 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 |
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