I have a crook back (prolapsed lumbar disc again) so didn't go too far into the Brook Sanctuary yesterday, just as far as the home ground of the kākā. No kākā shots posted today (later!) but today I decided it was time on this long weekend in winter with beautiful weather to check out the Wakapuaka sandflats (I live closeby), a well-known home of our native mātātā (a.k.a 'fernbird). Mātātā are pretty well spread throughout New Zealand, but they (like many native species) are declining. One of their favourite habitats is dense, scrubby wetlands.
I found a pair quite soon after arrival. They're well camouflaged, but their duet as the pair chatted gave them away. I watched the pair for about an hour and snapped quite a lot of photos. Here are a few.
This one showing the characteristic scruffy tail feathers.
They're well known for being easily heard, but a bit harder to spot.
I've been spotted! Looking a bit suspicious of the invader.
