Sunday 7th February 2016.

Hello friends and family.
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Looking magnificent and ready to fledge

​Summer has returned and the days are balmy. I am getting in as many beach searches as I can, to pick up any stranded penguins.

Down near the landing for the first time.

​I found an injured male Yellow-eyed penguin on Wednesday morning. It had wounds to its back so Kathryn the vet called in on her way home to check it out. It will need care for the next little while.

White fronted terns just hanging out!

​The wild chicks are beginning to move down towards the sea, in preparation for fledging. We have 5 chicks that are in the soft release pens where they will stay until they reach 106 days old. The gate will then be left open and they will be free to go when they want. In the meantime, they all weigh 6Kg and will get fed once a day. The next lot will go there this week.

A pair of penguins having a day off.

​Yesterday I saw our first moulters. They were 2 Juveniles between Harrys Bay and Hide Bay. They both look just fine, but we will of course keep an eye on them. Steph and Jeremy visited with their delightful wee girl, Samantha, who has now added ‘penguin’ to her vocabulary!

What is this? Not something the gulls are interested in - I don't know!

​I also caught up with Elaine who is now back at work and very busy. She gave me some Silver beet plants that I am hoping the rabbits do not take a liking to!

our resident White-faced heron.

Tobias, a volunteer from Germany is due to arrive today at lunch time. He came with his family about 10 years ago and it will be great to catch up with him again.
Have a great week!
Rosalie
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