We have Liftoff!

As soon as you trust yourself you will know how to live
Goethe

This very beautiful kōtuku, (giant egret, or white heron), was feeding in the Linwood Canal midday today. So elegant and graceful! I stayed for quite a while watching him, and a white-faced heron that was feeding nearby too. Do go Large - he/she is very beautiful.
What a treat!

Kōtuku are relatively rare in New Zealand, and we all get excited when we see them. This one is probably getting ready to depart for South Westland, for the breeding season which starts about now. They only nest in the one place in New Zealand,  on the banks of the Waitangiroto Stream, near Okarito Lagoon. They're quite a sight to see, in their nests up in the Kahikitea trees. 

elegance sublime
symmetry in fluid flight
irresistible