Me And Some Birds

Thank-you so much to everyone for their comments on my Headache post.  Unfortunately it developed into a migraine but this afternoon I am (thankfully!) coming out the other side.  I still feel rather fragile and have difficulty concentrating (a bit like having concussion), but am on the mend.

I said I would post a few more bird photos from Otorohanga Kiwi House, and I am doing that now as they were all ready to go.

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There were no kiwis on display when I visited, but I did manage to see some other birds.

This Grey Teal (Anas gracilis) (Maori name tete moroiti) is a small nomadic dabbling duck that was self-introduced from Australia.

The Blue Ducks (Hymenolaimus malacorhynchos) (Maori name whio) are now a “nationally vulnerable” species with a declining population.  They prefer clear fast-flowing rivers as a habitat, but their ground-built nests are very vulnerable to mammalian predators (especially stoats and opossums).

The Morepork (Ninox novaeseelandiae) (Maori name ruru) is New Zealand’s most common owl.  It can be found in both native and plantation forests and will dwell in city areas with a lot of trees.  A night hunter, it takes its name from its distinctive call, which sounds like “more-pork.”

New Zealand Falcons (Falco novaeseelandiae) (Maori name karearea) are often confused with Australasian harrier hawks, but falcons are smaller, fly faster, and seldom eat carrion.  Captive breeding and release programmes are slowly having an effect, and once endangered populations are now increasing.

Have a happy weekend J

Margaret