Observation #27157
- When
- 2026-07-22 12:30:00
- Where
- Rastus Burn Recreation Reserve, Lower South Island
- What
- Sighted 6 birds
- Status
- Verified (Public)
- Who
- Mark Sommerville
Details
Location Details
The Remarkables Base Building
Comments
In recent years, we have banded and recorded six kea in the area. Last year, we sighted our first unbanded kea in a long time. This year, we have regularly observed a single banded kea that arrives daily after 4:00 pm. The bird is very wary and does not allow people to get close enough to accurately identify its band combination. Given its consistent behaviour and arrival time, we assume it is the same individual visiting each day. Two or three days ago, this kea was joined by two additional banded kea. Despite repeated attempts, we have been unable to obtain photographs clear enough to identify their bands. Yesterday, three kea arrived around midday. Initially, we assumed these were the same three birds observed the previous evening and found it unusual that they had appeared so early while the ski area was busy. However, closer observation revealed that none of these birds were banded. Unlike the banded birds, they allowed us to approach closely enough to take photographs and confirm the absence of bands. Based on these observations, it appears that we now have at least nine kea visiting the area regularly, and potentially as many as ten, depending on whether the banded birds observed on different occasions are all unique individuals.
Behaviour
Calling, flying and chewing vehicle rubbers.
