© irene waters 2013
© irene waters 2013
New Zealand is known for its scenic beauty rather than its bird life. On a recent trip we came across two birds which are unique to New Zealand (apart from a Kiwi which we didn’t see). Above is the Weka, a woodhen, endemic to the South Island. It belongs to the Rail family of birds and are on the vulnerable list. These inquisitive, omnivorous birds came to check out what was going on, when we were gutting our fish and scallop catch, with the hope of getting an easy feed.
© irene waters 2013
The second bird that was new to us was the Kea. It is also endemic to the South Island of New Zealand and is the world’s only alpine parrot. It is spectacular in flight as the underneath of its wings is a brilliant orange and it is also omnivorous. Although it eats road kill its preferred diet is nuts, berries and roots. Being blamed for killing sheep, erroneously, the bird was killed for bounty until it received protection in 1986. It is now classified as an endangered species. Kea are apparently an intelligent bird which can solve logical problems and puzzles and work together as a team for a common goal. It demonstrated its curiosity and intelligence on our second encounter with it as we travelled to Milford Sound.
© irene waters 2013
© irene waters 2013
It travelled some distance on our rear vision mirror. We were travelling quite slowly due to the conditions. It knew when to leave us, flying off just before we entered the tunnel.
© irene waters 2013
Okay – I had to show a bit of scenery.
Reflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist) 
The Kea reminds me of the parrots that are responsible for tearing up cars. I love birds and my mom had this beautiful illustrated book of birds from around the world that I loved to look through. I can’t wait until we can travel abroad to see different countries!
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Gosh, I don’t want to meet those parrots. I didn’t know that there was such a parrot although we do have a white cockatoo in Australia that will quite happily eat your house (wooden ones). We make certain that we don’t annoy them because they seem to have a bit of vindictive streak. I like birds also except for the crows that dive bomb me when I’m walking the dog – then I am simply terrified. You’ll enjoy travelling when you start and although there are so many great places to go Australia (despite the creepy crawlies) and New Zealand are definite musts.
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I have been around some cockatoos that are quite vindictive. I think it is because their intelligence level is that of a 4-6 year old and that is the age when revenge kicks in! 😉 Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, Ireland; they are all high on our list!
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You’ve made me laugh. Enjoy the day dreams ’til it becomes reality.
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🙂
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Both are good-sized birds. It’s surprising that they are so friendly as to let you get close enough for good photos. I wasn’t aware that it snowed in New Zealand. That’s a new one for me. 🙂
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The Wekas were more nervous but the desire for food was great. We were in such an isolated spot that they possibly did not see us as threats. The Kea I believe had developed a liking for tourists as their were signs at Fox Glacier please don’t feed them.
The South Island of New Zealand has massive snowfall in the Alps above 3,000 – 4,000 feet with ski resorts at Queenstown, Mt Cook and other places. It is very scenic and in parts similar to Switzerland.
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