WHITE-FACED HERON (Egretta novaehollandiae)
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White-faced herons occur throughout Australia, New Guinea and New Zealand. They are a relatively new species in New Zealand, having self-introduced in the 1940s. From the 1950s, numbers have grown rapidly and they are now widespread throughout the country, including the Chatham Islands. It is primarily a bird of rocky shores and estuary mudflats, but can also be found near the shallow edges of lakes up to 500 m altitude, and on farm ponds. REF: NZ BIRDS ONLINE
We have our own special group of White-faced Herons living in Opua. I am told a group of Herons is called a seige, therefore we have a seige of Herons. They nest in the tops of the tall trees above the marina and can often be seen flying across the sky, later in the day, when coming home. My particular favourite is the Heron that frequents Opua Wharf, on the little platform just below the road. He's usually to be seen fishing at high tide and quite a fisherman he is to.
We have our own special group of White-faced Herons living in Opua. I am told a group of Herons is called a seige, therefore we have a seige of Herons. They nest in the tops of the tall trees above the marina and can often be seen flying across the sky, later in the day, when coming home. My particular favourite is the Heron that frequents Opua Wharf, on the little platform just below the road. He's usually to be seen fishing at high tide and quite a fisherman he is to.
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