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.
