The Kea have returned

We haven't seen the Kea around the Walnut trees for a while, although I have heard they have been flying around the township, visiting other Walnut trees.  Late this afternoon they flew in again, having a good meal of walnuts.

Initially there were 7 birds under the tree, then another 2 flew in.  Out of these 9,  2 were adult with the other 7 juvenile Kea.

Over the past 3 weeks we have been in contact with the Kea Conservation Trust, who have been out to visit us.  Unfortunately for them, there weren't any Kea around at the time, but it was great to be able to talk to them and get some information on these amazing birds.

On Saturday, two of the people involved with the Kea Conservation Trust visited Murchison and leg banded 5 Kea, although this was up one of the other Murchison Valleys.  The Trust asked us to keep an eye out for these banded birds, as they were interested in to see how far they travel.

All 9 Kea that we saw today didn't have leg bands on them - so they are completely different birds, which is fantastic news considering they are endangered native birds.

It was interesting watching the Kea.  They found a wee ball in the paddock, and were playing with it - carrying it around, with other Kea chasing the Kea with the ball.  I've put a photo of the Kea carrying the ball in my extra photo's.

It's been great having these birds around, and so far they haven't got into too much mischief.  It's also good to know that there are a few juvenile Kea  around that the Trust haven't yet been able to band, meaning that they are still breeding.  Hopefully they will still occasionally keep visiting, just so we can see how they are going.