Checking the nest

I was above the fishing point and watched this guy carrying a trap of some kind, then saw him cross the road and head up the rocky hillside.   Took some ocean shots and dallied above Eternity Beach where there were some water jumpers.   When I came back, he was at this car changing boots to crocs.   Asked him what he was trying to trap - mongooses - which eat the birds' eggs.  He is a scientist and he comes at least once a week to check the nests and birds.   Learned a lot more about these beautiful birds.  Prime time to watch courting displays is March/April.   Usual feeding time is midday (10-2).   I told him I was amazed that some nests were just below the cliff edge.   He then asked if wanted to see one up close, right over there.  
Extra:  The chick in the rock cleft is about 10 weeks old and will fledge in another couple weeks.   It's black and white, look at its beautiful coat.  Best shot, caught it cleaning out its nest.   The scientist numbers each nest, so that he can keep track of them.  He's caught lots of mongooses, but the numbers of birds is up.  Interestingly, the mongooses are mostly on the hillside, as they get killed crossing the road.
A very special day!