CHATHAM ISLANDS CHICKEN

One might be forgiven if - visiting New Zealand and seeing one of these calls it a Kiwi. In fact its a Weka a flightless bird that fossicks around the forest floor not unlike a kiwi.

On the Chathams, islands just East of the South Island of NZ (part of NZ) Weka's abound and the locals eat them - hence the name Chatham Island Chickens. its a tongue in cheek saying like " Kentucky fried Chicken" They are protected on the mainland but not on Chatham Islands ?

So we have a Weka - taken while I was photographing Fungi on the West Coast today!

rgds pooba