Birds

Scaup have a fast wing beat and often fly just above the water. They sometimes rest on land, but quickly retreat to water when disturbed. Threats and conservation Populations apparently declined during late 1800s and early 1900s due to land clearance, associated hydrological changes, predation and hunting. Adults and chicks are vulnerable to predation during nesting and chick-rearing which may result in low breeding success. Predator control and provision of suitable feeding and breeding habitat has led to population expansion at Bromley Oxidation Ponds and Te Huingi Manu Wildlife Refuge in Christchurch. The success of this one site has probably allowed the recolonisation of the wider Christchurch area.

Their name arose because they fed on the split chaff from working horse nosebags. Likewise, the flocking behaviour of the male birds (coelebs = bachelor) is reflected in their Latin name (Fringilla coelebs).

The New Zealand kaka, also known as kākā, (Nestor meridionalis) is a large species of parrot of the family Nestoridae found in native forests of New Zealand.

White-fronted terns. The white-fronted tern or tara (Sterna striata) is the most common tern living along New Zealand coasts, and on the Chatham and Auckland islands. Their name refers to the narrow white band between their black cap and bill.

Known for its friendly 'cheet cheet' call and energetic flying antics, the aptly named fantail is one of the most common and widely distributed native birds on the New Zealand mainland.

Matuku - White Faced Heron

Kakariwai - South Island Robin

The Roseate Spoonbill is an omnivorous animal that uses its spoon-like beak to catch small animals in the water. ... Although they will eat a number of both plant and animal species, small Fish such as Minnows are the primarily source of food for the Roseate Spoonbill, comprising roughly 85% of its diet.

The NZ Mountain Parrot - Kea. If you look carefully you can see Muller Hut reflected in this Keas' eye. The worlds only Alpine Parrot! and voted bird of the year. This amazing iconic animal of our mountains is now on the endangered list. They once numbered in the hundreds of thousands but are now classified as nationally endangered with between 3,000 and 7,000 birds remaining. One of my favourite birds and encompasses my tattoo wedding ring on my back now. More information can be found at https://www.theguardian.com/…/playful-alpine-parrot-kea-soa….