Sunday 15th March 2020

Needing a helping hand

​Hello friends and family
Life continues to be busy at the lighthouse. On Sunday the Erect Crested penguin finally left and we wish him well. With live traps in place, and 2 juveniles moulting in the tent, I go to the Moeraki colony every day. On Sunday I walked there and found a penguin hiding under some tussock. This is strange behaviour for a start, and he had a partner that he abandoned. I suspect he will have Malaria.

Hatching a mischievous plot!

​ The team came on Tuesday and picked up 5 adult penguins. They were all marginal. One was caught in Moulenebechia and one had slashed feet. They have all settled well. I went to town on Wednesday and got a watermelon – what a summer treat!

The first ever whole bunch of grapes in the garden

​On Thursday we found 3 more penguins needing help. It was a glorious day, so we went across to the island – no sign of little penguins – not even feathers to indicate moulting. We checked the traps and the penguins with great thoroughness. Al of this care comes to nothing if we miss the signs and on Friday, I found a dead penguin at the Moeraki Colony. It was Mr 127 so it was with great relief that we found Mrs 127 alive on Saturday – sure enough, she has Malaria.

The Shags in winter mode on the island

It took Elaine most of yesterday to collect, prepare and read the slides for all the new birds. We are all busy and keeping up with the logistics is a priority.
Have a great week!
Rosalie
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