Sunday 4th August 2024

checking out their new nest box

​Hello friends and family,
I was very pleased with myself when I completed planting the 50 Ngaios that were donated to us last season. That was my goal for Sunday and so when the rain arrived on Monday, I could excuse myself for not watering them! It rained all day Monday and Tuesday, so we had our team meeting on Tuesday morning by Zoom. 

All planted!

​Robbie came out and stripped the inside of the aviary so we can make it suitable for isolating penguins when they come into care next season. On Wednesday I dodged the showers and went to Oamaru. The snow was on the foothills all the way to town.

out the kitchen wiindow

​On Thursday, Robbie and Murray freed up some posts, wires and tree protectors to recycle and Bronwyn and I did the rounds at Okahau.
Saturday was the Yellow-eyed Penguin Symposium at Otago University from 9am to 3pm. Seven of us attended, and I took Robbie, Jan and Stewart down. It was very pretty with snow on the hills and frost on the ground. We left with plenty of time so there was no rush.

snow on the foothills

The day was planned a little differently. The season information was presented all together by Sarah and Trudi. I spoke about our funding and Forest and Bird spoke about trapping in the southern Catlins.
There was an update about the disease research and the southern population of Yellow-eyed penguins. In the afternoon, there was discussion about how we can restructure to do better. The idea of a central funding agency was raised again. Last time, I sent in all the requested information and then never got any feedback, never mind money!
Today we have frost, the ground is white and the sky is clear. I will aim for another 10 trees to be planted!
Have a great week
Rosalie