It is interesting how one’s regular ‘stomping ground’ may affect which birds you commonly see. The Tōrea Pango is classified as Uncommon Endemic, yet I see them often.

It is counterintuitive, to me, that the Tōrea (South Island Pied Oystercatcher, Haematopus finschi) pictured here is classified as Abundant Endemic, yet I captured my first photos in winter 2025!

I encountered a small flock — a dozen or so — around the Pāuatahanui Inlet, over two days in mid-June.