Predator-free islands are the most amazing places to birdwatch. I was overcome with delight when the endangered, nearly-flightless Brown Teal waddled out of her pond and began casually eating clover a few feet from me. She's normally nocturnal, but having just finished a 30-day brood, she's eating as much as she can while her chicks are safely asleep with dad in the forest.
Perhaps the most fearless bird on these islands is the New Zealand Robin. This adorable little grey bird is incessantly inquisitive, following trampers through the forest, and frequently landing in your path to stare at you.
In fact, you can almost tell which birds are native by their reactions to people. The fluffly little Brown Quails that dart into the underbrush the moment they see you? Introduced from Australia. The gawky, red-faced Pukeko that starts pecking the camera as soon as you turn your back? Native.
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