Phillip

Phillip is named after one of the local DOC rangers who worked along the Milford Highway during the summer of 2018/2019. Phillip writes poetry and wrote a special poem for our kea work while we were banding these birds... THE BANDED KEA The kea ventured down from the low mound, to where cast-about food is commonly found. to get about warily on the flat ground, a hippity hop and sometimes a bound. Waiting around patiently, was a lass with a noose, her strings were all set and the loop was all loose. A hesitant step inside the carefully laid line, a quick tug of the rope and ‘you are all mine’ The kea jumped into the air - quite high, and issued a squawk, and then tried to fly. Tension on the line and back down with a thump, an undignified landing on a green feathered rump. Before she had time to get over the fright, she was grabbed from behind and gathered up tight. She went all floppy and pretended to be meek, but for the unwary, she attacked with her beak. A pretty coloured bracelet- just above the claw, not put on too tightly, in case it goes raw. She was banded and blooded and ID’d as a bird, and all throughout this, barely a peep was heard. Measured and weighed and plucked like a duck, an extra feather or two, just for good luck. Time now to release her, back to her own kind, a few more to catch, but first we must find. Many things harm the birds, including old lead, food given with love, but not what should be fed. Kea have to be monitored, this is an absolute must, thanks to the efforts of the Kea Conservation Trust. You too can help, with donations and time, but whatever you do, remember this rhyme. Bad food will hurt them, as will a loss of their home, if you see them abused, give us a call on your phone. Phillip Robertson. DoC Ranger - Fiordland March ‘19