Following on from my previous post, below are some New Zealand birds that I photographed on my visit to Orokonui Ecosantuary. Many of these species struggle to survive outside of the fenced off ecosanctuary, due to predation by introduced predators outside of the fence.
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This was a magical short trip away to Bluff at the bottom of the South Island of New Zealand. It turns out that the cabin we had booked to stay in was a magnet for birds. I've never seen so many tui in one place at one time before!
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My best spot for spotting Kereru (New Zealand wood pigeon) is in Fairfield, Dunedin. The last time I visited I saw four individuals in one tree. They are a delight to watch when they try to sit on a branch that can't support their weight, or when they eat so much ripe fruit that they become drunk from the fermented sugars. The below individual was too beautiful not to photograph as it was posing among the spring blossoms.
Out enjoying some of the beautiful sights and charismatic species of the Otago peninsula. This area is known as the wildlife capital of NZ.
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Soaking up the warm colours of autumn around the Dunedin area. Perfect light for capturing flowers, butterflies and birds.
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!
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Zealandia is New Zealand's first predator-proof fenced ecosanctuary and is located in the heart of Wellington. Just a few minutes from the hustle and bustle of the capital, you can immerse yourself in native bush that is teeming with New Zealand's rare and endangered species. Some have even increased in abundance over the fence in Wellington and its surrounds, as predator control efforts are starting to have a positive impact.
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