Zavodovski IslandThe noise is deafening, the smell overpowering, but at least they are all smartly d
Zavodovski IslandThe noise is deafening, the smell overpowering, but at least they are all smartly dressed. This is one of the world’s largest gatherings of penguins, and it takes place on a tiny island 1100 miles (1800km) east of the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula.Zavodovski Island, one of the South Sandwich Islands, is dominated by the volcanic cone of Mount Asphyxia. The island measures hardly 4 miles (6km) across, yet each spring millions of pairs of chinstrap penguins arrive there to nest in the volcanic ash. The thigh-high birds, named for the black band under their chins, are joined by yellow-plumed macaroni penguins.Chinstrap penguins seem to be increasing in numbers. Their main food, the shrimp-like krill, is in lavish supply. Baleen whales, which also eat krill, are declining in numbers, and the penguins may be multiplying on the surplus.~ JMPhoto credit: http://bit.ly/1jHcxpzMore Info:South Sandwich Island: http://bit.ly/1NyTkCMZavodovski Island: http://bit.ly/1XLyK8EYouTube Video of the penguins: http://bit.ly/1IN9umy (you may want to decrease the volume for this one guys!)Spot David Attenborough!! Video: http://bit.ly/1jHdgHl -- source link
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#nature#landscape#penguin#zavodovski island#geology#mount asphyxia#volcano#chinstrap penguins#krill#whales#antarctica#antarctic peninsula#science