Little penguins that nest outside Oamaru's two protected areas are the subject of a new study. PHOTOS: HAMISH MACLEANWhile the number of little penguins along Oamaru’s coast is unknown, it is estimated more than 1200 little penguins live at Oamaru Harbour alone. Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony science and environmental manager Dr Philippa Agnew checks sheds at Oamaru Harbour for penguin nests. "She’s trying to get a gauge of the potential impact of disturbance — those birds [outside protected areas] are going to be more disturbed than here," Dr Agnew said. Little penguin faeces outside an Oamaru Harbour shed suggests a penguin nest is nearby.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 20, 2019 15:22 UTC