Last Saturday saw us head off to the Nga Manu Nature Reserve for a short visit. I was excited to see the kea walk through aviary open again, as it had been closed for breeding for quite a while. Finally we got to see the results of the kea pair’s breeding season. The chick is now seven months old and is absolutely gorgeous!
The keepers at Nga Manu provide enrichment for the kea as they are naturally inquisitive and in their natural habitats are well known for pulling things apart like the rubber around car windows, window wipers etc. The chick was busy pulling apart a box full of treats when we walked into the aviary.
Before anyone gets concerned about the images looking like the bird is eating plastic, please be reassured that it is paper. I was fascinated by how the chick was able to use its tongue as a tool along with its beak and feet. Very clever!
If you are ever in Waikanae, I would highly recommend a visit to Nga Manu Nature Reserve. The kea is only one of their attractions, there are kiwi, tuatara, kakariki, eels, and much more. Take a camera and go for a wander through the native bush and see many birds in their natural habitat.
Of course all this was happening under the watchful eye of the two parent birds. They were not so keen to be photographed as they were busy protecting their offspring. I hope you have enjoyed these images and look forward to your feedback.
