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Alpine kea take a summer holiday on West Coast beach

Monday, 27 January 2020

The native parrots, most often associated with alpine environments, were spotted by a resident playing on a tree stump at Ross on the West Coast.
The native parrots, most often associated with alpine environments, were spotted by a resident playing on a tree stump at Ross on the West Coast.

A pair of juvenile kea have been spotted frolicking at the beach near Hokitika on the West Coast.

The native parrots, most often associated with alpine environments, were spotted by a resident playing on a tree stump at Ross. 

DOC is warning people not to interact with the birds.
DOC is warning people not to interact with the birds.

Department of Conservation Hokitika operations manager Nicole Kunzmann said while kea were most often seen at higher altitudes, it was natural for them come right down to the coast. 

'We know kea frequent the coast in Fiordland at Waitutu and Milford Sound, and also in Abel Tasman. We have even had reports of kea going out to fishing boats off Golden Bay in Tasman,' she said. 

The juvenile kea left the mountains to explore Ross beach.
The juvenile kea left the mountains to explore Ross beach.

'The kea seen near Ross Beach are juveniles that have left the nest and are exploring the world. Young kea are very inquisitive and curious and we have had reports that they are exploring around Ross township. We expect for some, this will be a source of delight, but for others, kea living in the area may pose some frustrations.'

The kea might be attracted to property in the area like vehicles or a tree to roost in, Kunzmann said. 

Kea are smarter than we think.

'Young kea, like young humans will get bored and hungry and eventually move on if they find nothing to eat or play with. It's really important that kea don't learn that humans and their property are fun and a source of food.

'We ask that people check their properties for potential kea toys and food that kea might scavenge, and if possible remove these items or make them unattractive.' 

Kea are a threatened bird, fully protected under the Wildlife Act. 

KEA GUIDELINES

- Do not feed them.

- Do not interact or play with them.

- Do not leave food, food packaging, or food scraps anywhere they can access.

- If kea are interfering with something they shouldn't be, do not make loud noises or throw anything their direction, this just provides positive reinforcement and they will continue to return to that same activity to get the same response.

- If water is available, try and give them a good squirt with a hose to deter them from destructive activities. Make sure you are accurate and get them with the water stream otherwise it will become a game for them and they will return again for more 'dodge the water'.

- Do not leave doors to vehicles or buildings open.

- Kea like to pull apart anything that is soft or anything that has the ability to be fit within the dimensions of their bill, so try your best to have anything that might tempt kea in covered or secure areas, e.g. put your car in the garage and cover you bike seat with a bucket.