NEW ZEALAND FALCON

Photographed from Slaughterhouse Lodge, Hector, South Island, New Zealand, April, 2019

1291                           NEW ZEALAND FALCON                Falco novaeseelandiae

NEW ZEALAND                  116

Also known by Maori name Karearea. Uncommon endemic. Found in forests and bush patches, open tussock land of South Island. Juveniles wander to cities, orchards, and offshore islands.

NOTE: Very distant photographs of the falcon resting on the next hill spur. Will replace with better shots when able to.

CIRL BUNTING

Photographed at Blenheim, South Island, New Zealand, April, 2019

1290                     CIRL BUNTING              Emberiza cirlus

NEW ZEALAND                  115 

Uncommon European introduction. Found in dry pastures or arable farmland with scattered scrub, and pine and macrocarpa shelterbelts, mainly in Nelson and eastern South Island, especially Marlborough and Central Otago.

KING SHAG

Photographed on Blumaine Island, South Island, New Zealand, April, 2019.

1289                   KING SHAG                   Leucoccarbo carunculatus

NEW ZEALAND                 114

Rare endemic. About 125 pairs in coastal waters of Marlborough Sound only.

FLUTTERING SHEARWATER

Photographed in Queen Charlotte Sound, near Picton, South Island, New Zealand, April, 2019.

(*   790)                       FLUTTERING SHEARWATER                   Puffinus gavia

NEW ZEALAND                 113

Also known by Maori name Pakaha. Abundant endemic. Breeds on many islands around North Island and Cook Strait. Flocks common in coastal waters and harbours, some visit Australia during breeding season.