The Pūtangitangi (Paradise Shelduck, Tadorna variegata) is commonly seen browsing in grassy areas on farmland but also in suburban areas.

The female is a distinctive chestnut colour with bright white head, quite different from the male pictured here.

This one had just flown under the bridge I was on in Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne but I was not even close to ready for it. Then I saw it turn and I was trying to decide whether it would go under or over.

I needn’t have worried about getting the shot, as he perched on the railing for a few moments to have his photo taken and then took off for whence he had come.