Weka

Woodhen

Gallirallus australis scotti

Weka are to be seen all over Ulva Island fossicking in the forest litter or vigorously throwing the beach wrack around searching for the sand hoppers under it.  Very territorial,  occasional fracases erupt when an interloper appears. They are quite relaxed around people, and particularly those on beaches have come to associate people with a possible hand out. Breeding is primarily in the spring, but not unusual to see new hatchings right up to mid autumn or even later.

Size 530 mm