Raft Count – Marina Team
1 April @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Join us in counting Little Penguins in St Kilda and learn from our dedicated volunteers about this unique colony!
As a citizen scientist, you’ll join one of two small teams – each made up of five participants and one team leader. You’ll help manually count the number of penguins in each raft (a group of penguins in the water) as they return home at sunset. This non‑intrusive study collects valuable long‑term data on penguin arrival patterns and population trends. Your observations directly contribute to protecting and understanding the Little Penguin colony in St Kilda.
👉 REGISTER HERE
Registrations open 5pm, 16th March
What’s Involved
- Observe penguins from the St Kilda Breakwater
- Manually count penguin rafts as they return from feeding at sea
- Contribute to long‑term monitoring of arrival patterns and population trends
- Support the conservation of Melbourne’s unique Little Penguin colony
- Enjoy the chance to see and learn about these incredible birds up close
Program details
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours
- When: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings
- Start Time: Begins 15 minutes before sunset (exact time varies with season)
- Where: RMYS Marina
- What to bring: warm clothes, water, binoculars (optional but helpful).
Site Information
Location: End of the St Kilda Breakwater
- You’ll be stationed on a floating platform surrounded by water. The platform may move slightly due to its floating nature
- From this position, you’ll get to watch the penguins swim in from the bay and make their way to the breakwater to nest.
- You will also be able to spot penguins on the breakwater using a red light torch provided by your team leader
Requirements
- No experience needed
- Must be 18 years or older
Registrations through Earthcare St Kilda are ESSENTIAL.
If you have any questions, please contact tia@earthcarestkilda.org.au