Penguins!!!
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| Picture by Levick (Scott Expedition penguin expert) of Adelie penguins |
When we first arrived at McMurdo in early September, humans were the only animal life above the ice. In the first month, we all flocked to Crary to fondle the invertebrates in the touch tank--a poor substitute for furry things. October rolled around and the Weddell seals beached on the ice in front of Hut Point and Scott Base. We all swooned over them, particularly the adorable pups. In November, the skuas arrived. Meh! Just big seagulls with a predilection for prophylactics.
But now, bliss. Penguins! They've arrived!
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| Picture taken last week outside the main building by friend of Shawn's |
But now, bliss. Penguins! They've arrived!
Penguins have been beloved since the dawn of Antarctic exploration. All the early explorers comment on how amusing the penguins are and how much they enjoy their company.
From Cherry-Garrard:
And from Shackleton:
So sweet. Of course, after delighting in the penguins, they bashed them over the head and ate them. From Priestly (Scott's Terra Nova Expedition)
Since the Antarctic Treaty, dining on penguins or their eggs (another explorer delicacy) is taboo. So we get to just watch them.
Two species of penguins breed on Ross Island--Emperors and Adelies--but it's the Adelies, described in the quotes above, that visit McMurdo. Beginning in December, they strut about on the surrounding sea ice and occasionally stroll among the buildings. Rumor has it that last year, one was determined to enter the fire station, darting through the door every time it opened. At the airfield, they are a bigger nuisance, waddling along the runways, obstructing landings and take-offs. Official penguin shooers flap their arms to shepherd them away from the field. I want that job.
Two days ago, a few Adelies appeared near the base for the first time. At 10:00 PM, just as I got into my PJs, Major Crystal called. Penguins had been sighted at Hut Point! I threw my fleece and cargo pants over my pajamas, tried to rouse sleeping Dean (not possible) and hurried to meet the medical staff by the chapel. We scurried together to Vince's cross, passing other groups going to and from the penguin viewing. From the top of Hut Point, we saw among the napping Weddell seals five penguins, preening, flapping their wings and flopping onto their bellies. Oh so cute. It was well worth the PJ-clad trip. I heard later that eventually 14 penguins put in an appearance.
I've gone down to Hut Point several times this week hoping that more penguins might have arrived only to find nothing there but scattered seals and the beginnings of open water. But below is a video taken by flight surgeon, John, of a sole penguin scurrying away from Hut Point for parts unknown.
From Cherry-Garrard:
And from Shackleton:
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| Explorers playing music for the interested penguins |
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Since the Antarctic Treaty, dining on penguins or their eggs (another explorer delicacy) is taboo. So we get to just watch them.
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| Skua flying off with an Adelie penguin egg. The Adelie adults can hold their own against the skua. They join forces to protect their eggs. But the skuas use stealth to grab eggs when the penguins' attention falters, a flagrant violation of the Antarctic Treaty! |
Two species of penguins breed on Ross Island--Emperors and Adelies--but it's the Adelies, described in the quotes above, that visit McMurdo. Beginning in December, they strut about on the surrounding sea ice and occasionally stroll among the buildings. Rumor has it that last year, one was determined to enter the fire station, darting through the door every time it opened. At the airfield, they are a bigger nuisance, waddling along the runways, obstructing landings and take-offs. Official penguin shooers flap their arms to shepherd them away from the field. I want that job.
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| My best picture of the Adelie penguins surround by Weddells. Would that I had more than just an old iphone. |
I've gone down to Hut Point several times this week hoping that more penguins might have arrived only to find nothing there but scattered seals and the beginnings of open water. But below is a video taken by flight surgeon, John, of a sole penguin scurrying away from Hut Point for parts unknown.
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