Robert Taylor, Rain Forest Kea (NATURE WILDERNESS 2025)

The Kea/Nestor notabilis is the world's only alpine parrot and often photographed by tourists on the alpine passes of the South Island of New Zealand as their vehicles rubber components are shredded by the parrot's strong beak. Not so often observed in the bush they blend into the tones of the environment as they go about their business. On a winter's hike near the Routeburn Track of Fiordland a shaft of light was penetrating through the canopy to the saturated forest floor, briefly revealing this regal bird, observing my presence with innate curiosity. The Manu's sodden head feathers a testament to its foraging through the undergrowth and waterlogged moss, while the sunlit plumage glowed in contrast to the muted darkness of the surrounding forest. Although the hike was intended as a landscape photography expedition, as a bird photographer as well, my OM Systems zoom lens is a constant companion incase of just such encounters. The carrying of the extra weight was well rewarded on this trip despite the high ISO of 6400 required to gain a sufficient exposure at a 1/640s SS.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.