Native, self-introduced

The White-faced heron was first seen in New Zealand/Aotearoa  in the 19th century, and was rare until the 1960s. Since then it has spread widely throughout the whole country, both in estuaries and on farmland. This one (and a mate) were seen on the Tangiwai Reserve on Huia Road when I ran and walked past.

In previous years I have seen these birds commonly at Snells Beach especially at low tide, when the water is more than 500m out from the shore. On the rare occasions I have been where these herons are seen, I have not managed a good photo.