We saw a Mallefowl crossing the Konardin Track on 5 September 2024 but it was 140 metres away (according to the EXIF data from a photograph I took). The next day, on 6 September 2024, we came across this Mallefowl that was only 33 metres away.

When we first spotted it, it was about to cross the Nowingi Track. It looked at us and was about to turn back when we instinctively stopped and become motionless. It decided that we were not a threat and proceed to cross the track while keeping an eye on us. I proceeded to take a series of photographs as it stride across the track. We were very fortunate and privileged to have encountered a Mallefowl at such close proximity in the wild.

Left: Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/800s f/6.3 ISO360.

Right: Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/800s f/6.3 ISO400.