All this talk and detective work on turkey and goose had me corresponding with the Obi-Wan Gourmands, Nigel Greening, proprietor of Felton Road, Central Otago, New Zealand www.feltonroad.com

He’s rather an unusual case study actually; an Englishman who is more Antipodean than any Antipodean I know, hardwired into New Zealand and seemingly more knowledgeable, passionate and fanatical on the countries flora, fauna than anyone I have met, including academics.

Nigel was actually in England for Christmas meal last year to which he describes their menu as “Four Calling birds, Three French Hens, Two Turtle Doves and a Partridge in a pear tree”.

That is the “Calling birds were quails, the French Hens were organic Poussin, the Turtle doves were French Pigeoneaux, (but could be wood pigeon) and the Partridge was just that, as was the pear tree.”

And what a visual feast it is…

Nigel Greenings Christmas Feast - Four Calling birds, Three French Hens, Two Turtle Doves and a Partridge in a pear tree