The Morepork, also known as the Tasmanian Spotted Owl, Boobook, or ruru, is the only remaining native owl species in New Zealand.
The Swamp Harrier, also known as the Australasian harrier, or kāhu, is the only native hawk species in New Zealand.
The New Zealand falcon, also known as kārearea, is the only remaining bird of prey endemic to New Zealand.
Migration season is the best time to catch a glimpse of a Broad-winged Hawk. They have been known to form massive swarms in certain areas during their migration, but here where I live, just seeing one is pretty cool. I’ve seen a handful soaring overhead recently with telltale black-and-white striped tails, but this forest hunter perched on a low limb briefly for me and posed for a quick photo.
I don’t see Red-shouldered Hawks very often…maybe a few times a year…it is much more common to see the familiar Red-tailed Hawk. Yesterday, I was lucky to see a pair of Red-shouldered hawks pass by overhead, and I was able to get some good snaps of one as it came closer. Not a lifer, but definitely a bird I had not taken decent photos of until yesterday! 🙂
