Raft Count – Breakwater Team
15 April @ 5:45 pm - 8:00 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.
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: St Kilda Breakwater
- What to bring: warm clothes, water, binoculars (optional but helpful).
Site Information
Location: End of the St Kilda Breakwater
- The St Kilda Breakwater has uneven and sometimes unstable surfaces, so sturdy, closed‑toe shoes with good grip are essential.
- The area is exposed to wind and changing weather conditions, especially around sunset
- During the return walk after the count, you will be walking through an active Little Penguin colony. This section of the breakwater is dimly lit, and you may encounter:
– Penguins crossing the path or resting beside the rocks
– Trip hazards such as unstable rocks, branches, and narrow walkways
– Occasional wet or slippery patches from waves or penguin activity
Requirements
- No experience needed
- Participants must be 8+ years (participants under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult)
- Working with Children’s check required for participants aged 18+
- To join this team you will need to have/create a Park Connect account
Registrations through Earthcare St Kilda and a Park Connect account are ESSENTIAL.
If you have any questions, please contact tia@earthcarestkilda.org.au
Registrations open 5pm, 30th March
Join Earthcare St Kilda for World Penguin Day as we raise funds to protect the 1,400 Little Penguins of St Kilda. Become a fundraiser by signing up, joining the Earthcare fundraising team, and encouraging your friends, family, neighbours, and colleagues to donate.