Falklands Wildlife 7 King Penguins

The King Penguin can’t run and when they try to, they look as if they have their knickers around their ankles. 

This knicker problem makes them very nervous when they are going into the sea because they are very vulnerable until they are in the water deep enough to swim.  When I was at Volunteer Point I stalked Kings for over an hour hoping to see them going into the sea but gave up in the end.  There were several attempts – one would try it out while the others watched and then they would all panic and totter back up the beach. Unlike the all the other penguins they go to see for a week to 10 days – the other penguins have to go to sea for food every day so taking to the water does become a bit of a drama.

Thinking

Testing

Well?

Maybe

Oh no

Panic

 

Meanwhile the Magellanics behind just get on with it

Preening

pree Head scratching

The trick is you balance your egg at the back of your feet, prop yourself up at the back with your tail and then lift your feet so you are standing on your heels

An egg

Chicks (or aliens?)

 

Another egg – as well as the abandoned one

  Chick/alien asking to be fed

  Miserable moult