The kea (Nestor notabilis) is a species of large parrot in the family Nestoridae found in the forested and alpine regions of the South Island of New Zealand. About 48 cm (19 in) long, it is mostly olive-green with a brilliant orange under its wings and has a large, narrow, curved, grey-brown upper beak. The kea is the world's only alpine parrot. Its omnivorous diet includes carrion but consists mainly of roots, leaves, berries, nectar, and insects. Now uncommon, the kea was once killed for bounty due to concerns by the sheep-farming community that it attacked livestock, especially sheep. In 1986, it received full protection under the Wildlife Act. Kea are known for their intelligence and curiosity.
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The Kea - New Zealand Mountain Parrot
Messages:
Below you will find the message written on the back of the postcard. In the event we have duplicates of the same postcard, multiple messages may be found below.
Message
Addressed To:
Dear John
Address:
None Shown
Message:
Mayfair Motel, Kaiteriteri
(Authors Note - Nelson)
Glad to hear you passed both exams.
To take up where I left off last time - On Wednesday we went do Denniston mining centre - saw coal being carried in bucket, by aerial wire. Also went to Seddonville and Stockton - big open cast mine there. On thursday we left Luxury Motels at 9.30 went out to Cape Foulwind where there is a lighthouse and a seal colony - although we didn't see them. Had a look at Carters Beach too. Then went though The Buller Gorge - road is being improved all the time - took photo of Hawkes Craig - on last postcard followed The Buller River for miles and miles through native bush - only thing was road was not sealed and it was very dusty. Stopped at Lyell Hotel and had a drink there. Very old Hotel - floor slopes - area once teeming with gold diggers in the late 1800's & early 1900's. Arrived at Murchison about 3.30 - very hot there till sun went down & I had to shower to keep cool. I then went for a walk right round the place - about 4-5 miles walk - pop 590 so you can see it was very small. Nice motel. Love to All. Bye for now
Signed:
Graeme