I spent a few hours photographing the endangered New Zealand dotterel at Wiawera last Friday. The Dotterel is inquisitive allowing you to get quite close without stressing the bird. Best approach is to just sit (or lie) on the sand and let them come to you. The dotterel was once widespread but has been subject to introduced predators and human impact and now only numbers 1500.
This bird was feeding on sand hoppers and would stand and perform a little stamp of the feet until hoppers jumped free. At this point a rapid chase ensued usually with the Dotterel getting a meal. Quite interesting behavior to observe.
Images shot with a Nikon D300, 300mm 2.8 VR lens and 1.7TC.
1 comment:
You have some great shots here Paul.
Simply superb I love these little birds
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