One of the myriad of roles on station for expeditioners includes science support. While some of these aren’t that exciting for the trades person (“You want another set of shelves… where?”), and some are slightly peculiar, while helping the seal biologist (“I’ll need to put my hands where?”), some projects are worth the effort and looked forward to, even fought over. “I’ll need to go for a ride on the boat, helicopter, plane… when?” (Yippee!)
Sunday was one of the latter days with fine weather and Mawson gearing up towards preparation for the summer or, in this case, spring science programs. As a part of the Adelie penguin monitoring program around Mawson there are nine penguin nest cameras setup overlooking sections of the rookeries on Verner, Petersen, Welch, Béchervaise and Rookery Islands. These cameras automatically take photos from the 10th October in anticipation of the return of the Adélies and their nesting and needed to be checked and cleaned before then.
Wayne, Hendo, Chris and Vicki quaded out to Welch Island on Sunday to check the three cameras there. Despite Comms’ great guidance from the GPS we found all three cameras (more than once) in good working order. The procedure at each camera was straight forward: a bit of de-blizzing, straightening the solar panels and checking the stability of the tripod. The cameras are enclosed in a protective pelican case with an automatically opening shutter, so we then cleaned the outer lens and took a photo with a hand in front of the lens to show that the camera was working and to indicate the start of the season.
As it was such a nice sunny day, with very little wind, and the work was all done we then decided to ascend the Welch Island peak, as there was rumour of a great view of the station from the top. With a few rest breaks and some snow steps carved by Wayne we made it to the top and walked around admiring the view. Mawson station on its remote, rocky outcrop could be seen with ice cliffs either side and the plateau towering up behind leading to Mt Henderson and the Masson, David and Casey ranges of the Framnes Mountains.
We then trundled back down the hill to our quads and back to station to enjoy some yummy pies, sausage rolls and nachos while watching the Storm flatten Canterbury.
Vicki Heinrich
