Sunday 11th February 2018

The Snares Crested feeling better

​Hello friends and family
Last Sunday Elaine, Chris Hiltrun and I did the 90-day weigh and measure for the bulk of the chicks in the colony. We brought in 4 that had lost weight, two from each colony and were pleased to find that many of them now weigh over 6 Kg.

A new Moeraki boulder about to drop

​The challenge came where the chicks were crèched – up to 8 chicks in one gathering and we didn’t want to handle the younger ones yet. We only missed one that will be weighed next week.

A flock of blackbirds enjoying the view

​By Wednesday the oldest of the chicks had fledged and I found the first adult moulter. It looked just fine. I did see a juvenile that looked a bit light, but it may have just been taking the day off and be out to sea tomorrow. This was the day that I harvested the early pears so that they ripen in a cool spot and don’t rot from the inside out.

Chicks on the landing - eyeing up the ocean

Chris arrived on Thursday to take the reigns of the hospital as I headed off for a week to visit the family early on Friday morning. This is a first on several levels. Firstly, I used public transport from the Moeraki turnoff and secondly, I had time away in the summer. There is lots to be done at this time of the year, so Chris will be busy!
Have a great week!
Rosalie
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