Keas!

Maezel · Apr 10, 2014

I am more into landscape shots but I saw a group of Keas playing around on the mountains and gave it a shot. Since they are really curious birds they come really close to you and could get a good close up. Even up to your feet to brake your shoes if you don't scare them away.

I waited for 40 minutes for them to fly off but they didn't and I had to keep walking. Then I Spoted some of them flying but I got 2 pictures, one horribly framed and the other out of focus.

Thoughts?

CdTSnap · Apr 10, 2014

VERY lucky to get those! very rare bird here

Maezel · Apr 11, 2014

I've seen quite a few on the South island alpine/subalpine areas but never this close and never this many; They were 7 birds standing 2-3 meters away from me and one came up to my feet. I also saw a Blue duck/whio on the track but I didn't have my telephoto on me when I saw it. It was the only moment when I didn't have it on me. I hate when that happens. That duck is much more rare and difficult to come across

nzmacro · Apr 11, 2014

Cheeky little bugga's that's for sure. Nice shots and good to see the close up details in them. Very well taken. Wonder how many cars need rubber replaced when the Kea gets stuck in

All the best and have to love those details and feathering layers.

Danny.

danielklaer · Apr 12, 2014

Great shots, nicely composed and well exposed

Juvenile Kea at that, trouble indeed! I am very jealous! Number two is my pick (let me know if you would consider letting me use it on my non profit website, fully credited of course). They are unbanded birds which is interesting. Where were they?

I was over there recently chasing Kea (I am a parrot person) and had terrible luck with some very nasty weather. One of the only keepers I got is below and I had almost given up at this point. This one I found when there was minimal light in the middle of a storm. I am coming back over for another go soon

p.s. The plural of Kea is Kea

DLeeT · Apr 13, 2014

Hope you do more wildlife because these are very nice, indeed. Lee

EOV · Apr 13, 2014

Another vote for #2 being the best one. Very nice photos and by the sounds of it a lucky find indeed.

BillM · Apr 13, 2014

Beautiful bird, and another vote for #2 :thumbup:

baturn · Apr 13, 2014

Very nice! I always like to see birds that are unfamiliar to me. Thanks for sharing.

Maezel · Apr 13, 2014

Thanks guys!

danielklaer said:
Great shots, nicely composed and well exposed Juvenile Kea at that, trouble indeed! I am very jealous! Number two is my pick (let me know if you would consider letting me use it on my non profit website, fully credited of course). They are unbanded birds which is interesting. Where were they?

I was over there recently chasing Kea (I am a parrot person) and had terrible luck with some very nasty weather. One of the only keepers I got is below and I had almost given up at this point. This one I found when there was minimal light in the middle of a storm. I am coming back over for another go soon

p.s. The plural of Kea is Kea

Yes you can. I am more than pleased that someone asked that.

I found them on the Kepler track, just before the second shelter (Going from Luxmore to Iris Burn hut). 5 minutes after I left they flew to the shelter but I was already a little far to get some flight shots and my legs were tired to go back.