Takahe

[Simon Bennett]

Takahe photographed on Kapiti Island, New Zealand. These flightless endangered birds are the world's largest rail and the total population is estimated at fewer than 250 birds. They are threatened by introduced stoats and deer. This bird is part of insurance population translocated to four predator free islands. Every bird I saw, except a couple of fluffy chicks, had bands on.

Canon 40D, EF500 f/4, tripod, ISO 400, 1/500, f/5.6, shot vertical, cropped slightly mainly at the top.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Thanks for sharing this image and the story. I like the eye contact, soft light and details. I wish the bird would walk toward you and I might lighten the eye a bit.

Why are they threatened by deer?

[Joe Senzatimore]

Interesting story. I would like to see the eye a bit lighter as well. Nice detail in the dark colors.

[Tony Whitehead]

Why are they threatened by deer?

Habitat destruction is the issue with the deer. Takahe were thought extinct until "rediscovered" in 1948 in the Southern Alps where their diet is snow tussock.
www.kcc.org.nz/birds/takahe.asp has some basic info.

[Dean Ingwersen]

Cool looking bird Simon, well captured. May be tempted to lighten the eye and/or head a tad too.