Hungry livestock: The two takahe reluctantly adapting to their new reduced rations during the May storm. : Saddling up to farm the birds

Working on the land. Elton Smith watches as another snow skiff comes down the hills and considers the health of Orokonui's wildlife on such a day. : Saddling up to farm the birds

Why saddlebacks are so vulnerable to introduced predators: they have a habit of nesting on the ground. : Saddling up to farm the birds

Two saddleback chicks - less than a week old. They stay in the nest for more than three weeks. : Saddling up to farm the birds

A banded saddleback chick showing its Otago colours. Photos by Elton Smith. : Saddling up to farm the birds