TARGET SPECIES - KINGFISHER

The Kingfisher (Kotare) or genus Halcyon Sancta - is a native NZ bird and is also found in Australia. ( I think I read somewhere its a close relation of the Australian Kookabura.)

they're cheeky little chaps, fly at warp factor 7 and have a scare distance of about 75-100 metres. I dont find them easy to photograph and I always end up very dirty - creeping and crawling amonst the bushes - much to the chagrine of Mrs.Poo ! - No she's OK really!

There are 4-6 of them that feed around the estuary towards Sandy Bay - which is where this one hit the end of my lens.

rgds pooba