Karearea..

..or the native New Zealand Falcon is an endangered bird, which is rarer than the kiwi. Unfortunately, many New Zealanders are unaware  of this protected bird, even though it graces our $20 note.  Sadly, 75%of Karearea die before they reach a year old, either killed by predators (they nest on the ground), by man, or some by electrocution on power lines. This shot of a female Karearea was taken this afternoon at 'Wingspan' - National Bird of Prey Centre,  a local charitable organisation with a focus on conservation, education and research.  Their  breeding and release programme has had some significant successes recently.