Sunday 1st December 2024

This blue-eyed baby is recovering well.

​Hello friends and family
Slowly we are emerging from the dark days of chick death and able to enjoy the monitoring rounds as the chicks regain their health.

The Manuka are loving the spring weather

​After several online sessions with Dan, I was able to submit our application for the DOC community fund on Monday night to free up the rest of the week for other things. 

The Oyster-catchers have 3 eggs

​The team came out on Tuesday morning and we split up to do the rounds to keep the number of people at the nests small. The threatening rain held off, so it was a pleasure to be outside. I saw my first seal pup of the season.

An ambitious, Red-billed gull with 4 eggs

​On Wednesday, when I checked the reserves, I saw a Black-backed Gull having a fit on the rocks. It had attracted the attention of other gulls. I stayed well clear and when I went back to check, the tide had come in and there was nothing there.

​On Thursday we welcomed Max, Holly and Chelsea from the Council. We already had Debbie from BBC wildlife magazine, so there was 13 of us. We split into 3 groups and went off to each reserve to check Black-backed Gull health and of course, the penguins! 

parental protection

​By then the seal pup had friends. I joined the team at the Tavern for tea to farewell the 2 American volunteers.

No chicks mean free time

​On Friday and yesterday, the sun came out. With only a light breeze, the weather is glorious. Welcome to summer.
Have a great week
Rosalie