07 May 2016

Kakariki; Red-crowned parakeet (captive)

I'm not keen on photographing captive animals, and, as a rule, I'm not keen on animals being kept captive, although I accept that's sometimes desirable. Around here, however, the chances of even seeing one of Aotearoa's endemic parakeets, let alone managing a photograph, is on a par with winning Lotto. (I have actually seen kakariki in the Ruahine Range on several occasions, years ago. Unfortunately, I haven't won Lotto. Yet.)

However, the aviaries in the Palmerston North esplanade offer a chance to see kakariki up close, so I stopped by this morning and photographed this bird through the heavy mesh. Careful processing got rid of the inevitable, strong haziness caused by the out-of-focus mesh.

I hope one day a photograph like this will be possible in the wild around here. In the meantime, maybe I'll have to plan a trip to the Zealandia Sanctuary or Kapiti Island, or maybe even to Tiritiri Matangi.

[1/60 sec at f4; ISO 250]



All content © 2016 Pete McGregor
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4 comments:

  1. Zhoen9 May 2016 at 07:28

    "Harrummph." Bird is it's own Bird, dammit.

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  2. pohanginapete9 May 2016 at 22:04

    Zhoen — maybe I ruffled its feathers.

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  3. Anne-Marie13 May 2016 at 09:29

    When I lived in Wellington I often saw kakariki flying around Brooklyn - even, on two occasions - saw them in our garden. I expect they were attached to Zealandia.

    I can recommend a trip to Tiri Tiri Matangi. If you can, stay a night or two there. So much bird life to be seen there that you won't see elsewhere.

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  4. pohanginapete13 May 2016 at 11:23

    Anne-Marie, thanks for the recommendation about Tiritiri Matangi. I remember your tales from there, and they made me keen. I've been thinking about a trip there for a while now, but it might have to wait until next year. Zealandia, on the other hand, is much easier and cheaper for me to get to. Matiu/Somes Island in Wellington Harbour is supposed to be very good for kakariki, too, and that's just as accessible as Zealandia with the bonus of a short ferry trip.

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Constructive criticism is welcomed (I particularly appreciate thoughts on what you like and don't like), but please keep it courteous.