During my two visits to Motuara Island, I was fortunate to encounter one of New Zealand’s rare and charismatic native birds – the South Island saddleback, or tīeke.
Spotting the Elusive Tīeke
Over the course of my trips, I only saw two tīeke. The first was a juvenile, its body covered almost entirely in soft brown feathers. The second bird was transitioning into adulthood, showing its striking adult colouring alongside patches of younger plumage.
South Island saddlebacks retain their juvenile colouring for their first year, making these sightings especially interesting from a wildlife photography perspective.
Bathing Behaviour in the Wild
Both birds were drawn to a small freshwater source, the only one on this predator-free island. Here, I watched them splash, bathe, and fluff their feathers in an energetic display of natural behaviour.
It was a joy to witness, even if it proved incredibly difficult to photograph. Their constant movement and playful splashing made capturing sharp images a real challenge, but not one I was willing to give up on.
Wildlife Photography in Low Light
Lighting conditions across both days were far from ideal. The dense bush and overcast skies created very low light, which made photographing these dark-feathered birds even more demanding.
To compensate, I pushed my camera settings to ISO 12800. While this is typically a challenging range, the Panasonic Lumix G9II handled the conditions remarkably well. I was especially impressed with its ability to maintain image quality without the need for a tripod.
Focusing in such low light on fast-moving, dark subjects tested both my patience and technique, but it was ultimately a rewarding experience.
A Story of Survival and Sanctuary
These images are a collection from both days and, together, they tell a story. A story of resilience, adaptation, and survival in a protected environment.
Motuara Island provides a safe haven for native species like the tīeke, free from predators and rich in natural resources. Watching these birds interact with their environment, especially around such a vital water source, was a powerful reminder of the importance of conservation efforts in New Zealand.
All the images in this post were taken using my Lumix G9II and Panasonic Leica 100-400 lens. If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to contact me through my website, or follow along on Facebook or Instagram.