Wildlife notes

There was so much was going on today I hardly had time to look around until 4pm when I had a quick look at the oystercatchers nests for the nest survey (coming shortly) and observed some banded gulls (report coming shortly).

Facility work

The generator was running in the morning on manual start in a effort to produce as much fresh water as possible before Monday when the cistern pump will be taken apart and check valves examined.  When I arrived here there was wasn’t that much fresh water and I have been playing catchup. The desalinator ran for 9 hours today on a combination of generator and solar power producing 530L of water, with another 1000L to go before the tank is full. I moved equipment around and cleaned the solar panels before the gang arrived.

Ten people spilled out of the boat.  Three technicians were on a site visit to quote on a solar and battery storage system overhaul (a larger solar array and lithium batteries).  I was busy running around explaining our systems and duties to a future Ecoguardian and six other people (staff and helpers) went to work lugging more stuff (mostly metal) off the island.  I was so occupied I only managed to snap a photo of the loaded boat before it left.  There were so many people and different activities in the works today that they forgot my groceries on shore!

The boat with a large metal fuel tank, many old motors and pumps, even a sink, and the remaining pieces of Old Lister. The metal tank was once use in MV Second Nature to transfer diesel fuel to the island. The Derek (red crane in the background) would lift it from the boat onto shore.

Normally it is really quiet here. I plan and generally have one thing to focus on at a time. Small things, like finding a new nest or a big cardboard box is exciting. The box contained 2 more roller blinds – a new addition to the Keeper’s and Student House. We no longer need to live as university students with bed sheets as curtains. The bedroom windows have proper light blocking curtains and a roller blind. Just two more to go and the Keeper’s house will be fully outfitted. The new window coverings are great but I was also excited about the box. The carboard makes excellent fire starter so I was real happy to cut it up!

Vessels

• Ecotourism: 11
• Private: 3

Weather

Clear skies and sunny. Gently to moderate westerly breeze during the day. Winds SW 18 to 29 in the evening. Daytime temperatures 10 to 12 degrees.