Page 132 - 2003 - Atlantic Islands

The long combers kept rolling in on shore and it was another “no brainer” that the

excursion was a “no go.” However, we got good looks through our binoculars in the

warmth of our expensive cabin at the wildlife on shore. King penguins stood all over

the shore and could be seen up the slopes behind the beaches. There were lots of

brown “wooly boolys” (the grown chicks waiting to molt) standing around as well.

And we could see a few elephant seals and seabirds among them too.

It is truly mind-boggling why these awkward little birds want to climb so high above

the shore and then have that terrible trip down and back a couple of times each day.

They look so unsteady on their feet and so tiny as they struggle down the steep

paths, but the earliest birds choose the highest ground. So there must be some

reproductive advantage in that climb.

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