Lost Paradise

We spent most of a day on Ulva Island, taking the little ferry from Golden Bay to Post Office Cove. Ulva is unusual because it's predator-free (ie no rats, stoats, or possums) due to lots of hard effort with trapping and education about stowaway animals on board landing vessels. They even suggest that you check and re-check your bags to make sure there aren't any rats hitching a ride! Dave and I met lots of lovely local characters here, including those that are now rare on the mainland. It's incredible to walk through the forest listening to an orchestra of birdsong.

Dave managed to get a great shot of this friendly weka on the beach -





They aren't shy at all.



The kaka is a little bit more elusive.



There are lots of kereru (NZ wood pigeon) on Stewart Island, they make a distinctive whir with their wings to signal to other kereru of their presence. They look a little ungainly and matronly as they are quite plump and make the branches sway when they land. Little white aprons help to complete the image.



It pays to walk slowly around the island, and keep your eyes and ears keen.
Clockwise from top left: red crested parakeet, kaka, tui, bellbird, bellbird again.





My favourite friendly fellow was waiting on the path. He's a Stewart Island Robin. He hopped over and started pecking my shoe waiting for me to turn up some grubs on the forest floor for his dinner.





The bands on the legs indicate the year of hatching, and whether they are male or female.



They seem very tame, coming in close contact with the camera and offering lots of poses and songs as well! We definitely felt special.