The Corona virus pandemic has changed life as we know it. Every person on this earth is adjusting and adapting to these ever changing circumstances, and the team behind the survey and headstarting expeditions to Meinopylgyno (aka Meino) are doing all they can to proceed with this vital work in the safest manner possible this summer.
Travel restrictions have prohibited foreign members to join the expedition this year. Fortunately several Russian nationals have been recruited to replace these members to aid the survey effort. The situation is constantly being monitored and plans altered were necessary according to Russian government guidelines. The 2020 expedition is still currently set to take place, so watch this space!
All our fingers and toes are crossed for the Russian team to safely proceed with the expedition and headstarting project. WWT staff will be on call during the trip to remotely assist and advise headstarting aspects if and when possible.
In the lead up to the trip we thought you might like to reminisce with us, and look back at the expedition of 2019. The following photos are a compilation from many who joined the 2019 expedition to Meino. Including but not limited to: Jodie Clements, Nikolai Iakushev, Julia Darkova, Tong Mu, Guy Anderson and Chris Kelly.
1. An icey arrival.
2. Survey efforts with Guy and Chris.
3. Egg collection. Plus ‘Spoon-billed SouthPark-piper’ drawing by Ivan Shepelev.
4. Flagging adult Spoonies with Pavel, Wyatt and Katya.
5. Incubation through to hatching!
6. Catching our lunch, with Fyodor and Katya.
7. Indoor rearing phase.
8. Follow-up surveys with Fyodor and Katya.
9. Release pen. Building to moving chicks.
10. Coastal spit recon. Who can guess the item Elena is holding in the bottom right photo?
11. The Release.
Team photo nearing the end of the expedition. Photo by Julia Darkova.
