Penguins!

And now for the main event... Penguins!

I can't say that I was obsessed with penguins prior to coming down here.  I've always enjoyed them at the zoo or aquarium.  But to see them in real life, AMAZING!


Snow penguins

There are 2 main types of penguins down here, Adelie and Emperor.  Adelie penguins are named after a french explorer's wife and are only found in Antarctica.  They are the smaller of the two, measuring 70-73cm (28-29") and weighing 4-8 kg (8-18 lbs).  They breed from Oct-Feb, typically lay 2 eggs in a rock nest that the parents take turns lying on until the eggs hatch 32-34 days later.  The adults we see are molting at the moment and tend to group together though I've seen a few solo Adelies about.  I see Adelies more consistently near McMurdo, sometimes even waddling through town.
Molting and pooping...

Fun footprints

My friend Adelle

The Emperors are the most majestic of creatures.  They can stand up to 4 feet tall (120cm) and are amazing.  They are around but often not visible from McMurdo.  So when they show up, it's a sight to see.  They are playful and seem to be a social breed, communicating by fun squawks and splashing around in the water.  They mate in March/April and lay their eggs in May/June.  After laying just 1 egg, the mother transfers the egg to the top of the male's feet, then quickly departs to feed for a couple of months, leaving the father to incubate the egg until it hatches 65-75 days later.  I doubt we'll be able to experience any of that as we're quickly freezing over and the penguins will migrate along the edge of the growing sea ice to stay close to their food source. 

The fab five


Rushing into the water to see their friends


The main predators of the penguins is the leopard seal.  Our skua birds also attack their eggs.  Orca whales can also eat a penguin or two, mostly adult Emperors.  According to the first Antarctica explorers, penguin tastes terrible...

Penguin pillow I made from fabric scraps in the craft room

As our light dwindles and the sea ice forms, our wildlife will migrate.  I'll miss being able to see and visit my penguin friends though they'll return before I leave in September/October.  Until we meet again...

Me spying some Emperors far out on the ice

Sea ice is growing away from Ross Island taking the penguins with it

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