E te tau

Update 15th November 2019: E te tau was found dead near Arthur's Pass. His remains were too far gone to send for autopsy (only the skeleton and feathers remained) but likely cause of death is vehicle strike given proximity to the road. This is one of five kea to be found dead in the area during Oct/Nov 2019. 'E te tau' translates to 'my darling', or, 'my love' in te reo Māori. Kea can be adorable little darlings at times and when we interact with them, we often say "Haramai, e te tau!" - or "Come here, my darling!" E te tau was banded at Deaths Corner in late March 2019. During March-May 2019 he has been seen with up to 8 other fledglings from probably several different family groups and at least two of them have been found dead in April 2019 - at ominously named Deaths Corner, with serious injuries consistent with high impact trauma from vehicles. Please take care around kea with your vehicle!