Penguins on the rocks
3rd January
For some on the ship it was a very early start – the overnight campers were retrieved, and we moved on to our landing at Georges Point on Rongé Island. This was our final stop on the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula before our journey to the Weddel Sea. Georges Point offered astonishing views of snow-covered mountains and a colony of gentoo penguins. We were once again conducting behavioural observations of penguins on their nests. My research partner and I finally selected a more exciting penguin that wouldn’t simply sit still on its nest.
During our survey, we observed our penguin’s charming interaction with its mate, followed by a shift change on the nest (both male and female penguin brood eggs and chicks) and a few quarrels with neighbouring nests. Some of the penguins also appeared curious about our ship’s passengers (and the strange red flags that flapped alluringly in the wind). Although we desired to see the penguins at close range, we had to maintain a safe distance (but the penguins themselves didn’t seem to respect the 5m rule!)
With some time left before returning to the Roald Amundsen, we explored the shoreline and stumbled upon three napping Weddell seals and even a giant petrel resting on the ice. We seized the opportunity for an extensive photoshoot with the mountains providing a splendid backdrop. Our boarding of the zodiac was delayed by a group of gentoos trailing us to the beach. We patiently waited for the penguins to depart into the sea before returning to our vessel.
As soon as we were back aboard the ship started moving and our at sea surveys commenced. To our delight, we encountered a multitude of humpback whales — a fantastic opportunity for me to gather data for my MSc dissertation!
The day drew to a close with our usual debriefing (but this time in the panorama lounge on Deck 10), savouring the spectacular views and a few cocktails, allowing us to unwind before another long day of surveys awaited us. We would be travelling to the other side of the peninsula all the way through the night and tomorrow morning. Weddell Sea here we come…..
Written by Anna
How big of an issue is human-penguin interaction for observers? Is that logged alongside natural behaviour? The penguin's curiosity seems quite charming. I do find it amazing that penguins will have absolute trust in their mate to protect and harbour their young, and to hunt and return with food safely. Must be heart breaking when a partner doesn't return from the sea.