morepork (Ninox novaeseelandiae)

September 2012, Tiritiri Matangi island, Auckland.

A totally random sighting one morning. The first time I\'ve ever seen one in daylight. Very nice.

Excuse me whilst I turn a delicate shade of green

It has long puzzled me that this lovely species has never really been held in Europe - bar a very few scattered 19th century holdings - but it's Aussie cousin the Boobok is ubiquitous!