The annual blue penguin census will take place this year between the 13th and 16th of August.
These dates have been picked because low tides will range from 4.20am to 6.10am meaning volunteers don’t have to get up too early to look for signs of blue penguins on the beach. Breeding will be in full swing at this time.
Volunteers are asked to walk sections of the beach early in the morning to count penguin prints. While not scientific it provides valuable information about trends in penguin numbers. At last years census the Scouts found evidence of penguins north of Hokitika, which has resulted in a the habitat restoration project.
This year census volunteers will also be asked to record the number of banded dotterels and variable (black) oystercatchers they see. Ornithologists believe dotterels are declining in numbers and oystercatchers are increasing and want information on these changes.
If you want to help with this years census please email Robyn at info@bluepenguin.org.nz
