Waiting patiently for their next meal.
Chinstrap chicks get fed about once a day on average, with the returning
parent bringing back about 300g of krill. Fishing trips take the adults
around 20-30 kilometers from the colony, though distances of well over 200
kilometers have been recorded. The young remain on the nest, looked after
in turns by each parent until they are large enough to maintain their own
body temperature and can wander around freely. At this point they form a
"creche" with other chinstrap penguin chicks, huddling together
for protection against the worst of the weather and predators. It also
leaves both parents free to go fishing so increasing the food supply for
the rapidly growing chicks.
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.
