It has become very dry in Zealandia. After a short time in the exhibition we headed out into the valley as dusk is arriving earlier now and we needed to be in place when the kiwi started to emerge from their burrows and go foraging.
Still we had time to visit the takahe. The grass where they like to hang about has become very brown and dry and as a consequence of this plus their recent nesting endeavours and moulting T2 and Puffin are very hungry and demanding at present. They were waiting anxiously by the pontoon gate for our arrival. Quickly they sussed out who was the person with the food and began harassing her. We had heard that T2 in particular was being rather 'bitey' and the guide already had a bruise on her leg from a previous close encounter of the takahe kind so she was on her guard. The tour party was entertained as she took off to the feeding station with the takahe in hot pursuit. I was surprised at the speed a takahe can get up to let alone a tour guide. She arrived at the trough and lifted the lid. There was a yelp as T2 bit the hand that feeds him and the container lid and pellets spilt on the ground. She managed to get the rest in the feeder and the takahe settled into their favourite occupation - eating.
The guide retreated with ten fingers still attached.. She commented that never in her life had she imagined being chased by two critically endangered birds and wasn't sure if it was an honour. I looked at their large red beaks with some trepidation as I knew it would be my turn to feed them the coming Wednesday.
We left them to their bed time snack and headed into the valley to where Flip Flop the kiwi might show himself in the next few minutes.
Once positioned, the guide started to talk about the need for silence and no flashes on cameras when 'trit -trot, trit-trot ' we heard something coming over the bridge. There was Flip Flop making his way to where tubes of kiwi food are strategically placed. He was not concerned we might be trolls and there was nothing goat like about him as he made his way past our feet and scrambled up the bank to the feeding tubes. The tour party were then able to watch him as he foraged. Once finished he made his way through the bush then popped out on the track and trit-trotted back across the bridge. Kiwi never fail to amuse me - they look all business and big bums as they travel about with such purpose during the night.
Shortly after his departure a new group came across the bridge in single file, muttering to each other as they approached. It was a family of pateke or brown teal. One adult was in front, three babies were in the middle and another adult was bringing up at the rear. They also were travelling with purpose. The kaka always drop crumbs as they eat at their feeders and when dusk falls these night time ducks do the rounds and clean up what remnants they can find. They prefer to walk as they are reluctant flyers. They look so comical walking along in their organised line.
As the bush was so dry and the the night so still we could hear any movement in the bush. We saw four kiwi in all and heard at least two more rustling about the in the dry leaves on the ground as we made our way out of the valley. Their whistling calls echoed off the hills, kaka could be heard gossiping in their roosts and shags grumbled as they settled in for the night. Weta scritched and morepork uttered hunting cries as well as their usual 'ruru' call.
As we turned the last corner we heard the noise of wedding celebrations at Zealandia's Rata Cafe and the magic was broken - at least until our next tour.
Here is a link if you are interested in coming on a tour one night.
http://www.visitzealandia.com/what-is-zealandia/the-experience/zealandia-by-night-tour/
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