tiabunna's photos

In case you're wondering, those strange brown creatures with the King Penguins are their chicks!

Not far from the partying Royals, the Kings were being far more dignified. The quieter conditions were relaxing for some elephant seals to have a nap, while a Giant Petrel also rests (see note). At Sandy Bay, Macquarie Island.

After pecking at my boot and leg, this Royal Penguin kindly posed for a standard portrait, pretty much looking as it did earlier. Then it moved a step or two closer and, for a few wildly exciting moments, I fully expected it was about to take a peck at my lens ..... thankfully it resisted the urge! :)

I suspect I should spend more time with here a camera. :)

Tilba is a former dairying village in southern NSW, which recently has found new life through tourism. The buildings date from around 1900 and feature fences representative of their original style. Happy Fence Friday!

Antarctic tour operators warn tourists not to approach closer than five metres to wildlife, to avoid disturbance. But nobody has told the penguins about that rule and, besides, they cannot count! So, with the Royal Penguins at Macquarie Island, it is simply a matter of remaining stationary and they will come to investigate. :) By way of further detail, that is my leg and boot being tested. Other photos in notes above. Sadly, human interaction with the penguins was not always so enlightened (see third note - caution, may be distressing)

Antarctic tour operators warn tourists not to approach closer than five metres to wildlife, to avoid disturbance. But nobody has told the penguins about that rule and, besides, they cannot count! So, with the Royal Penguins at Macquarie Island, it is simply a matter of remaining stationary and they will come to investigate. :) Other photos in notes above. Sadly, human interaction with the penguins was not always so enlightened (see third note - caution, may be distressing)

The breeding colony of the Royal Penguins, a hundred or so metres inland from Sandy Bay. Parks Tasmania have constructed a walkway for tourists (this is the only place on the island, apart from the station area, where tourists are permitted). Note especially the tremendous devastation of dead and dying vegetation as a result of the massive rabbit infestation at that time (Dec 2005).

This little creek, at Sandy Bay on Macquarie Island, is the main access route between the beach and the breeding colony a little inland. There is a busy and constant two way traffic, interrupted sometimes by arguments over who infringed the traffic rules!