Boulder Beach Penguins
Theresa May 4th, 2009
Though most people associate penguins with Antarctica and other cold, icy landscapes, our experiences with penguins have been in places that are not only not snowy but are, in fact, downright hot. Most recently we visited the penguins of Boulder Beach, South Africa, just down the peninsula from Cape Town. On this beach, thousands of African penguins, also known as jackass penguins for their characteristic braying sound, live. we were fortunate enough to visit during their molting and breeding season, which meant that the majority of the penguins were up on land rather than hunting for food out at sea. With boardwalks that lead right through their habitat and with a few of the penguins venturing out of protected territory and right onto the bathing beaches, we were able to get an upclose look at penguin life.
Casting a shadow on the boulders for which the beach is named.
A little self admiration.
Contemplating life.
Venturing outside the bounds…and wondering how the heck to get back in.
Hoping that there is safety in numbers.
But sometimes losing the battle to the gulls.
Penguin father settling in to keep the eggs warm immediately after his partner laid them.
Sharing nest space with the kiddos.
Strutting their stuff on the white sands.
You went during breeding season and there are no tales of steamy penguin sex? If you could see the disappointment on my face.