The Missing Observer

The observers have positioned themselves behind the tree.

The box sits on the ground, open, inviting.

A thin scent of protein ball seeds issues out.

And here comes a solitary kakapo, advancing.

A female, not that the observers can tell.

She is smaller, more finely mottled, her beak is slightly longer, her legs pinkish, and there is a bare patch of skin on her belly.

She stops at the box entrance.

Peers inside.

Enter! hisses Dufresne, from the other side of the tree trunk.

Doesn't smell right, says the kakapo.

How should it smell? asks Dufresne, coming out.

Like rimu fruit, says the kakapo. 

We couldn't find any, says Dufresne. But we have provided a smattering of seeds.

Then you should alter your sign, says the kakapo.

David steps out from behind the tree now.

So you can read, says David. 

I am a female, says the kakapo.

Now they know she's a female. But not why she can read.

What do you want? asks the female. I'm heading up country. I won't enter your box.

Our prime purpose is to count you, says David. Will you stay for a moment and answer some questions? 

He takes out a notebook, and pencil.

Here we go, says the kakapo. What questions? 

How many are there of you on the island? asks David. 

Follow me and you'll see, says the kakapo. It's lek time.

You're lying, says Dufresne.

What does a lobster know about anything? asks the kakapo.

I know what a lek is, says Dufresne. And I can't hear any hooting or booming.

What is it? asks David. 

A breeding system, says Dufresne. Each male kakapo clears a space, digs a shallow bowl and makes several tracks leading towards it. Then he sits in his bowl and makes booming sounds to attract females.

You make it sound silly, says the kakapo. 

It is silly, says Dufresne.

The kakapo shuffles off, huffing her green and yellow blotched feathers, stamping her pinkish grey legs.

We've lost her, says David. Oh well, at least we've observed her. 

He writes: Spotted at 8.15pm.  Kakapo. One. Female.

David and Dufresne go back behind the tree, expecting to see Baudin there.

Perhaps snoozing.

But Baudin has gone.