The sun sets hundreds of feet above the crashing surf on a jagged, rocky coastline as one of the Falkland’s smallest penguins prepares for the evening. Rockhopper penguins, so aptly named, are undeterred by the elevation or the terrain. These well adapted birds, hop with determination and finesse from stone to stone, ascending from the waterline to the cliffs where they pass the time. They occasionally stop to drink from the fresh water springs that flow down the rocky slopes. They have no natural predators on land and aren’t bothered by our proximity. It’s such an honor to be accepted to the colony.
Tags: Rockhopper Penguins birds birding nature wildlife wildlifePhotography Naturephotography Falkland Islands Falklands PenguinsoftheFalklands Volunteerpoint song displaycalls syrinx DrDADBooks ChildrensWildlifeBooksbyDanielADAuriaMD SouthernHemisphere February2024
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A group of King penguins makes their way off the beach to return to the colony where most of them will likely tend to their chicks. There are different theories for why they walk in single file. Over eons, these birds have had to walk over a variety or terrain. Snow and uneven terrain presents a particular obstacle to the preservation of energy. By walking in the footsteps of the penguins in front of them, the passage is made easier and they expend less energy than if they have to forge a path on their own. It’s very curious behavior that makes perfect sense. The true reasons may, in fact, be completely different but it is human nature to try and explain our observations in a logical fashion.
Tags: KingPenguins penguins birds birding nature wildlife wildlifePhotography Naturephotography Falkland Islands Falklands PenguinsoftheFalklands Volunteerpoint song displaycalls syrinx DrDADBooks ChildrensWildlifeBooksbyDanielADAuriaMD SouthernHemisphere February2024
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Gentoo penguins aren’t known for their size, but they are known for their speed. These medium sized penguins are not only the fastest swimming penguins in the world, they’re actually the fastest swimming “birds” in the world. They are also extremely tolerant, amicable, and distinctively curious. When laying on the sand, it wasn’t unusual to have one or two run fast and furiously up to me to investigate what I was up to.
Tags: GentooPenguins Gentoo penguins birds birding nature wildlife wildlifePhotography Naturephotography Falkland Islands Falklands PenguinsoftheFalklands Volunteerpoint song displaycalls syrinx DrDADBooks ChildrensWildlifeBooksbyDanielADAuriaMD SouthernHemisphere February2024
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At times, metaphors more accurately explain true life experiences better than long-winded interpretations. When it comes to hungry young birds, of which penguin chicks are no exception, persistent vocalization and signaling eventually gets mom’s or dad’s attention. This squeaky wheel gets the grease frequently, and good parenting seems to be contributing to raising a healthy chick.
Tags: KingPenguins penguins birds birding nature wildlife wildlifePhotography Naturephotography Falkland Islands Falklands PenguinsoftheFalklands Volunteerpoint song displaycalls syrinx DrDADBooks ChildrensWildlifeBooksbyDanielADAuriaMD SouthernHemisphere February2024
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Standing close to mama’s belly, a king penguin chick stretches, making a desperate call to be fed. Parents take turns walking from the colony to the ocean to fish. During the first 6 weeks, one parent stays with the chick to brood and protect it at all times. After about 6 weeks the chicks group in colonies called “créches.” This chick is still too young to join a the créche and remains with its parents.
Tags: KingPenguins penguins birds birding nature wildlife wildlifePhotography Naturephotography Falkland Islands Falklands PenguinsoftheFalklands Volunteerpoint song displaycalls syrinx DrDADBooks ChildrensWildlifeBooksbyDanielADAuriaMD SouthernHemisphere February2024
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