Kea Boss DSC_5034
This is one of New Zealand's famous Kea parrots. They are the only true Alpine parrot in the world. They are well known for there very bold personalities and attraction to humans and paraphernalia. This one had the eye-roller bailed up in the car at a car park near Homer Tunnel on the way to Milford Sound. She was too frightened to get out the door which earner her the interest of a group of tourists who thought it was hilarious.
The birds gained early notoriety among settler farmers for attacks on their sheep. There was a bounty on them, only removed in 1971. It is estimated that around 150,000 birds were shot between 1860 and 1970. They are now fully protected and often seen at car parks where they attack people's shoes and windscreen wipers.
I admit I was a tiny bit intimidated too!
thanks to Lance, I now know that this is an adult male called Jack!
Kea Boss DSC_5034
This is one of New Zealand's famous Kea parrots. They are the only true Alpine parrot in the world. They are well known for there very bold personalities and attraction to humans and paraphernalia. This one had the eye-roller bailed up in the car at a car park near Homer Tunnel on the way to Milford Sound. She was too frightened to get out the door which earner her the interest of a group of tourists who thought it was hilarious.
The birds gained early notoriety among settler farmers for attacks on their sheep. There was a bounty on them, only removed in 1971. It is estimated that around 150,000 birds were shot between 1860 and 1970. They are now fully protected and often seen at car parks where they attack people's shoes and windscreen wipers.
I admit I was a tiny bit intimidated too!
thanks to Lance, I now know that this is an adult male called Jack!