Rare birds on Kapiti Island

Two more wish list items ticked off - visiting Kapiti Island and seeing a (very rare) kokako. This elusive bird was almost lost to New Zealand's forests, but thanks to conservation efforts, a small number of populations remain in a few locations with few or no predators. These phantom birds have such a haunting melody that is difficult to forget once you've heard it once. I was lucky to encounter several other endemic bird species on Kapiti Island, including the takahe, which is another rare endemic species that was thought to be extinct for 50 years before being rediscovered!

Kokako

Takahe - understandably flightless, with its large body and tiny wings

Tui

Bellbird

Stitchbird

Kawakawa - a common sight in the forest here

I just love how the light finds its way through gaps in the canopy