Argentina, our first actual landfall of 2009. It’s a several square mile wildlife area on the coast,
and home to indigenous wildlife such as guanacos and Magellanic Penguins.
The guanaco is a member of the camilid family, along with llamas and alpacas. Browses ongrasses and shrubs, and provided wool and meat to early humans.
Magellanic Penguins were the first penguins sighted by Fernando Magellan a few years ago, and
one of the 17 different penguin species. They dig small burrows in the sandy soil to provide
protection from the sun and predators, and are absolutely fearless of humans.
Two eggs are laid in September, and babies born 45 days later. This little fellow is about twomonths old, and just starting to lose his down.
This is a typical burrow, with two penguins resting inside. And proud parents, with a baby
peeking out of another burrow.
Once the eggs hatch the parents share child raising equally. They waddle to the shore and take off into the ocean to gorge on krill, a small shrimp. Back home they regurgitate this wonderful fresh seafood stew for their chicks.
Views of the colony, looking towards and away from the sea. I don’t know which was more
amazing - the ability to get so close to these wild animals, or the vastness of the colony!
Can you weld? Do you want to come home with me? Are you my Mommy?
The only natural enemies of adult penguins are Orcas and Leopard Seals. Eggs are stolen bygulls, and babies are set upon by Skuas. This conflict ended in a draw - the skua left hungry and
the baby penguin remained alive.
Commuting traffic between the beach and upland burrows. Penguins waddle in a ridiculous
fashion on land. When they need more speed they can drop onto their bellies and slide. In the
water they can swim on the surface with head upright, and use their feet similar to a duck. The
most amazing transformation occurs when they submerge, as their flippers act like wings and they rocket through the water as fast as fish.
3 comments:
So cute! I love these pictures. And the pix of Tierra del Fuego are absolutely stunning.
Ah photos are last, I have been checking to see. What wonderful photos you have taken. How many different animals has Margie decided to bring home so far? Snowing here with quite a wind.
Midge
I looked up "Drake Passage" and found the following quote:
This violent stretch of chaotic water between Antarctica and South America, one frequented by icebergs, huge waves, and plagued by gale force winds, is crossed by all sailors with great trepidation.
It sounds like you've experienced everything it had to offer! I'm glad that you got to spend a day with the penguins. Ya'll (continue to) have a great time!
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