64 THE KEA. 



"It is the manner of Keas to gather together thus and 

 talk to one another in a way which seems quite comprehensible 

 to themselves. 



"We threw stones at them to try and make them shift 

 their quarters, but this only had the effect of bringing them 

 back to renew their investigation. Finally we stopped their 

 hideous clamour by hiding the drinking cup, whereupon they 

 slowly dispersed with an injured air." 



Not only do they worry and plague the traveller while 

 he is in camp, but they often follow him up a mountain as 

 though loth to see the last of him. Mr. A. P. Harper gives 

 the following amusing incident in his book. 



"Ever since sunrise I have been the object of considerable 

 attention from some Keas. 



"At first there were only two or three, but afterwards 

 their numbers increased to fifteen or more. They joined me 

 on the south side of the Fox Glacier, and annoyed me 

 considerably by their inquisitiveness, while I was taking some 

 bearings and photographs, one of them alighting on my back 

 as I was looking at my compass. When crossing the 

 Chancellor Ridge, the Keas that I referred to followed me 

 on the wing ; but, owing to the ice being very slippery, my 

 progress was too slow for them ; therefore, alighting on the 

 ice, they began to follow me on foot. 



"Whenever a Kea makes its appearance we are prepared 

 for some good fun, as their antics are most ludicrous, and 

 their conversation, which is incessant, is almost expressive 

 enough to enable one to understand what they mean. I have 

 had considerable experience with these birds, but have never 

 seen such an extremely funny proceeding as on this particular 

 morning. 



"The Keas, having settled on the ice, began to follow in 

 a long straggling line, about fifteen of them. They have a 

 preternaturally solemn walk, but when in a hurry they hop 

 along on both feet, looking very eager and very much in 

 earnest. To see these fifteen birds hopping along behind in a 

 string, as if their lives depended on keeping me in sight, 

 was ridiculously comic. 



