Penguin City

Well, it was, at least a few weeks ago, when 160,000 pairs of Magellanic penguins crammed into every square inch of Isla Magdalena. Now, it’s just the stragglers that are left. A bit like me, really. Always late. Still, they’re a wonderful sight to see, staggering around in the high winds like drunkards dressed up for a ball. Or making a few last minute home improvements to their nests. Or plopping into the water and bobbing away amongst the crashing waves.

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Where did the monkey did everyone go?

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Please, sir, which way to Brazil?

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Last one in is a rotten egg!

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During the peak season, it’s like Piccadilly Circus. At this time of the year, there’s oodles of room to laze around.

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Magellanic Penguins are monogamous creatures.

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After their migration, the male even returns to the previous year’s borrow and waits for his partner…

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… who recognises him through his call.

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Unlike the Brobdingnagian Emperors, who also frequent southern Patagonia, the Magellanics are more Lilliputian in stature.

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They’re around 60cm tall – half that of the Emperors.

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I can fly! Not much chance of that, I’m afraid, despite the gale force winds. But stubby penguin wings do work perfectly underwater.

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Which is just as well, as it’s sea views in all directions. This little chip of land lies in the Straight of Magellan, 32km from Punta Arenas. Ferry’s ply the route daily with tourists – this was the last trip of the season.

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See you next year.

6 thoughts on “Penguin City

  1. Oliver

    Oh dear, some adorable little fellows indeed! 🙂 I assume there was a big grin on your face and your heart must have been squealing with joy, huh!? 🙂 Marvellous!

    Reply

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