Chinstraps along with many other
species of penguins return to the same colony each year and often
settle within a very short distance of the same nest site. The nest
is a very simple affair of a pile of small stones, the main purpose
being to separate it from other nests and to raise it above the
surrounding ground so that melt-water from snow doesn't wet the
eggs or chicks. Small stones are in short supply in the penguin
colonies and so squabbles are commonplace and frequent, particularly
as penguins are experienced kleptomaniacs taking nesting material
from any other nest that is inadequately guarded.
These two chinstrap chicks are
blissfully unaware of the dramas that await them in the not too
distant future.
Photo; © Paul Ward - Pentax equipment,
100mm lens, 35mm film, K64.
This picture may not be copied
or used in any manner without prior written permission.
