Sunday 15th October 2023

doing the mahi

​Hello friends and family,
On Sunday afternoon, I went to the Hampden Hall for an afternoon tea to welcome newcomers to the village. It was nice that the Hall committee put on the event. The big news from Sunday was that the penguin male from the Bluffs that had gone off was back incubating the eggs. On Monday the female returned so let’s hope they get back on the job properly.
The team came out on Tuesday, and we did a thorough search – no more nests. We must be grateful for the 39 that we have and do our best to get all the chicks through to fledging.

seeking a wildlife experience

​I have begun planting my vegetable garden. The tomatoes and broccoli are in. I have planted carrots, capsicum, lettuce, and beetroot seeds and after that there is the butter beans and courgettes. If we are going to have a hot summer, I will make the most of it. Our water comes from the Waitaki river now, and it reaches up to the alps where a wet summer is forecast.

taking a year off from breeding

When we did the rounds on Thursday, Elaine lost her glasses. We will all keep searching for them over the next few days. I went to the hall yesterday to vote. Congratulations to Miles, our new local MP. He has a good grasp of the local conservation issues.
Have a great week!
Rosalie