The little blue penguin nesting season is fast approaching, giving people a good chance to see the small birds.
Penguins First Timaru volunteer group is inviting members of the public to Marine Pde to be shown where the penguins nest.
Acting secretary Gail Tanabe and members Margaret McPherson and Joy McGillivray say you can hear the penguins at night even if they are not always visible.
‘‘During breeding season, which is from about late October, you are pretty much guaranteed to see some every night, although some nights they are more visible than others,’’ Ms Tanabe said.
There are about 18 nests along Marine Parade with about 30-40 nests overall in Timaru.
From 10 nests, they would expect about 16 chicks.
The group said it was lucky rats did not pose a threat in the area.
During the peak of the nesting season they usually expect about 80 to 100 people a night coming to see the penguins.
‘‘It’s incredible how close they are comfortable getting to people, they will walk by your feet and on the footpath,’’ Ms Tanabe said.
They are also looking for more volunteers to help monitor the penguins over spring and summer time.
‘‘We welcome people’s interest in this and we would possibly like to have two volunteers a night from South Canterbury anniversary weekend to the end of February,’’ Ms Tanabe said.
Volunteers are not expected year round, only during the warmer months from about 9pm-11pm, which is when the last visitor usually leaves.
Patrols run from Sunday to Thursday nights and volunteers can state which days they are able to do.
People who are interested in volunteering can email [email protected] and follow their Facebook page Penguins First Timaru for photos and more information.
