New Zealand dotterel

Endemic to New Zealand, this species of small wader is endangered, with only about 1700 left according to DOC (Department of Conservation). They must have a hard time breeding on the beaches of some of our Regional Parks, especially on hot sunny weekends like today. As usual the place was over-run with people this morning, playing on the sand, swimming and picnicking.
However this bird is one of a successful pair, having raised at least two chicks this season. Click here to see one of them, carefully studying his next meal (some sort of bug in the sand?).
In case anyone is wondering, I was careful to minimise any disturbance, hiding in the dunes as they slowly worked their way towards me, feeding on the beach.