Kea Attack

When we stopped to take a photograph of the 1.2 km Homer Tunnel, these two New Zealand Kea's swooped down on our car and started pecking at it.  My travel buddy tossed a coin on the hood, which distracted one of the birds.  Sure enough, he picked it up and flew away! 

These large species of parrots are only found on the South Island of New Zealand.  They are raucous, mischievous birds and obviously intelligent.  At the lodge later that night, we were told they go after the rubber on the cars, but have been known to actually rip whole backpacks off  tourists' backs.  They are very social birds so do not do well in captivity.  They have been protected in New Zealand since 1986.

On the other side of the Homer Tunnel we began our descent into the mythical realm of the Milford Sound.  Being attacked by Keas and then entering this dark granite lined tunnel, I had that creepy feeling I was a character in a video game.  What would be at the end of a tunnel?  A troll?