Yellow-eyed Penguin / Hoiho (Megadyptes antipodes, Spheniscidae: Penguins) Southland, New Zealand
The Yellow-eyed Penguin is a large Penguin endemic to New Zealand. It breeds on Campbell, Auckland, Steward and Codfish Islands and in small numbers on the South Island coast of Southand and Otago. Birds return to their breeding ground in late afternoon/ evening. They are susceptible to disturbance by beach use etc., at South Island sites, as many locations are easily accessible by people. Access to breeding grounds is generally regulated. Some private landowners charge for access to see birds on their land. However, the film here was taken from a public lookout managed by DOC.
Voted as NZ bird of the year in 2019
Also see my film of Little (blue) Penguins, filmed in Melbourne, Australia at vimeo.com/266433922