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From our scientist, Hiltrun Ratz, PhD
scientist@penguins.org.nz |
Here, Janet and Shaju are very affectionate and gently preen each other. Notice how carefully they approach so that it's not misinterpreted as aggression. It's their third season together this year and they are going strong! We were lucky again - just in case you didn't see the previous video with Meghan and Mr Paddles, here are they neighbours: Janet and Shaju making babies. Since this spy video was taken Janet has laid an egg - surely fertile but we will have to wait and see. Here are some more sponsored penguins we have recorded so far: Logan Bear (2 eggs) Butterbell (2 eggs) Hollie (2 eggs) Mama Pingu (1 egg so far) Ming (1 egg) Molly (2 eggs) Bitty (1 egg) Pengainz (2 eggs) Penelope (2 eggs) Charlie, Otto's mate (2 eggs) Lesley (2 eggs) Eire (1 egg) Anna (2 eggs) Ciara (1 egg) Charlie the younger (2 yrs old, 1 egg) Goldenstar (2 eggs Poseidon (1 egg) Matty (no egg) Sam (no egg) Hooli (no egg) Lola the younger (2 yrs old, no egg) Here she is with her new egg, and she stayed with Morgan, just a different house. Doesn't she look proud! Well done!
She now as 2 eggs - and we assume she is with her previous mate Bruce but he has not been identified.
She is one of the first this season to produce an egg. She is in a new box (her old one had someone else in it - not sure who it is yet, but he seems to be by himself) but we have not identified her mate.
Others identified so far: Bri (has an egg) Freddie (with Rio's mate - not sure where he is....) Honeydrop (has an egg) Chicky (has 2 eggs) Poppy (no egg yet) Penguin TJ (no egg yet) Meghan (1 egg) and probably Mr Paddles Janet (no egg yet) Bronn (1 egg) In total we have nine pairs with eggs (as of 17 Sep). Trail cameras are the ultimate tool for the voyeur. The reality is that it is near impossible to see - never mind video - a mating of yellow-eyed penguins. Trail cameras are great for all sorts of behaviour that would be difficult to see au naturel. We struck it lucky: This is Meghan and probably Mr Paddles mating right in front of the camera! Since then Meghan has laid an egg - we still have to positively identify Mr Paddles, but they are back in their nest box from last season, so chances are that it's him. Enjoy your little naughty voyage! These two have been super busy bringing nesting material to their new home and both are helping: in this case it is male bringing a bunch of cabbage tree leaves while the female is on the nest This pair has been keeping busy in their new nest site, and verbalised their displeasure when another penguin took a wrong turn and ended up in their courtyard. We still don't know who their are but chances are it's Morgan and his mate from the Penny Box 1 - we will find out soon enough! Penny Hack: that's your cabbage tree in the foreground. We have our first egg (yesterday)! And the first over the line was Chicky this season. She is back in her A-frame and surely soon others will follow. With that we go from winter straight into summer - on the penguin calendar and we are very excited.
A real photo of Chicky will follow! It is always exciting to see a youngster - and at home during the day. Clearly being in excellent condition and taking a day off fishing, this penguin has mastered surviving and has learnt the most important lesson in life: how to catch a fish. Welcome back, buddy, and well done indeed.
Again, don't ask who s/he is. S/he was not identified. Chances are that this is one of ours, and almost all chicks were sponsored last season, so yes, s/he likely has a name. |
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