This week's image from Phil is the endemic karearea/ New Zealand falcon. Sadly, their numbers are on the decline due to predation, illegal hunting and habitat reduction.
They are not frightened of humans, says Phil, and are one of the easiest birds to take photos of.
Sometimes karearea nest on the ground which makes them a prime target for wily stoats. Perching on high points, karearea scan the landscape for prey and will descend upon the unwitting victim at speeds of up to 200km an hour. They can even take out prey larger than themselves. Often these speed demons will stun their pray with the first strike, and then come back for the kill.
Sometimes confused with the Australasian harrier hawk, the falcon is smaller and prefer live prey whereas the more opportunist hawks will feast on fresh road kill.
Karearea lay up to 4 eggs which take 33 days to hatch.
