Sunday 19th November 2017

the chicks are growing every day

​Hello friends and family
The busy days continue. I am doing monitoring rounds every second day and there is no sign of Diphtheria so far. We have had some tiny chicks die but from unknown causes. One has been sent to Massey for autopsy.

Oyster catchers just lay their eggs on the beach

​Hamish came on Monday and he has parked his car in my shed at Hampden and I took him to the airport on Tuesday. I took the opportunity to buy a new coffee machine that does not rely on plastic pods and blinds for the lounge. Both items were on my list and were on sale so I am very pleased.

A Nodding thistle in full bloom

​On Wednesday Jan did the monitoring rounds with me and we found an abandoned nest – two first time breeders who did not know what to do. Diphtheria has been found on the Otago peninsula, so we must remain vigilant for some time yet!

lots of bunnies produces diversity

​Friday’s round was depressing with 2 dead chicks but at least, now the last of the eggs has hatched, in 3 weeks’ time, the danger for the babies will be reduced. People came out and let off fireworks in the car park at about 8 pm but then Joe came to do the shooting, so they went.

And the garden is glorious too!

Last night I had Chris Hiltrun, Robyn and Doug for dinner. We went to the Moeraki colony to see the planting of natives sourced from Doug and Robyn’s farm. The weather and the company were glorious!
Have a great week!
Rosalie