Falkland Islands

On the Falkland Islands there are over 300,000 breeding pairs of Gentoo Penguins, about 30% of the planet's population. In short, there's a whole bunch.

The adults are about 30 inches tall and weigh 12 pounds. They live (on average) 8 years

The female lays two eggs in October of the year and both of the dedicated parents take turns sitting on those eggs for 35 days to keep them warm prior to hatching.

After 100 days, the chicks are ready to go to sea, where they eat crustaceans, fish and squid. They don't migrate, and all of them stay in the Falkland Islands throughout the year.

Falkland Islands Photo Page...

With 300,000 Gentoo Penguins in the Falklands they all seem to blur together.


When the adults return from the sea they literally run through the massive rookery looking for their chick.


And when you're as cute as this, no wonder your parents want to find you.


A side view of a smaller chick. In the rookery, feathers are everywhere.


The wind in the Falkland Islands is relentless and very cold, so chicks instinctively put their backs to it.

These are adults Gentoo Penguins. Note the remnants of their nests.


On water's edge the proud parent's watch their chick take the plunge. The water is very cold and he (or she) could be asking, "How hungry am I?"


Chicks will squabble over space, but usually, with no harm done.


This is a fully grown chick, with most of the molting process over. No doubt this one has been to sea to feed many times.


Across the Falkland Islands, Upland Geese are a common sight, even in the penguin areas. This is a male, and they are legally hunted because of their tasty meat. Penguins, however, are protected.

Falkland Islands Photo Page...