Publication: ph15022012

Photo Caption: A rare white heron spotted by Martin O'Hagan on Waiwhetu Stream.

After turning heads last year Lower Hutt’s rare visitor, the kotuku, has been spotted again much to the delight of local man Martin O’Hagan.

Mr O’Hagan says he was lucky enough to spot the rare white heron on Waiwhetu Stream just last week.

“I managed to photograph it flying. It had been in the exact same location where I came across them last year, and I believe it caught a fish as well.”

The bird caused a bit of a flap after sightings last year as to whether it was in fact a type of egret, rather than a rare kotuku. But Mr O’Hagan says he is sure the graceful visitor is a white heron.

“I saw one of the more common white-faced herons at the stream last week as well. It’s just interesting to know that we’re getting these rare herons around this area.”

He says after catching his first glimpse of the kotuku in June last year riding past the stream on his bike, he raced home to grab his camera.

“I saw the kotuku wading through the stream and knew it was extremely rare. I got back about fifteen minutes later and luckily it was still there.”

Mr O’Hagan says that fortunately he had brought both his digital and instamatic camera, as when he had gone to snap the rare sight he realised the batteries were flat. “It didn’t seem to mind me getting to within 20 feet of it to take the photos.”

After his first sighting Mr O’Hagan decided to make sure that he always carries his camera with him just in case he is lucky enough to catch another glimpse of the kotuku. “I decided that on the off chance that it’s still around I’ll keep my digital camera in my backpack.”

“I’ve lived by the stream for 13 years, and it’s just so unique to capture them both in the same spot catching fish. I’d never seen a white heron in all the time I’ve lived here.”