Sunday 12th July 2015

Hello friends and family.

Penguins exploring a new nest box.

This was a cold week. The snow passed us by and all we had to show for the drop in temperatures was icy ground and frozen pools. It still remains very dry. We spent our working days rearranging the sheep and repairing their damage where we could, as well as preventing more. The sheep had started climbing up the sides of our tree circles, crushing them and then eating the young trees. To manage this problem, which I did not see coming, we have put the sheep into the south end of Barracouta Bay reserve and sealed off the north end. 

Rough seas mean feeding time for seal pups

This means that the small trees in the south get 3 stakes to hold up their circles and barbed wire to protect them from the sheep. The north ones only need protection from salt winds and rabbits – the tree circles will be fine for that!

Checking out the nest box from last year

On Wednesday I released the last patient. What bliss – no fish to process in the cold. I will keep checking the beaches regularly in case any more penguins need a helping hand. Thursday was quiet and Chris came up on Friday to begin the job of installing the penguin counter. This will take some time as care is needed when electronics meets the coastal environment.

What the landing looks like with no people there.

Have a great week

Rosalie