Rainy day magic

Thinking you won't see any birds if you come to Zealandia in the winter months? Well, think again!

Birds' senses are generally well in tune with approaching weather changes, and many of the manu/birds in Te Māra a Tāne will hunker down in sheltered roost spots to see out the worst of it. Of course, species that have high energy needs are unlikely to be able to do this for long, so as soon as the weather clears they can be spotted out foraging again. Right after rain is often one of the best times to spot birds around the sanctuary, and it often feels like there is a sense of celebration in the air.

Photo by Jeff Mein Smith