Some NZ Birds

This is a Variable Oystercatcher photographed on the beach in Kaikura.

This little chap is a Blue duck or Kohiowhio, an endangered endemic waterbird

Pied Shag or Kahruhirihi

A slightly soggy Kea lurking in the bushes at the side of the road running up to Milford Sound. It was a very wet, cold day which is why its facial feathers are in such a mess. Pic by Natalie.

Keas are well know for being very inquisitive - just wind your window down and they'll come very close to investigate!

Another soggy Kea lurking in the bushes at the side of the road running up to Milford Sound. It was a very wet, cold day which is why its facial feathers are in such a mess. Pic by Natalie.

This is what a dry Kea really looks like

This is the Weka, another very charismatic bird. Some say this should be New Zealand's national bird instead of the Kiwi. It's flightless, is active in the day and has a very strong homing instinct. It's also known to be very inquisitive and will pinch small objects just out of curiosity. (Photo by Natalie)

A Kotuku or White Heron in its breeding area in Okarito (Photo by Natalie)

This is the Pūtangitangi or Paradise Shelduck photographed in the pouring rain.

A Pangurunguru or Giant Petrel, a huge seabird almost as large as the Albatross. It has a reputation for violently killing and eating other seabirds. Not the sort of bird you want to find in your birdbath at home

Common Tern seen off Banks Peninsula

The endangered South Island Takahe, a critically-endangered flightless bird. It is the largest member of the Rail family.

Another good view of the rare Takahe, a flightless bird that is now, sadly on the brink of extinction - there are fewer than 300 left in New Zealand.

The fabulous Tui

Another great shot of a Tui, or Koko, a medium sized bird with fantastic plumage - white feathery wisps of plumage around the nape of its neck and a strange white throat tuft under its throat. This bird also has incredible colours on its chest and wings which become visible in bright sunshine (Photo by Natalie)

Underside view of the Tui! (Photo by Natalie)

Direct sunlight really shows the incredible range of colours seen in this bird's plumage. Here it is at a feeding station in Orokonui Wildlife Reserve, (Photo by Natalie).

The Chaffinch is one of the many birds brought to New Zealand by early settlers. It established itself quickly and is now seen in every part of the country. (Photo by Natalie)

A colourful Kaka, a type of large forest dwelling parrot that has a noisy call and colourful underside.

Another great view of the New Zealand Kaka (Photo by Natalie).

A Kakaruai or South Island Robin

The Korimako or Bellbird

A Korimako perched on a feeding station at Orokanui Nature Reserve, Dunedin (Photo by Natalie)

A Kereru or New Zealand Pigeon (Photo by Natalie)

Little Shag in the pouring rain. (Photo by Natalie)

Common or garden male Blackbird - another domestic bird introduced by early European settlers to make the countryside appear a bit more 'homely'.

A Grey Heron - very similar to the ones we see at home in Sydney