Trap Fantastique

David approaches the box.

It is just as he thought. 

Baudin and Dufresne are behind it.

He looks into the box. 

It appears to be empty.

So this is your plan, says David. I might join you.

Bien! says Baudin. Then you can help move the box.

Where to? asks David.

Down the track, then off the track, says Dufresne. Under a tree would be desirable. In the low vegetation.

You have thought of everything, says David

The lobsters look pleased.

Where are the fruits of the rimu? asks David, pushing the box along with his foot.

Hush! There are none. This sign is merely a ruse to entice the kakapo, says Baudin. 

I see, says David. 

He kicks the box further along the trail, and the lobsters follow.

He stops at a tree.

This spot will do nicely, says Baudin. 

In which direction do you want the sign facing? asks David. 

Any direction, says Dufresne. We don't know which way they will come.

I assume you want the box on its side, says David. So the kakapo, should he or she be enticed by the sign, is able to enter.

The lobsters had not thought of that, although it is obvious.

The kakapo does not fly.

How then, will the approaching kakapo read the sign?

I know what you're thinking, says David. But if I tip the box forward like so, the sign on the flap acts like a welcome mat.

A welcome mat cannot be read from a distance, says Dufresne.

If you had any fruits of rimu, says David, the kakapo would smell them.

The lobsters agree it's a shame they don't have any fruits of rimu.

What else do they eat? asks David. 

Seeds, pollen and sapwood of trees, says Dufresne.

I may have some odd protein ball seeds in my pocket, says David.

He has! Fantastique! It has all come together, as things sometimes do.

David pushes a few seeds into the far corner of the trap box, sets the welcome flap at a slight angle for maximum visibility to any passing kakapo, and steps back.

All that they have to do now is find a secluded spot to observe from.....