 the pocket warmers came out this week Hello friends and family We were plunged into winter this week. It was one of days indoors with the heater on, hot custard and fruit, and layers.  sea mist The team came out on Tuesday morning and we talked a lot about politics and bird flu’.  Wednesday was my day at the Toptip and the sun shone. The locals came out to socialize and we took over $100. I decided to continue to Oamaru and do the shopping, going to Macca’s for lunch.  colorful weather I thought I would try their new burger with a Hashbrown in it – nice but not a game changer as they had also put bacon in it which smothered the flavours.  Ice on the windows On Thursday Robbie got the Web camera going again which was most appreciated. I have yet to see any penguins at home, nest building, but in the past, it has been nearer the end of August.  The NZ Shags are looking plump Have a great week! Rosalie   A puddle of penguins Hello friends and family, The week began with lovely weather, so Jan and I went down the hill to watch the penguins coming in to Hide Bay. It was well worth the effort, as there was a good number of them gathered on the landing, apparently discussing penguin politics.  Kowhai blooming On Tuesday morning, the team came out and we made a plan for vaccinating our breeding penguins. This will be no small feat, as we had 30 nests across three sites last season, and we want to get the first dose done before bird flu arrives in the South Island. The aim is to minimise disturbance and maximise cover. The team wanted to see the plan in writing, so I commissioned Dan to create an infographic, which I think is awesome. We also microchipped our juvenile in care and took a blood sample.  We are ready In the afternoon, I went to the dentist — no fun there, but I am all done for another year.  cows, gulls and geese sharing the same waterway On Thursday, we did the rounds and took the juvenile to the Bluffs. There is a spare male there who just might show an interest, which could help keep her in a safe place for her future. Her blood results were all clear, which is a real plus.  snow on the hills Then the temperature dropped for the next two days. Friday was stormy, but by Saturday I was still able to walk the coast and check on things. Have a great week! Rosalie   Flocks on the wing - now a cause for cooncern Hello friends and family The week started with reasonable weather, with cold frosty mornings giving way to pleasant afternoons. The improving conditions allowed me to continue catching up on some outdoor jobs around the sanctuary, including lawn mowing, vegetation control, and monitoring rounds.  In a hurry to get away, looking healthy On Tuesday the team gathered for our regular fieldwork and planning session. A major topic of discussion was the arrival of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI H5N1) in New Zealand and the practical steps we need to take to protect both our wildlife and our team. Following our discussions, we implemented Level 1 biosecurity measures around the sanctuary. Hand sanitiser stations and foot sanitising points were put in place, and we reviewed our procedures for handling birds and accessing sensitive areas.  This seal took a wrong turn! The team then headed out to complete monitoring work across our various sites. Robbie and Murray cleared some trees blocking the solar panels that drive the webcam. More needs to be done as it has gone off air again. Throughout the week our one rehab patient ate well, which is always good. It allowed us time to focus on preventative measures, maintenance work, and ensuring we are as prepared as possible should the disease situation change. I have planted the first trees of the season There has been considerable public interest in bird flu since the announcement, so I wrote an article for the local newspaper. While there is currently no cause for alarm in our region, it is a reminder of just how connected conservation, farming, and community wellbeing can be.  Our resident heron is alone again As winter continues, we are looking ahead to the upcoming breeding season and making sure everything is in place for another busy year caring for hoiho and the many other species that call our coastline home.  Where did this beauty come from? For now, we are watching closely, preparing carefully, and continuing to do what we can for the penguins. Have a great week! Rosalie   Dan and I rescued this juvenile on Tuesday evening This week began away from home and ended back at the lighthouse at Moeraki, with the familiar rhythm of sanctuary life waiting at the end of the journey. After time in Papamoa house-sitting for family, it was time to return south, flying from Tauranga to Christchurch before making the final leg back towards North Otago, on the bus.  mischief in triplicate! Pauline kindly picked me up from Christchurch airport, and we had time for breakfast together before I joined her at the vet clinic. Later, Dan met me in Oamaru, and we went out for dinner before heading home to the lighthouse. It is always good to come back, even when the week ahead is already shaping up to be a busy one.  Another glorious sunset There was also time for our regular community routine at the Resource Recovery Centre on Wednesday morning, helping to give pre-loved items a second life. It is a lovely contrast to the sanctuary work: practical, local, and full of small reminders that conservation is not only about wildlife, but also about how we value and reuse what we already have.  The camera is down at the moment, but the penguins are keeping their routine By midweek, however, our attention shifted sharply. On Wednesday afternoon, the news came through that highly pathogenic avian influenza had been found in New Zealand. For those of us caring for vulnerable seabirds, this was the kind of announcement we had been hoping would not come but preparing for all the same. At our team meeting on Thursday morning, we discussed stepping up to Level 1 biosecurity. This means being even more vigilant about hygiene, movement around the sanctuary, and anything that could increase risk to the penguins in our care. We have been checking our supplies, including disinfectant, and thinking carefully about how best to protect the birds while continuing the essential work of rehabilitation.  The night sky is so accessible in winter, and beautiful too One of the most important messages for the public is simple: if you find dead seabirds, please do not touch or move them. Report them to MPI so the right people can respond safely. This protects people, domestic birds, and wildlife, and it gives authorities the information they need to track what is happening. For now, we are watching closely, preparing carefully, and continuing to do what we can for the penguins. Have a great week! Rosalie   This is our place Hello friends and family The weather has been bad in the colonies, but the penguins spent most of their time at sea. Slowly they are returning to their nest sites and showing an interest in the nest boxes. In the meantime, Bird flu' has developed further in Australia, reaching to north of Sydney and infection local birds.  I choose this nestbox Dan and I are currently attending the WReNNZ conference which is updating us on the latest events with Killer bird Flu' and how to best manage it when it arrives.  Let's get out of here! We will prepare
Have a great week! Rosalie  Hello Friends and family
The team have been busy keeping an eye on the colonies. Mrs. 111 is now in the Wildlife Hospital with a new set of symptoms - she is an old bird and maybe the problems are age related. There are very few penguins staying home all day, but they are socializing on the landings. Have a great week Rosalie  Mrs. 111 is behaving nicely Hello friends and family Not only does the work go on in the quiet time of the year, so too does your support. Donations to help us save penguins are doubly precious as all of our attention needs to be focused on penguin welfare, now more than ever, as new threats are waiting in the wings to challenge penguin welfare.  The penguins are coming in in small groups to avoid the seal pups Robbie has Mrs. 111 in care. She has been struggling for some time so we will take extra great care of her.
Have a great week! Rosalie  needing help Hello friends and family Even in the quiet season, penguins need help. Robbie rescued this Tawaki from Hampden beach and will take it to the wildlife hospital today. The team has been checking and re-baiting all the traps and caught a rat in the process. Murray has been keeping a lookout for the penguins at Kawariki Bay  spot the penguin coming home We attended the end of season meeting and were delighted to hear that Mel is now the Chair of the Technical Advisory Committee. There is hope for the future.
Have a great week! Rosalie |
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