Sunday 1st May 2016

Here is looking right back at you!

​Hello friends and family
This week I have been working with the bees. I have removed the Varroa strips from each hive and checked that there was honey in the boxes for the bees to over-winter with. Mostly they are OK but some will need honey added. 

A juvenile from nest 1 home again.

​Working with bees is best in nice weather as the workers are away from the hive, doing their thing, and so there are not so many bees to disturb. We have had some nice weather! The sea has been very calm and the Juvenile Yellow-eyed penguins are coming home and checking the place out. It is just wonderful to see them back so soon.

These are not happy bees - but they are healthy.

​On Tuesday morning I got a call from the Boulders restaurant – a penguin was on the beach in trouble. I picked it up and it is a juvenile YEP with a nasty gash to its tummy. At only 3.5Kg, it is very thin and needs help for a few weeks. Someone had written SOS in the sand beside it – strange!!!

A child left in the middle of a seal breeding area while dad is snorkling.

​On Tuesday night I went to talk to the Top-tip management committee, ever hopeful for some funding for new traps. One of the challenges of a coastal environment is that anything metal rusts – yes, my copper spouting rusted away to nothing! The traps have a useful life of only about 5 years. ​We need new ones – fingers crossed.

2 fine water tanks that will save carting water.

​Thursday was the day that David from Waitaki Resource Recovery Trust, brought us 2 water tanks for Okahau Point where we will be creating more penguin habitat. Thank you so much!

They feel as good as they look!

The highlight of the week was the arrival of my new boots. For years I walked around in high heels, yet got made redundant anyway – now comfort rules and so I choose Crocs – these boots will keep my ankles warm as required. Retail therapy at its best.
Have a great week!
Rosalie
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