Trip Part 12
Weka are one of New Zealand's flightless birds. Weka Gallirallus australis) are part of the Rail family and are sometimes known as Woodhen. There are four sub-species and considerable variation of color. They are about the size of a domestic hen. Like other flightless birds in New Zealand they are under threat from introduced animals/pests such as cats, dogs, rats, ferrets, and stoats.
We saw these two on the road just around from Punakaiki on the West Coast (more about this place in the next post). They were completely focused on each other and seemed completely oblivious of the traffic.
Wow, they're incredible. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteWonderful to see... your images are fantastic.
ReplyDeletereally neat birds! quite the display of feathers, too!
ReplyDeleteThat is amazing. Incredible birds and shots. I've never seen these in my life! They remind me of that dinosaur from Jurassic Park. Cool post!
ReplyDeleteI am always fascinated by your birds down under. These did not dissappoint.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots Mick! A assume the one showing off is the male? Nothing like being in the right place at the right time with your camera eh?
ReplyDeleteI wondered what your bird was - like a cross between an odd duck and a penguin. Great to see some NZ birds, in that field I am totally uneducated.
ReplyDeleteFascinating birds! What a show they put on for you!
ReplyDeletefabulous shots
ReplyDeleteVery interesting display, great capture.
ReplyDeleteWow, talking about strutting your stuff...maybe he thinks he's a peacock! Sorry, I couldn't resist:) Unusual and interesting things you're posting Mick!
ReplyDeleteOh, wow, what cool birds, Mick! They almost look a bit like dinosaurs.
ReplyDeleteWow, I've never seen birds with that kind of feathers! How fascinating...and your images are wonderful!!
ReplyDeleteThat's an impressive bird Mick and some great pictures. Shame about how it's threatened because of us.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots, perfect for WBW! Happy Easter to you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool sighting. Awesome captures of the rails. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Oman!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat images...will be back soon:)
Shantana
Great series!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat images Mick! I have never seen these birds.
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful and interesting birds! You captured the fantastic!
ReplyDeleteinteresting psot Mick. I never heard of this bird before. Strange! How did they manage to thrive despite all cats and other predetars?
ReplyDeleteFantastic shots, Mick! Isn't the fellow dashing?
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting looking bird and you take wonderful photos always...Michelle
ReplyDeleteGreat catch! Completely new bird for me. I appreciate your excellent pictures Mick!
ReplyDeleteCheers!
WoW...one trying to impress the other, perhaps??
ReplyDeleteyou sure did time this perfectly!
That is some display!
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely feather color and pattern.
Fantastic captures Mick!
Oh what a lovely species, and you got some terrific images!
ReplyDeleteHappy Easter season~
What amazing wonderful birds. It's a birders Paradise over there Mick!
ReplyDeleteAmazing shots!
ReplyDeleteReally interesting birds, never heard of 'em before!
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