National Treasure.
 
This is a rare glimpse into the nocturnal world of the flightless North Island Brown Kiwi. These amazing and very unusual birds have become the symbol by which New Zealanders are commonly known, when travelling overseas. Like many native species, the kiwi are under heavy pressure by habitat loss and introduced pests. Their numbers have fallen to low levels in the wild, and now breeding programmes and safe off-shore islands are being used to ensure their survival. Photo details: Canon 350D, ISO 1600, 1/3rd second exposure with a Canon EF 50mm lens @ f-1.8.

Image taken March 22nd 2008