Nests built for crested penguins

By Tracey Roxburgh on Fri, 24 Aug 2012

Real Journeys' Milford Mariner skipper Chris Hishon (front) and nature guide Richard Heyward with one of their purpose-built nest boxes (and above right) for the Fiordland crested penguins at Harrison Cove in Milford Sound.

Two Real Journeys staff members have used their DIY skills to benefit rare Fiordland crested penguins in Milford Sound, creating "luxury beachfront accommodation", complete with verandas, for the birds.

Milford Mariner skipper Chris Hishon and nature guide Richard Heyward, supported by the Leslie Hutchins Conservation Foundation, constructed the purpose-built nest boxes for the penguins at Harrison Cove in a bid to provide them with a safe breeding haven for their susceptible chicks.

The two men have been interested in protecting the species for about five years, beginning when Mr Heyward initiated a stoat-trapping programme in prime Fiordland crested penguin sites around Milford Sound.

Photos supplied.

"The programme was undertaken to protect the breeding pairs and their very vulnerable chicks.

"Due to the success of the trapping, penguin chick survival rates have increased and there has been a marked growth in the number of penguins returning each year to Milford Sound to breed," he said.

Additionally, the men had spearheaded a possum-trapping operation during the past two years at Harrison Cove.

"Possum numbers had got so high, foliage was being stripped from some plant species, preventing rejuvenation and leaving penguin nesting sites significantly more exposed to the elements," Mr Hishon said.

"In the last two years, Real Journeys' crew have trapped about 100 possums in the Harrison Cove area where the Milford Mariner moors overnight.

"While this means improved protection for the surrounding vegetation, it is also indicative of the large possum population in the Milford Sound area."

During their trapping forays ashore, the men became aware there was a shortage of good, natural nesting habitat to support the growing Fiordland crested penguin population.

"To some extent, the birds were being forced to nest in exposed places and we felt that if the nesting success rate was to continue, the penguins needed more sheltered habitat in Harrison Cove," Mr Heyward said.

The Department of Conservation approved the construction of nesting boxes, and the foundation provided funding for building materials.

"We got cracking in my garage and built six spacious tanalised plywood nesting boxes complete with individual verandas," Mr Hishon said.

The boxes were transported by Real Journeys' coach to Milford Sound and taken to Harrison Cove by boat.

"Richard and I had a great time installing the new beachfront units around the outskirts of the coastal breeding area.

"We made them look as natural as possible, from a penguin's perspective, camouflaging them with vegetation and rocks." The men, along with the rest of Real Journeys' Milford Sound staff, are now waiting to discover whether the penguins approve of their new accommodation.

"The birds will start to return to Milford Sound in the next few weeks for the breeding season and understandably we are anxious to see if the additional breeding habitat in Harrison Cove meets with the satisfaction of the penguins.

"If it does, then ultimately it will lead to a boost in numbers of this important and very rare species."

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