White-faced Heron

Big bird lands on the lawn…

Ronda: A white-faced heron! Such an elegant neck and way of walking.

Sophie: Absolutely graceful. I wonder if it's a migratory bird. It flew up from the estuary.

Ronda: Hmm. Some heron species do migrate. But I read that the white-faced heron came from Australia in the early 20^th century. And settled. This one doesn't seem shy at all, does it? Maybe it's used to humans.

Sophie: Yeah, it's possible. Seems quite comfortable here. Look, it’s perched high up on the pergola.

Ronda: It does seem to enjoy that spot. Nice having such beautiful visitors around.

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Voice-over

White-faced herons came to New Zealand from Australia in the early 20th century. They are now the most common heron in the country.