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.
