Kea (NZ endemic)

Meet the Kea, the world's only alpine parrot! Restricted to mountains on New Zealand's South Island, this endemic - like so many of New Zealand's birds - has experienced precipitous declines at the paws of introduced mammals. The species is considered endangered, and most individuals are banded so researchers can monitor their movements and assess the health of the population. I usually rue bands in my shots, but I was willing to make an exception given the conservation status of this species. Keas are super curious, this bird flying to the roof of a nearby car to investigate the passengers soon after I captured this frame!

Arthur's Pass, Canterbury, New Zealand, 3/11/19
Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 on EOS 1DX Mark IV
1/500 at f/5.6, ISO 1600