19 October 2009

Kea, Darran Mountains

On our way out from Phil's Biv at the head of Lake Adelaide in February 2006, Jono and I had a visit from this kea. They're not difficult birds to photograph — sometimes, getting far enough away to photograph the whole bird can be frustrating — but this, I trust, shows it in its true context: its mountain environment rather than a car park or other tourist haunt.

All content © 2009 Pete McGregor

4 comments:

Boobook said...

A beautifully crisp photo Pete. Stunning.

robin andrea said...

Amazing detail on those feathers. What a grand looking bird.

Ruahines said...

Kia ora Pete,
I love the dignity and elegance to this Kea. Maybe the tourist parking lots are beyond him.
Cheers,
Robb

pohanginapete said...

Boobook, thanks. Compared to your neck of the woods we have very few parrots, but some of those are certainly characters.

Robin Andrea, they're wonderful birds, and apparently at least as intelligent as any other bird, including the crows. If you met a kea, you'd have no trouble believing that claim.

Kia ora Robb, and thanks for the comment. I often hear or read of kea being described as "clowns" — which they certainly can be, particularly the youngsters. But I get tired of hearing it, because there's so much more to them, including the dignity and elegance you recognised in this bird. Thanks :^)