Nocturnal Bird.

On the edge of the Sagittarius star-clouds lies a region of dark nebula, commonly known as the 'Pipe Nebula.' However, here in New Zealand this is often referred to as the 'Kiwi,' the nocturnal flightless bird that symbolises our nation. In this image, the kiwi faces left with the pipe nebula forming the beak and head. The bulky body is supported by two sturdy legs and is covered with fluffy "feathers." M8 and M20 sit just above the curve of the kiwi's back. Who ever said kiwis can't fly? Photo details: Canon 350D, 5 minute exposure with an EF 50mm lens, ISO 400 @ f-3.5.

 Image taken September 22nd 2006