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From our scientist, Hiltrun Ratz, PhD
scientist@penguins.org.nz |
Jackson is a 3-year old yellow-eyed penguin male and Bequette's brother. He and his (male) mate live in Anja and Alfreda's nest box and being two males they didn't lay any eggs. So we gave them one of Chicky's eggs to raise because she is just a 2-year old and two chicks would be too much for her. And haven't the two dads done well! Such a handsome chick it is!
One of our very first box sponsors was Claire Shewbridge and this box was used that season but not since then - until we came across a penguin standing proudly in the entrance last week. Thank you Claire - you were one of our first and we hope you are still following us and enjoy this photo with your box!
All yellow-eyed penguin chicks have moved away from their original nest boxes now and these two are no exception. They are hanging out in the forest on their own during the day waiting patiently for dinner to be delivered. They are looking just fabulous!
Some of our chicks are growing their blue and white sea-going feathers already. Pompey of course is our oldest chick and here the tail feathers are clearly visible. Time flies!
Maybe it is a new strategy of trying to get away from annoying chicks that won't stop begging: it is hard for the parents when the chicks are so insistent and they often end up walking away from the chicks - and some end up up a tree!!
This wee yellow-eyed penguin chick worried us a while back because it was always home alone and it was still so young. However, the feeding conditions appear to have improved for the yellow-eyed penguins and this wee chap has had a parent home at times. S/he is also growing nicely.
Stewie Junior is home (also for Uncle Chang's box and Ciara) and the chick is sleeping with his/her head on the side of the box: it must be at least somewhat comfortable....!
A very kind person wanted to sponsor Bequette's chicks specifically and here they are: big brown fluffy babies being guarded by their mum!
Dylan's house has a new sponsor. It is that time of year when the chicks are getting adventurous and start moving about to find new places to hang out so for all you box-sponsors we will continue to report on the families in your boxes - but there is unlikely to be many photos with your family sitting by your box!
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