Emperor Penguin Project
Gary and Robyn commenced work at Auster Rookery this week and have enlisted the assistance of Mawson expeditioners.
The primary goal of this project is to determine the status and origin of diseases in emperor penguins. They will investigate the origins of such diseases to study the role humans may have played in bringing them to Antarctica.
This work involves capturing and sampling both adults and chicks 4 different times of the year (during the winter months) with each sampling period requires 2 – 3 weeks at Auster.
 Hagg ready to leave Station for Auster |
|  Nick farewells Gary and Robyn |
|  Tony and Dom at Auster |
|
 Setting up the RMIT Van at Auster |
|  Setting up at Auster |
|  Gary gently directing the penguins towards the pen |
|
 Auster Rookery |
|  Emperor's waiting their turn |
|  It's cold work - Robyn |
|
 Weighing in at 33kg |
|  Gary and Charlie towing Geoff and an emperor |
|
Haggland Recovery Training
Before heading off to Auster Rookery over the sea-ice, Dom and Tony ensured all Mawson expeditioners knew what to do if the Hagg were to get bogged or break through the sea ice. Over two half days, all expeditioners attended Hagg recovery training.
 Unloading recovery gear from the roof |
|  Setting up |
|  Ready, set…go. Charlie giving instructions |
|
Weekly Darts Competition
The dart board gets a great work out most nights and the majority of expeditioners can hit the board, however, Jock, has been known to miss on occasions…..our advice, wear protective gear when competing with or against Jock.
 Boj, Zane and Doc wearing protective gear |
|
How cold is it ?
It's cold……this is what happens when you throw boiling water into the air in -25 degree C temps
 Zane throwing a jug of boiling water |
|  Boiling water evaporating |
|
Saturday Night Special
Last Saturday night Mawson expeditioners were treated to a special Indian dinner. Sheik Jock and his younger brother Habib Dave entertained everyone - they told us all about their childhood in Calcutta with their hard to recognise Indian accents.
 Sheik Jock |
|  Habib Dave and Sheik Jock |
|  Habib Dave serving the hungry |
|
