Feathers of Aotearoa: an illustrated journal by Niels Meyer-Westfeld

Feathers of Aotearoa is a stunning book created by artist Niels Meyer-Westfeld in which he explores the astounding diversity of feathers of Aotearoa’s native birds.

It is exquisitely illustrated with his many pencil drawings of sets of feathers and the birds they belong to.

The first part of his book is about the biological aspects of feathers, their origins, colours and patterns, and the anatomy and types of feathers.

In the chapters that follow, he has grouped birds into:

Feathers of the Flightless, Feathers of Ground- Dwellers, Feathers of Skilled Flyers, Feathers of the Swift, Feathers of Wanderers, and Feathers of Divers and Swimmers. And tells how such birds use their feathers in many different ways for flight, survival, camouflage, and display.

His feather drawings showing their shapes, their colours and textures are exquisite. And I think his drawings of Aotearoa’s birds are right up there with Ray Ching’s drawings (one of the world’s outstanding wildlife artists who shares his passion for our native birds.) Like Ray Ching, he not only draws the birds’ feathery textures and their forms superbly, but also captures their personality and movement, and positions the birds in their natural environment (unlike bird images in field guides, whose sole purpose is for identification).

Especially appealing is the way Niels Meyer-Westfeld has captured an affectionate moment between two kea. In another drawing, he shows pūkeko elegantly tiptoeing through a swamp. And in his drawing of the Kārearea, the winner of this year’s Bird of the Year competition, he captures its predatory character perfectly.  

I learnt so much about feathers in this book, for instance, I was fascinated to learn that the whisker-like feathers around the beak of the toutouwai (North Island robin), which I have often observed while guiding on Tiritiri Matangi Island, enhance its sense of touch, providing another layer of perception to detect swift-moving prey.’

Feathers of Aotearoa: an illustrated journal, is focused on the biological aspects of feathers and will undoubtedly be of immense value to ornithologists. And his drawings will delight all those who are interested in bird art or want to try their hand at emulating his feather drawing skills.

But essentially it is a personal journal in which Niels Meyer-Westfeld exudes the joy he felt as he spotted and was able to photograph birds on his many nature walks in sanctuaries such Zealandia, Orana Wildlife Park, Cape Kidnappers gannet sanctuary, on a Kaikoura birdwatching tour, on Foxton beach and in his own backyard.

 “For me, it is vital for my well-being to slow down, reflect and observe the life that surrounds us. When I draw, take photos or simply go for a walk in the forest. I’m in my zone. I begin to perceive so much more of the world around me, and this is an experience I like to share This deeper awareness enhances my appreciation for nature and the intricacies of life.

These journal entries, as well as the engaging stories he tells about each bird, make it a very accessible and enjoyable read for the general reader also.

This large, handsome book takes pride of place on our coffee table, enticing whanau and visitors to peruse and enjoy the wonderful diversity of feathers of Aotearoa’s native birds.

Reviewer: Lyn Potter

Potton & Burton