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.
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.
A beautifully crisp photo Pete. Stunning.
ReplyDeleteAmazing detail on those feathers. What a grand looking bird.
ReplyDeleteKia ora Pete,
ReplyDeleteI love the dignity and elegance to this Kea. Maybe the tourist parking lots are beyond him.
Cheers,
Robb
Boobook, thanks. Compared to your neck of the woods we have very few parrots, but some of those are certainly characters.
ReplyDeleteRobin 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 :^)