The Rock Wren

Rock wrens are officially classed as 'nationally endangered' which puts them right up there with the brown kiwi, yellow-eyed penguin and reef heron. Secondly, they are the country's only true alpine bird, living above the bush line all year round, which makes them rather inaccessible to most New Zealanders. I think as hunters we are pretty lucky to have the opportunity to see these wonderful little 'rock bobbers' when hunting the alpine tops of the South Island.

One of the things I love most about wildlife photography is the challenge of finding and then going about gaining photographs of rare species of animals and birds. Their low population numbers have you on the back foot right from the start so even finding them is difficult. I've found that the rare species are also the most elusive, shy and reclusive ones,