Sunday 27th October 2019

I would rather be busy!

​Hello friends and family
I love windy days – no mosquitoes! We have had a few windy days lately. Last Sunday morning it was calm, so I tackled the weeds at the Moeraki colony and in the process, passed a nest box that had been empty and there were 2 penguins in it. Always the optimist, I went back the next day and found one penguin with an egg.  On Tuesday we checked the nest, and yes, the egg is real, and the mum is the young female from the south end who was yet to lay. She has abandoned the 3 keen suitors down that end and has laid her egg under the Pohutukawa tree with an older male. 

The Red -billed gulls have eggs

​On Thursday we were joined by Michelle who is working on fundraising for us. It is an unenviable job that someone has to do, and her efforts are essential and very welcome.

Yes - the Spotted Shags have chicks

​Hiltrun and Elaine came yesterday, and we began the candling process. We tested the eggs from 11 nests. All but one egg looked fine, so we are hoping for good fertility, in spite of the many divorces and new partnerships in the reserves.

Woolly whispering

The weather was glorious and the car park full. I wonder if the visitors know of the tragedy unfolding as they walk around.
Have a great week
Rosalie
​