Toutouwai/ Robin

Rather than leave today as planned, we went for a beautiful bush walk over Motuareronui/ Adele Island, a bird sanctuary island in Tasman Bay. New Zealand birds had no natural predators so following the arrival of introduced pests during the 1800s many birds species have become seriously endangered. Today we saw and heard kereru, swallows, korimako and piwakawaka. Little toutouwai/ robins hopped around us as we scuffed the ground to reveal grubs. They are curious and unafraid. With no predators they thrive in their sanctuary though not on much of the mainland. One absolute delight during this sailing holiday has been hearing continuous loud birdsong, particularly from the korimako/ bellbird, each time we anchor near land.