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White Heron-Kotuku sunset

A rare NZ White Heron-Kotuku stalks its prey in the still waters of Milford sound

The white heron or Kotuku is well-loved by the New Zealand people...
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A rare NZ White Heron-Kotuku stalks its prey in the still waters of Milford sound

The white heron or Kotuku is well-loved by the New Zealand people, but it is rarely seen except by those who specifically seek it out. The only known nesting site for Kotuku in is on the West Coast of the South Island along the banks of the Waitangiroto stream deep within the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve. This area is very well protected and access is by guided tour only. But elsewhere it is ‘He kotuku rerenga tahi’ or the bird of single flight, implying something seen perhaps once in a lifetime. The Kotuku is a very rare and sacred bird, there are only thought to be around 200. In Maori oratory to see one of these birds just once in a lifetime was considered to be good fortune and to liken someone to a Kotuku was paying them a great compliment. When seen in close proximity it is a magnificent bird, with its large size and clean white plumage.
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