A memorable encounter with a kea, the world's only alpine parrot, is a rite of passage in the New Zealand backcountry. During my four years in New Zealand and dozens of trips into the mountains, I learned that kea have an insatiable & contagious curiosity for the world around them.

As I set up my tent on a ridge overlooking New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Aoraki Mt Cook, a circus of four kea approached me. The exhaustion that I felt from hours of hiking seemed to instantly disappear. I grabbed my camera, as I knew from many previous encounters that they would likely move in closer to inspect my camping gear, maybe attempt to steal a shoelace, or something shiny.

I captured this photo of a juvenile just as it jumped and spread its wings to get a closer look at my setup, revealing gorgeous red plumage that is usually hidden under the wing. It is a once in a lifetime image that reflects the admirable spirit of the kea – curious, cunning, bold and beautiful.