Wildlife notes

A wandering tattler was feeding at the rocks near the Jetty. I last saw one on May 17.  This time I could get good photos and actually sit for a while on the Jetty and watch it bob its tail and feed. I have so many photos – I’ll share just three. With regard to the gulls, nothing out of the ordinary to report. There are still just a few birds left on the nest with eggs and I have been spared seeing chicks killed by angry neighbours. I witnessed some close calls but the chicks were able to stand again and run away. It seems the best outcome results when chicks squat and freeze during an attack. I notice the same for myself – if I move away quickly from an angry, challenging parent on the ground, they chase me, but if I stop and hold my ground, they do the same. This doesn’t work if they are in the air. I was weed whacking today with the ear muffs on completely oblivious to their overhead threats and vocal warnings.  I need two hands to hold the tool so there really is no choice but to hope for the best and go change my clothes afterwards. Only four more sleeps. I shall miss this place dearly.

Wandering tattler

Facility work

• cleaned the solar panels
• weed whacked the walkways

Vessels

• Ecotourism: 12
• Private: 0

Weather

Moderate to fresh westerlies, building to strong in the late afternoon. Daytime temperatures: low 10, high 12.