Weekly Update--Darn That Power Cord!

ARGH! Squawk!

I know that I'm being so selfish, but this morning when I turned on the computer, I thought--today--home all day and I can take loads of pengie pix. Nada. The cam froze about an hour later, as power stopped going to it. *shrugs* I don't know why that keeps happening, but then again, I know the guys down there (Greetings Chileans!) have been keeping us plugged in for the time that we've had lately. Believe me, I'm grateful, too.

I'm writing National Geographic again tomorrow. You know what with the 6 Degrees special that global warming is at the forefront of their minds. Now is the time to keep cams in Antarctica that show what is happening with all wildlife. I hope that I can convince them, but letters from others would help the cause.

Now for a visual review of the week... and what a fantastic week it was!



This is a rather indignant penguin--George or Gracie are like, "what?"



Our chicks like to sleep A GREAT DEAL. :P



Of course there is the chore of preening, which makes them sleepy again.



So very healthy--so very beautiful.



One chick is making "tracks," while our chicks look--once more--sleepy.



A good nap can be had sitting, as well as lying down.



Mother and chick. Gorgeous!



As always, a parent is nearby.



And so, it begins. At this time of the year, the parents begin to molt. When an adult goes into a full molt, he or she can no longer go into the sea to feed, as penguins lose their insulation against the cold water. The chicks become impatient for food, as they begin to molt out of their own down. It's not a good situation all around, but necessary. If our cams are up again, we'll see chicks chase parents, but at the end of it all, the parents will return to the sea, and their chicks, out of hunger or need for a community will then follow.

I figure we have about a month left before they begin to leave. Sad, isn't it?



Oh, this is hilarious. Mom or Dad is giving their "teenagers" some major instructions. After this the parent left for the sea and what seemed obvious later, the kids obeyed by staying near the nest.



Then this morning--look to the upper left on the platform. It's a Chinstrap penguin in the Gentoo rookery and the Gentoo isn't that happy about the news.



But the Chin came down to the rookery where he fit in nicely. Notice how "ruffled" the Chin appears... he or she is in heavy molt and as he or she was too away from their own rookery, the decision to stay with cousins was a mandatory one. This is great because we may see more of them in the days to come.



And now for some spectacular sunsets... enjoy!







And----one unbelievable sunrise....



One last shot as the sun leaves for the night... this photo captures the last rays of the sun, as well as a sky full of stars. Perhaps, this one was the best, you think?

Ahay from Antarctica,
wiinterrr