3/21/2022

A pretty pest




For the first time since arriving in 2006, I captured a pukeko actually 
in my garden-after Hubby noticed him/her and quietly called me.

They are a lovely color, but are a pest to many gardens. 
Originally, from Australia, they have no natural predators so 
their numbers are quite high.

They are among those birds that can fly but prefer to walk or run if
possible, so we often see them running down the
road trying to 'get away' from the car!

They have been culled in the past because they threaten native animals.


5 comments:

local alien said...

I didn't know they were originally from Australia or they were a pest. They're a bird I always think of as a NZ icon. I remember them all over the place

kiwimeskreations said...

Definitely a pest - They are also useless to try and eat as they are so full of sinews and are very tough! They are known as swamp hens over in Australia!
Blessings
Maxine

Forgetfulone said...

Very interesting! And pretty, so it's a shame it's a pest.

Mae Travels said...

I’d like to learn more about the history of this bird. So many introduced species become pests in a new place, but people keep bringing them in anyway.

best…. mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Little Wandering Wren said...

It's always exciting to spot new wildlife (unless a spider or a snake!) even if they are pests!
Have a lovely day!
Wren x