Kea: the inquisitive alpine parrot

The last day of the West Coast escape, so on the way through Arthur's Pass we stopped off at the Otira viaduct lookout to let the car have a breather and to stretch the legs.

Naturally, the Kea (Nestor notabilis) were there. These inquisitive alpine parrots congregate in such areas, usually when there's cars to pick at with the manipulative beaks or just people to investigate.

In the end we were surrounded by about half a dozen, male, female and juvenile parrots, all wanting to get a look in.

What a great way to finish off our short break on the coast.