I can't believe it. I still have trouble believing what I'm seeing. As of 3 days ago, we got our nest cams back. I have to say thank you--to whomever is responsible for giving us another shot at seeing our chicks, George and Gracie, graduate from chick fuzzy down to real adult feathers and follow their parents back to the sea to learn how to be real penguins.
Am I happy?
Oh GADS, yes. So first, let's make sure that we thank the person(s) responsible for doing us such a gracious favor.
So what have we seen this week????
Lots!
!! So enjoy!
More bergs--did not see this last year.
George and Gracie share a moment.
It's amazing how chicks stay together, almost as if they need each other and tolerate all the other chicks, just barely.
Preening that beautiful baby down. How they learn so easily and quickly is amazing, as well.
Not for sure if this is George or Gracie, but the chick is hot. Birds do not have sweat glands and so the only way that they can expel heat is via their mouth. The temperature? 33 degrees F or 1 degree C. For an Antarctic penguin??? That's a heat wave. Again, I did not see this happen last year.
There are many researchers, technician, and scientists here on the peninsula who are taking measurements of the weather. They know that this end of the earth is warming. Keep an eye on this blog... and you will see.
Again, this is a chick in distress. Most all of the penguins stretch over the rocks to help them stay cooler, as well. However, there is one of our chicks with a full crop. See the bulge at the throat? That is where the chicks' food stays until it is ground up enough to swallow and digest. No wonder he or she has a nice sized tummy. :)
More later... or sooner...
Ahay from Antarctica,
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