![red-crowned kakariki](https://www.digitalpix.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/P3604175-RW2_DxO_DeepPRIMEXD-Edit-1.jpg)
After a month recuperating from a health issue, I am finally able to get back out and about with my camera. I decided that the red-crowned kakariki would be my target bird for the outing, so we headed to Nga Manu. There is a walk in aviary there that makes it possible to get reasonably close to the birds but still being able to photograph them in a natural habitat. These kakariki are all male birds due to the fact that Nga Manu is not permitted to breed kakariki.
![red-crowned kakariki](https://www.digitalpix.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/P3593494-RW2_DxO_DeepPRIMEXD-Edit.jpg)
I love getting in really close to the birds, so close that I can see myself as a reflection in their eyes. It is pretty special when the birds trust you enough to let you get so close.
![red-crowned kakariki](https://www.digitalpix.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/P3604085-RW2_DxO_DeepPRIMEXD-Edit.jpg)
![red-crowned kakariki](https://www.digitalpix.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/P3593537-RW2_DxO_DeepPRIMEXD-Edit.jpg)
![red-crowned kakariki](https://www.digitalpix.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/P3603937-RW2_DxO_DeepPRIMEXD-Edit.jpg)
![red-crowned kakariki](https://www.digitalpix.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/P3604138-RW2_DxO_DeepPRIMEXD-Edit.jpg)
![red-crowned kakariki](https://www.digitalpix.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/P3604208-RW2_DxO_DeepPRIMEXD-Edit.jpg)