Sunday 18th February 2024

New feathers and ready to go today - our first juvenile moulter of the season

​Hello friends and family,
This week started out a little differently – we had an injured penguin come in down the hill. Someone saw it, told someone else who called DOC. DOC left me a message and so after closing time, Jan and I went down and rescued it. It had a slash wound to the belly, so on Monday morning, Dave and I took it down to the Dunedin Wildlife hospital. 

The remnants of the gull population after the chicks were predated by Black backed gulls

​We did the rounds on Tuesday morning, noting the chicks that had fledged and checking on the rest. We were treated to a display by a pod of Hector’s dolphins in the bay. I counted 6 of them.

At the scruffy stage of the moult

​Most of the chicks were fine and we only weighed a sample of them to ensure they were okay. We took 6 chicks to soft release at Okahau and Robbie opened the door for the chicks at the Bluffs. The crested penguin we have in care dropped feathers to reveal white cheeks – it is a Tawaki!

The Tawaki (Fiordland ) crested penguin

​On Thursday the team was joined by Environmental officers from the Waitaki District Council and the Otago Regional Council. Both were very encouraging and supportive of our work. We rescued an injured penguin that was taken down to the Wildlife hospital. We took the opportunity to say farewell to Dave with a picnic lunch at the Bluffs. 4 more chicks were taken there for soft release.

The little penguin is making good progress

Friday was the day to catch up on the parked chores and get ready for Saturday morning when I drove Dave to the airport.  I also picked up the Kawariki chick from the OPERA so it can be released here. Jan has come out to help with the afternoon feeds for the last 2 weeks – such great support!
Have a great week!
Rosalie