Weekly Update

Wow. It's hard to believe that the sun is setting so early now on the peninsula. The South Pole is already immersed in darkness and major storms are pelting the area. It's only autumn in Antarctica and the worst weather is yet to come.

This past week there was a major snow event at Gars O'Higgins Station. The sea froze in places and overnight, Antarctica became the harsh mistress once more. Oh, and one thing I forgot last week? Looking at the pictures, I found someone who was a little out of his/her colony: an adelie penguin. If you look closely, you'll see the difference.

So far, on this post we've seen Gentoos, Kings, a Chinstrap, and now an Adelie penguin. Lots to see, if we watch carefully. But let's begin with the snow storm and work our way back to the present. Less and less of the Gentoos return to sleep at night in the rookery. It will not be long now before they will leave until September.

Oh, and don't worry... even when the penguins have all left for their winter, I'll still be here, posting information on Antarctica and all 17 species of penguin. We'll learn a great deal and have a lot of fun doing it.

Until then, Ahay from Antarctica,
wiinterrr



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New Pencognito

Please visit Jen at http://www.pencognito.com

I got a nice compliment!

To Computador from Brazil,

Thank you for taking the time to send heart warming compliments for this penguin's blogger--it means so much to me that you find this spot on the net a good place to visit. I'll be heading over to your own site (http://computador-brasil.blogspot.com) to see your own blog, my neighbor. And remember that you and everyone else who enjoys the adventure of learning, will always find a home here with us penguins in Antarctica.

Penguin well wishes,

wiinterrr

Where have I been????

What's a penguin to do when that penguin is snowed under with penguin duties. Sadly, here at the rookery, there is too much to do. But I will make up for it... at least I'll try. I've got some awesome images, so let's go...

First, South Georgia and the first huge snowfall of the season. Second, same for the peninsula of Antarctica. The temps held at around 32F today with winds a blowing at 30 knots. Hardly a penguin was seen and for a while I thought everyone just wasn't coming back, but about a third of them did before darkness fell. Of course, we all know that these storms will only become stronger and last longer. Winter approaches for the great land down under.

During the week, which was mostly cloudy, there were the faithful few pengies who managed to still be enduring a molt. One day, there was only one lone Gentoo lined up against the wall. But how suddenly his/her sad demeanor brightened to see one of his own dashing towards the lonely one. The molting crew waxed and waned, but for the most part, everyone was back from feeding by middle of the afternoon. Darkness comes earlier every day and soon, too soon, all will be gone towards slightly warmer climes.

I leave you with these pictures and as everyone knows, there are more to come. Until next weekend... keep those flippers up.

Ahay from Antarctica,
wiinterrr

New Pencognito

Be sure and visit Jen & Co. at http://pencognito.com/

April Fool's Day

And just in case anyone missed this truly amazing video, here it is... for a moment, we can believe that penguins fly....





And here is how they did it:

Two week update

Wow! I can't believe it's already April. So much is happening. I heard that the Emperors are heading inland, but out here on the peninsula, we don't get much news. The Gentoos who are not in the midst of molting, are out early each day to swim and to feed. And then the great reunion each afternoon, a few hours before the sun sets. The sun is setting earlier every day, and while the molting molt, the rest are enjoying stuffing themselves and looking sleek.

There was one heck of a snow storm and the poor little ones who were left to molt by themselves, stuck it out behind a barrier. Also, no penguins seen at South Georgia, but the view was stunning.

So without much ado... here are some glimpses of the Gentoos for the last two weeks.