KOTUKU - WHITE HERON

The Kotuku or the White heron ( egretta Alba ) is found in small number around NZ and they breed only in Okarito on the west Coast of the South Island of NZ.

There is a squadron(kidding-flock) of around 1 doz at present on lake Ellesmere just south of Christchurch. They have come across the main divide and will spend the winter here and then return for breeding to the West Coast around August/Sept.

Thes are sometimes found in Auistralia and ther are sub-species found in other parts of the world. I was pleased to find this lone one in a tree at Catons Bay just before Little River.

rgds