plentiful, in and out of the ocean. Be careful or you might actually trip over one of them.
No middle landscapes, either?
In a similar way, the landscapes which catch my eye are rarely in a “middle” zone. It’s not that you can’t find interesting things in the mid-range of the environment, but so often there are enormous and broad landscapes to dazzle. Big scenes that stop you in your tracks.
And then, at the other end of the spectrum, if you look down and around you find tiny scenes which are equally compelling. The tiny scenes can be my favorites. A person should be mindful not to step on these, either.
Of course there are plenty of interesting things in between, not pictured today.
But in so many ways this part of the world is astonishing. With its extreme, unusual, and curious attributes and denizens. The biggest and the smallest.
Until next time,
Limited Edition Prints for Sale
This is an Extremely Limited Edition of prints for the series called Seas and Skies. I’ll make just five 16x24” archival, Numbered Prints (and two Artists Prints), each with associated certificate of authentication.
These are going fast and *Closing Curtain is Sold Out*
Bring peace and joy to someone’s 2025 with these. And yours, by the giving.
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I love seeing how you captured the extremes. Lovely captures!
Terrific photos and story, Donn.
What an incredible place for photography.
Can't wait to see the final cut.