Sunday 8th January 2016

And where is the fish?

​Hello friends and family
The year got off to a cracking start with the arrival of the Lees McCrae College Wildlife group  on Monday. There were 22 people in the group and we had planned an itinerary which was fortunately flexible, as nothing went to plan.

Moving into the new sub-division

By the end of their visit on Wednesday afternoon, they had transplanted tree ferns to the penguin habitat, seen the hospital penguins fed, explored a reserve and planted some flaxes. Their vet checked out all the penguins in care and had a lot of useful advice. While they were here we had gale force winds – strong enough to blow the leaves off the trees!

My supervisor

​Chris and his brother Grant were here to help and we spent a day on a farm in Herbert. On Thursday I visited Janice for the last time before she was transferred to Wanaka to be nearer her granddaughter and new great grandson.

A Nodding thistle in full bloom - great bee food

Friday was my turn at the Top tip shop and Chris arrived in the afternoon. We have started the 70-day chick check and as a result brought 4 chicks into care. The good news is that overall, the chick weights have improved in the last 2 weeks. I have been too busy to get many good photos but made the front page of the ODT. https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/penguins-take-population-hit

Yes, people do steal from the penguins by damaging the donation box

Have a great week!
Rosalie
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