Although Tiritiri Island has a strict "Pack it in; Pack it out" rule, there is one small paved areas with tables for visitors to enjoy their picnic lunches. While Gail and I had our lunch, this is attractive, wild Takahe visited us. It was amazing to share lunchtime (but not our lunch) with one of the World's most rare birds.

Because of their extreme endangered status, most all wild Takahes are banded like this one. Each leg band provides the conservationists with different information about individuals birds.

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Any and/or all usage or copying of this image, without express written permission from the photographer, is prohibited by law. Copyright 2009, Elizabeth Bickel. All Rights Reserved.