As a keen birder and career conservationist, I undoubtedly have a lengthy bucket list of species that I would love to see or study. In New Zealand I was able to see the Kea which was on my list. I was unable to see a Kakapo in the wild but had the pleasure of hearing a few of them during one evening on Stewart Island. In order to see one of my all time bucket list species I had to plan a more dedicated excursion.
The arrival into Kaikoura late one evening was met with excitement as I knew the next morning we would be going on a pelagic trip so see one very special group of birds; Albatross. The weather was rough and I was mere seconds away from being seasick (luckily towards the end of the trip) but I was able to see six species of Albatross. They were as majestic as I had envisioned but also much larger than I previously thought. To be up so close and personal with these birds was a moment of happiness that I will remember for the rest of my life. I would recommend it to anyone and thoroughly encourage people to get out there and see your own version of a bucket list species.
New Zealand challenge Part 2