Takahe
The South Island takahē, notornis, or takahē (Porphyrio hochstetteri), is a flightless bird indigenous to New Zealand and belonging to the rail family. It was thought to be extinct after the last four known specimens were taken in 1898. However, after a carefully planned search effort the bird was rediscovered near Lake Te Anau in the Murchison Mountains, South Island, on 20 November 1948.
There is really not a lot going on right now, but at least we got some snow today. I think my yard is telling me it is ready for a little break. I am getting more and more excited about using the booth at my Mom’s place in Germany. It will be good for my yard to get some balance back too. I have instructed the hubba, who is not travelling with me this time around sadly to feed at least the Bluebirds. Everybody else will have to go and check other sources. It sounds cruel, but from time to time I like doing a “purge”. The birds will not starve, and probably be right back when I am back too.
The Kakapo, a species of giant parrot native to New Zealand. Unlike most parrot species, the Kakapo feeds on the ground and is flightless. It grows to large sizes, and is an excellent example of island gigantism, a phenomenon in which mainland species that migrate to islands begin to evolve to larger sizes. Similar trends show in most of New Zealand’s fauna, including the Haast’s Eagle.
today's bird 