Alas, we heard kiwis but did not see them. Kiwis are nocturnal. They entered our Okarito campground around 3:30 in the morning and had what we can only describe as a "domestic" dispute. Their call is not melodious. It is somehow a cross between an angry cat and a raucous crow.
We have, however, seen some amazing birds. I must tell you about our Weka friend. We camped again at the campground where we first saw him. He was a fickle Weka, however, forsaking us for a camp with children... who probably fed him. As one of the local visitors said, "They're cheeky little buggars."
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| New Zealand Weka |
The Weka dropped over to say goodbye before we left. We last saw him with something shiny in his mouth, obviously stolen from someone's camp. He dove into the bushes with his treasure in his beak.
Next we came to appreciate the Pukeko, or swamp bird. These funny birds are found in agricultural areas, particularly pastureland. A park ranger told us that farmers hate them because their poop is toxic to cattle. I can't confirm this info, but it is interesting!
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| New Zealand Pukeko |
We have also seen herons at the Heron Sanctuary...
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| New Zealand Heron |
Oystercatchers at Foulwind...
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| New Zealand Oystercatchers |
A Kingfisher near Cable Bay...
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| New Zealand Kingfisher |
And the marvelous Fantail... Oh, how I wish I had been able to shoot this photo with his tail fanned. It looks like a Spanish fan and is absolutely beautiful!
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| New Zealand Fantail |
These are but a few of the amazing New Zealand birds we have enjoyed. We hope you enjoy them, too!
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