Mama Pukeko and Child

The pukekos are off to an early start this Spring. I sat and watched a bird with one baby then another who had three chicks. 

The three chicks are in the extras plus some more of the mother and baby because I couldn't decide which I liked best and was thrilled at having seen them today. The last extra is a little cutie.

I also watched a drama in the skies that was just too far away to photograph. A hawk was circling with two plover screaming and flying at it. The plovers must have chicks. I am not a huge fan of plover but had to admire their gutsy defense of their young.