The New Zealand falcon, Kararea Falco novaeseelandiae is reputed to be able to fly at remarkble speeds of up to 230 kph. It is a feerless predator and is known to chase away the larger harrier hawk. They are only rare visitors to Ngakuta Bay, but one turned up in 2011, and made its presence known everywhere by its short but piercing scream. Most residents were happy when it finally left and Ngakuta Bay was restored to its normal tranquility. Angie Scott too some excellent photos when it landed on a totara tree in front of their house. Photo Angela Scott Enlarge
Angie moved in much closer to take this photo, and clearly the falcon watched her very closely. Look at those piercing eyes! Photo Angela Scott Enlarge
Bellbird, or korimako/makomako Anthornis melanura. Bellbirds often comes out of the native bush behind Ngakuta Bay to feed on the nectar in flax and redhot poker flowers. Banks described bellbirds in Ship Cove in January 1770 thus: "This morning I was awakd by the singing of the birds ashore from whence we are distant not a quarter of a mile, the numbers of them were certainly very great who seemd to strain their throats with emulation perhaps; their voices were certainly the most melodius wild musick I have ever heard, almost imitating small bells but with the most tunable silver sound imaginable to which maybe the distance was no small addition" (Banks (I: 455-6). Photo Foss Leach Enlarge
To describe the bellbird as green-coloured does little justice to the magnificent camouflage it has with the colours of New Zealand bush. Here it is merging into the foliage of a titoki tree. Bellbirds are amongst the most cheeky of all the native birds. They will happily come within 50cm and peer with obvious curiosity if you attempt to emulate their voice with puncuated whistles. Photo Foss Leach Enlarge
