Observation #581
- When
- 2017-12-02 09:30:00
- Where
- Deaths Corner, Mid South Island
- What
- Sighted 6 birds
- Status
- Verified (Public)
- Who
- Nikki Becich
Details
Location Details
14408 Otira Hwy, Arthur's Pass 7875
Comments
I am a vet student working at the Wellington Zoo for a month (until the end of December). This is an amazing citizen science initiative! I'm so impressed with all the work of the D.O.C.; your country and its flora and fauna are lucky to have you!
Behaviour
I was at Otira Viaduct lookout from around 9:30 to 11:17 AM on the 2nd of December. The fledgeling with two yellow G on black bands was extremely gregarious, coming up to people, calling at other kea when they flew by, trying to get into people's cars and hiding under cars. People were feeding three of the birds I saw with biscuits and mandarin oranges (I pointed out the sign and told them off to grumbling, oops). The fledgling and 2 metal R, one metal L (V-0001 combo on L band, not readable) female adult were both landing repeatedly on cars. Both of those birds called to birds and responded when other (unbanded and metal banded keas) landed on the wire tower. Double G band fledgling also picked up and played with a stick on the ground at one point, as well as preened in a bush for twenty minutes or so before coming out to interact with people again.
