This Season’s Wildlife Camera Highlights

This breeding season has been one of our busiest yet, and the wildlife cameras have given us an incredible look into the secret lives of our Little Penguins (affectionately known as “penguins”). Throughout the season we retrieved the SD cards on various dates for our surveys — and what we always find is a treasure trove of activity and character!

Camera 1 – Watching the Cliffs

Positioned in a Coastal Rosemary shrub above the most eastern cliff face, Camera 1 captured 69 images of a single penguin and one image of a pair. It seems this pathway is no longer being used to access a rock nest, as the track has become very washed out and now mostly consists of large rocks. The tides are now reaching almost to the base of the camera — lucky we mounted it in a tree! Despite the limited penguin activity, it’s still fascinating to see how changing tides and erosion influence their nesting routes.

Camera 2 – Record Activity and a Penguin Romance

Camera 2, attached to the base of a Hakea shrub in the same position as last year, was the clear star of the season. It recorded an astounding 8,238 images — a new record! The footage shows plenty of action: penguins collecting nesting materials, mating, and even some group gatherings.

For the first time, we recorded three penguins in a frame around 22 times, and four penguins appeared together. There may even be a second pair nesting above this site.

As the season progressed, the footage showed what looks like our familiar pair — Apollo and Hermes — taking centre stage. After multiple visits and nest-building sessions, the male was seen guarding the entrance while his mate spent most of her time inside. One standout shot has been dubbed “Go Away, She’s Mine”, perfectly capturing his protective stance.

Around June, two penguins (the male identifiable by two white dots on his wing) were seen mating five times in one night — perhaps a different pair, but proof that breeding was in full swing! It’s also worth noting that this year’s male seems to be a chronic nest builder, dragging in impressive amounts of vegetation and even bringing flowers to his partner. He’s quite the character — and clearly devoted.

Cameras 3 and 4 – Quieter Spots

Camera 3, placed further up the sea gutter in a new central spot, captured penguin images but had poor alignment — a reminder that this one will need repositioning.

Camera 4, only caught a single possum and no penguins this round, so it’ll be redirected east next time.

What We Learned

All sites except Camera 4 showed plenty of guano, evidence that penguins have been active nearby, even if not directly visible in nests. The big seas this season helped give us beautifully clear images — and no mirror bush interference!

This season’s results give us valuable insight into how our penguins are adapting to changes along the coast, where they’re nesting, and how their social lives continue to thrive. A big thank you to everyone helping us monitor, protect, and celebrate Eden’s Little Penguins — every photo tells a story worth sharing.