Now, if you read NZ Birds Online, it says “Moho Pererū / Banded Rail are rarely seen, as they are well-camouflaged and remain under the cover of wetland vegetation”
Dale obviously never got that memo. He likes people and coming inside.
Got a call from Lesley Moon recently, to say this little guy followed her home while she was out walking (half a km), spent the day hanging with her in the garden and then when she opened the kitchen door the next morning, he came inside for a look around.
Since then we’ve had reports of him showing up at eight more properties on the Kerikeri Peninsula.
Observations include:
- “Not fazed by humans at all” (everyone)
- “Pecked my toes” (2 reports)
- “Jumped up on the couch with us”
- “Had a good look around the house”
- “Loved coming in the house and sitting with us while we had coffee”
Perhaps someone helped this little guy/gal as a young chick. If Dale turns up at your place, please let us know.
Please stay safe out there Dale, being well-camouflaged and under cover in wetland vegetation might be a better long term strategy than house calls!
Article by Dean Wright, Kerikeri Peninsula Conservation Trust
