A day trip to North Head, terns take a dip, inaugural salon opening and playing in the rain, all at Macca this week

A burrow call on North Head

Once the field operation recess to establish search and rescue capability was lifted here at Macca, our resident wintering scientist Jez took the opportunity to get out onto North Head at the top of the island.

Much of Jez’s work is concerned with the breeding success of species of petrel that have been declining in numbers over recent years. He and Field Training Officer, Rich, visited several localities to collect and download acoustic monitors that he had placed near the entrance to Grey Petrel burrows. These sea birds come back to colonies on the island during April as they are winter breeders which means they can only be studied at this time.

A view of station looking south from high on the slopes of North Head
Looking down from one of the slopes around North Head at the sea breaking on the rocks below
Jeremy Bird looking for one of the acoustic recorders he had deployed at the entrance to a grey petrel burrow
A view down the west side of North Head towards station with tussock covered slopes in the foreground and the station in the distance
Jeremy Bird on the tussock and rock covered slopes of North Head

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One Good Tern

An Antarctic tern splashes the surface of the ocean just off the beach in Hasselborough

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Open all hours

One of the things that you do miss over the course of a year is a decent haircut. This week our Deputy Station Leader, Building Services Supervisor, Carpenter and Librarian Tim also showed his skill as a capable (or is that culpable) hairdresser.

Norbert Trupp ready with cape to have his hair cut by our volunteer hairdresser Tim Kerr
Tim Kerr cutting Norbert Trupps hair in the Hass House bathroom at Macca

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Pumping water in the rain

What else is there to do in the wind and rain but test the newly serviced auxiliary fire pump here at Macca.

Fire Chief Danielle organised a quick trial of the system that can be used to provide a backup water supply should it be needed.

Station Fire Chief Danielle McCarthy opens up the fire hose attached to our auxiliary fire response pump at Macca
Greg Sandrey opens up the nozzle of a hose with Ali Dean holding it steady behind while Fire Chief Danielle McCarthy looks on and Diesel Mechanic Chris Burns controls the pump

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