Lopdell House Gallery is hosting the launch of NZ Birds in Focus (Reed Books, $49.95, hardback) by Geoff Moon at 6pm on Thursday 24 November.

Geoff, who is a world renowned naturalist specialising in NZ birds, reckons this will be his last book. It certainly looks to be a gorgeous piece of work. And what better place to have the launch than at our very own local extraordinary piece of Spanish Mission architecture, Lopdell House. You'll probably spot one of these kingfishers as you gaze out of the gallery windows at the Manukau harbour while you sip your glass of wine. If not that, a tui, or woodpigeon, or what have you. Our feathered friends are everywhere out here, even in art galleries of a Thursday night.