Antarctica Wanderings — The Kings of Gold Harbor
It was in the mid 30s with overcast skies and 35mph winds as we popped out of the zodiac into the surf and onto the black sand beach of Gold Harbor (South Georgia Island). Well before we landed the air was filled with the sweet smell of Penguin guano and the sounds of trumpeting adults and whistling chicks. On the beach we were immediately surrounded by King Penguins as we put our backs to the wind filled with a stream of driving light rain, sleet and snow. As we took off our life-jackets we had to be careful where we walked since we were in Penguin land with a constant stream of regal King Penguins wandering about as they entered to exited the sea.
King Penguins are the second largest (after Emperor Penguins) of the Penguins weighing in at 30 lbs and 3 feet tall and here on Gold Harbor is a breeding colony of approximately 50,000 animals. We arrived in time for molting season as last year’s chicks started loosing their fluffy baby feathers and some adults were taking on a new coats. For about 5 hours this morning we wandered the beach and around the colony taking in the amazing sights and sounds as thousands of Penguins went about their business largely ignoring our presence although some would be very curious coming up close to check us out. Having landed on Gold Harbor probably a half a dozen times in the past in spite of the weather today’s visit did not disappoint.
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Video by: Bill Klipp
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