This is a pukeko, a NZ bird which frequents marshland and can be seen very close to city life. He has a distinctive red cap and beak and long toenails!
This was taken next door to the big North Shore Hospital beside a big lake.
@maggiemae I have seen takahe on Kapiti Island, they walk around freely like chickens. They are at the iwi end of the island rather than the DOC end, and people can stay there. There is a hot tub by the beach and at night kiwi walk around by it. It's amazing.
She needs a pedi........wonderful capture! It looks like a cross between a chicken and a vulture! I am going to have to google purple swamp hen - very interesting!
