As we start in the south Shetland islands, we also start in a place – Yankee Harbor – where the Gentoo penguin colony is quiet far along its yearly cycle – chicks are already creching, there are tons of molting penguins, many fur seals on the beach, a leopard seal chilling on a small iceberg, and two elephant seals molting on the beach – what a way to start the trip! Well, we started the first day of the trip by going to Carlini Station for a visit – are Argentine station where much underwater biological research is happening. they are also located in an amazing place with a view of a great nunatuk – (go check out google for what it is!!!!) plus when we arrived there was fresh snow, so everything had a coating of white.
back to Yankee Harbor – our time ashore has been filled with wildlife watching – non-stop action. Lots of parents are now making their chicks work for their food (ie regurgitated krill). The parent penguins will run and make their chicks chase, to start making the chicks work a bit for eating. There are a few s\parents still sitting on their nest – they must have had some late eggs. It’s a bit sad as the chances of those chicks making it are low – they are just too far behind their buddies. Fur seals – active and aggressive, so we keep a safe distance, but their activity makes them exciting to watch. We had a windy day yesterday, but the direction of the wind kept the clouds at bay, so we had incredible blue skies with glaciated mountains in the back drop. Our trip has only begun – but its been so full of wildlife already!
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– Laura
