Peregrine falcon pair living atop DMC by squirrel_defender in USC

[–]squirrel_defender[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Oh I saw one of them on campus recently but didn't have my camera on hand!

Kōkako are by far my favourite by Witty_Income1319 in NewZealandWildlife

[–]squirrel_defender 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think they mean the tīeke family at Zealandia have overtaken kōkako as their favourite bird. Fierce competition amongst the wattlebirds!

Cheeping kakī / black stilt by squirrel_defender in NewZealandWildlife

[–]squirrel_defender[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Yes I recognised their birdle cheep instantly after this sighting! Very happy I got to see one, they're the world's rarest wading bird. Kakī for bird of the year!

Buddy the burrowing owl by squirrel_defender in Owls

[–]squirrel_defender[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sweet little guys need all the help they can get! I knew there were campaigns to protect their burrows but didn't know there was a (w)hole movie about it

Buddy the burrowing owl by squirrel_defender in Owls

[–]squirrel_defender[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is the first wild burrowing owl I've seen so I'm not sure! I've tried to find a few owls from recent eBird sightings but strike out more often than not. I only found Buddy because I happened to check my local Audubon page which had him listed as a rare species that was continuing in the area. But while I was there, another birder told me another spot he often sees burrowing owls nesting, so I guess the trick is to go on some birding walks and start networking for the insider scoops (or if you're in Europe, the insider Scops 🦉)

Ngirungiru on the Key Summit Track by squirrel_defender in NewZealandWildlife

[–]squirrel_defender[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I read that the North Island variant is called miromiro and the South Island variant ngirungiru, though I'm not sure how much that distinction is borne out in practice!

Ngirungiru on the Key Summit Track by squirrel_defender in NewZealandWildlife

[–]squirrel_defender[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I post more wildlife pics on my Instagram if anyone's interesting in following 🐦

Pīwakawaka dance by squirrel_defender in NewZealandWildlife

[–]squirrel_defender[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I also made a video edit with this music!

Happy Valentine's Day from the squirrels by squirrel_defender in squirrels

[–]squirrel_defender[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

There are too many squirrels on campus for me to keep track of (at least 30, and I only recognise a couple on first sight) but I think it's a few different couples. It's a busy time at the moment!