The Pukeko 



(HE Pukeko 's nesting season, 

 like that of the Weka, ex- 

 tends over many months, 

 from August to March at 

 least — and probably longer, 

 for the cock birds may be seen sometimes 

 in mid-April treading the hens. I have 

 got eggs in August, and eggs this year 

 were found on March 14th, while a newly- 

 built nest was obtained in mid-June. 



The earliest nest of the past season was 

 found on August 30th, the bird still at 

 work on its construction. On September 

 24th a pair had hatched their eggs, and on 

 the 25th we got two birds sitting. After 

 that no further note was taken of nests, 

 for there are hundreds of Pukeko on the 

 place, the result of years of protection. 

 Roughly speaking, their typical nesting 

 positions may be classified into three lots: 



