Pair of Australasian crested grebes

Australasian crested grebe, Podiceps cristatus, (Maori kamama) an ancient species of diving bird. There are 22 species of which 3 have become extinct in the last 30 years.

Because they build "floating" nests right on the edge of open water they are prone to disturbance by water craft/activities, and flooding.

Dogs are also a problem, causing frightened birds to abandon nests leaving eggs and chicks vulnerable to predation.

Not a great shot it was very smoky and they were quite a way offshore, so I have cropped the image.