Handlebars

Handlebars was a large male kea who was caught and banded during part of a survey in the Otira / Deception area during 2013. The survey was carried out to test out bird repellents on poison baits during a large pest control operation to see if they would deter kea from eating the baits. Laura and Lucy caught and banded Handlebars and named him after their affectionate nickname for their helicopter pilot ("Handlebars")! He is seen alive and well in Arthur's Pass village from time to time.