End of Season Breeding Results 2024
The 2024/25 breeding season at Wheel Cove has been a notable success for the local Little Penguin population. The highlight was the nest at the eastern side of the cove, known as Rock Nest Y144. This nest produced two chicks, both of which successfully reached fledging age. One chick was accessed and microchipped in November. Encouragingly, a second clutch was observed in January, in total three confirmed chicks having hatched and fledged at Wheel Cove. There was evidence of additional chicks indicated by the guano levels around the site, however these were not captured by our cameras so cannot be confirmed. A total of three birds have been microchipped so far, with additional two this season.
In addition to the activity at Wheel Cove, a new nesting site has been discovered in Two Fold Bay, marking significant progress in the region. Following a spotlighting session by our volunteers we observed three Little Penguins returning at dusk and discovered three nesting sites—one with two chicks and another where chicks had already fledged. Moving forward, there will be a plan to monitor the site regularly throughout the remainder of the breeding season.
The discovery of nesting activity in Two Fold Bay has sparked conversations about the area's unique marine life, including the presence of rare Pleurobranchus sea slugs, known for their side gills.
In previous months, Little Penguin activity has also been spotted around Two Fold Bay during bioluminescence events. While a photograph of a Little Penguin in a nest was taken in November, no additional photos have been confirmed. A Little Penguin was also seen hopping around in September.
As the Little Penguin population in the area continues to grow, discussions have begun about protecting these colonies. Efforts will include removing the invasive Pegglers Cob weed, as well as approaching local council and the Port Authority Area to support revegetation with Lomandra and Westringia creating a safer environment for the Little Penguins. With ongoing monitoring and efforts to safeguard their habitats, the future of Eden’s Little Penguin colony looks promising.
Overall, the results so far this season have been very encouraging, with clear signs of Little Penguins returning to the Eden region, including the exciting new activity. Community efforts to protect and support these colonies will be essential in ensuring their continued success in the future.
Little Penguins captured on our wildlife camera
Little Penguins captured on our wildlife camera
Little Penguins captured on our wildlife camera
Little Penguin chick captured on our wildlife camera
Little Penguins captured on our wildlife camera
Little Penguin family captured on our wildlife camera
Little Penguin captured by volunteers during survey
Little Penguin chicks captured by volunteers during survey
