Page:The Kea, a New Zealand problem (1909).pdf/55

Rh call of the Kea, and the little ones in the nest immediately responded.

The opening of the “run” in which the nest was situated was thus found; yet, owing to the narrowness of the tunnel, the men were still unable to reach the nest. However, with the aid of a crowbar, a large rock was removed from the entrance, and the young birds were captured. The mother bird was killed, and the men put the little ones inside their shirts



for warmth and safety, and they were thus carried back to the station.

The father bird escaped; and, though Mr. Urquhart returned the next day and stayed an hour or two about the place, he did not catch a glimpse of him until, about to give up the search in despair, he espied the old fellow watching in artful silence from a tree, where he had been probably perched throughout the proceedings. The bird carefully avoided any closer acquaintance.