A rare bird's brush with death while on migration sparked a fortunate turn of events.

The spotless crake, a species that exists almost exclusively in the North Island, has been released into a Christchurch wetland four weeks after its intrepid journey.

Bird Rescue volunteer Jackie Stevenson was "absolutely amazed" last month when a motorist picked the injured bird from the middle of a Diamond Harbour road and brought it to her for help.

"They think it was probably on migration and hit a power pole," she said.

After four weeks of care while its fractured leg healed, Stevenson yesterday released the bird into The Groynes Recreation Reserve.

It had been kept in an aviary at her house, and was fed a diet of earthworms and grass grubs.

"It's going to break my heart a bit, letting it go. It's just beautiful," she said.

Spotless crakes were known to inhabit the North Island, with sightings scarce in the South Island.

"There are probably more around than you think; you just don't see them," she said.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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