Sunday 11th April 2021

one of the last moulters nearing the end of the moult

​Hello friends and family
Last Sunday we had hurricane force winds blow through for several hours. All of the pears were blown off the tree. This also resulted in leaves and twigs strewn through the reserves with some broken tree branches. Hiltrun came up and managed to mow despite the wind.

during hurricane force winds

​The team came on Tuesday and did the rounds. We emptied the chest freezer and Robbie cut another pile of circles so we could clip them together. Wednesday was my Toptip day, and very enjoyable to catch up with the locals. I visited the Hampden section and work has finally begun on my house. The site has been levelled and the access for the house prepared.

progress at last!

​On Thursday I joined the team to do the rounds and we looked at what is needed to bring the nest boxes up to scratch for the next breeding season. The penguins have begun building nest bowls, so we need to get a hurry on! Wherever tiny chicks died we will redesign the entrance to the nest to give the breeders more privacy. We want it so that the penguins cannot see other penguins walking past when they are sitting on their eggs. We also picked up an injured penguin from the Catlins and it is now in care.

A new pair hanging out together

​I went to Oamaru on Friday and enjoyed the autumn display along the way. It is still very dry here and the farmer has begun feeding out to the sheep.
Yesterday we got 3 mm of rain and that stopped the dust for a few hours!

I pick this nest for next season

Have a great week!
Rosalie
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