RAR_man Loc: stow, MA

Anyone have experience photographing Kiwi (birds) in the wild at night? I believe use of flash or flood is very bad for their eyes. I believe guided walks highlight any found birds with red-filtered light. Hoping someone can 'shed some light' and share their experience with me on this topic. Thanks, RAR-man

TonyP Loc: New Zealand

Hi RAR man,
First you will have to find a Kiwi in the wild. They are very shy animals so good luck with that. A night time guided walk would be the way to go, but I doubt anyone else on the walk would be very happy with you scaring the birds away with your flash gear. And, as you say, a flash going off in their eyes is certainly not good for anyone’s eyes, let alone a bird with exceptionally good night sight. I doubt you will find a guide who will let you take flash photos of them at night.
If you really want a pic of a Kiwi, perhaps a zoo might be the answer.
Either that or you will need a lot of time to hunt them down in their natural habitat during the day while they are mainly sleeping.
Kiwis are very shy creatures. In 71 years, many of them in the bush, I have come across maybe half a dozen in the wild.
Regards

RAR_man Loc: stow, MA

yes. we are going with a guide on Stewart Island. I'm fully aware of perils of flash and floodlight for nocturnal animals and have no intention of using same...UNLESS...I can come up with and IR solution. Guide will be using a red-filtered light and am assuming that it will be insufficient for even low-light photography. We'll be on Stewart Island and chances of seeing Kiwi there are pretty good. Guarantee or free subsequent tour.

Was even thinking of hand-holding my trail cam (maybe on monopod).

Looked for inexpensive point and shoot with IR capability with no luck. Saw some hacks for point and shoot including IR diode light source. Just hoping someone has had experience/tips shooting Kiwi at night.

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

I have used flash shooting the same hummingbirds on a continuous bases and have not even scared the birds off. Have also used flash shooting Barred owls several times at night time with no response from the owls. I can't speak for the birds your after, but just what I've experienced with other birds.

RAR_man Loc: stow, MA

Nocturnal animal eyes are very sensitive. The animal should always recover. The issue is that it makes them more vulnerable to prey or contestants for nesting sites or territory.

Regardless, the rules of the refuge (and the guiding company) say no flash or floods.

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

You have to respect the rules..

TonyP Loc: New Zealand

Aha. Never expected you to say Stewart Island. Absolutely fantastic option for seeing a Kiwi or three. I would think, especially with their guarantee, you will have a great time and the guide will do everything possible to allow you to get some photos. Stewart island residents are also among the most hospitable people in NZ. I am only guessing here but I wouldn’t be surprised that when he finds out you are so determined to get a pic that he ‘might’ even take you somewhere with sufficient ambient light where you will get a pic without a lot of IR gear.
Of course they do get overseas visitors, but nowhere near as many that just bypass the island, so expect a treat. Wait till you sample the local food! Seafood especially.
Kiwi are very shy, very prone to predators (can’t fly of course), and most NZers are very protective of our native bird.
The red light is commonly used just to allow people to see them at night, but if your group are okay with very quiet behavior and patient, you will see them walking, hunting for grubs etc.
They may have given you suggestions for clothing, Stewart Island can get pretty wet and cold, but if it was me I’d also take some sandshoes for your night stalk. If you are going in the bush during the day tho, I would wear good tramping boots. NZ bush can be pretty unforgiving.
I have seen a few Kiwis in the bush during the day by accident. Never when I’ve had my camera close and usually with a rifle in my hand. At night you can hear them, they sort of make a whistle sound, while out foraging for grubs etc. but never been bothered to go out and track them down.
Sorry I can’t advise on IR gear but my suggestion is perhaps just allow for using a high ISO and a large f stop. Not much help there I know.
All the best for a good successful hunt.

RAR_man Loc: stow, MA

Nice note. Thanks, Tony.