King Penguins

 

I had split off from the rest to take my own pictures without interference. Unlike penguins, who like to be in groups. This was the second group, closer to the beach. When I asked the ranger, later, about this, he said that they come to this spot every day. This is it. He did mention that the number of pengiuns of this colony had grown significantly. This year (2015), there had been 26 babies, one of which died. Of those adolescents, 10 took off for Antarctica. He said that they had almost arrived. I asked if they tagged any of them, he smiled and said, sure thing. And we're watching their progress every day. There are other groups there, but how those young penguins knew that is a mystery. It is expected that they will arrive exactly where those others are.

 

The third and last group. They alsways go right here and stand.

 

 

 

 

Notice the tag. I guess the observers may think that if any group goes and swims off, it'll be this one. I also think that he is trying to shield the others from me, being the lone human there.

 

I was noticed, then a discussion ensued. Just kidding, but the one on the far right was watching me carefully.

 

On the way back to the main group, I noticed that group two was just milling around ever so slightly. Most would doze, but here is where they stayed all day.

 

 

And here you see the last of the new generation. The last one out of the egg. The ranger said, this is the life. He has to do nothing but sleep, eat, watch, and grow. He gets fed by the others until the feathery fluff is gone, then he will eat a great deal more and get his final coat and pack on fat to survive the cold sea, and then the feeding stops. He's got to fend for himself.

 

 

To Page 3

3D Home