Manitoba Falcon Cam Forum

News, Videos & Other Webcams => Other Wildlife Cams => Waterfowl, Seabirds & Penguins => Topic started by: Alison on October 19, 2009, 20:44

Title: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos
Post by: Alison on October 19, 2009, 20:44
This website follows a small colony of Gentoo penguins on an island just off the northern tip of Antarctica. Chile claims sovereignty over the island, named for Chilean hero General Bernardo O'Higgins, and maintains a military base there year-round. Five or six German scientists spend six months a year there.

The first advance party of Gentoos arrived last week, and many more have now joined them. They have started to claim their nest sites, and are walking around in pairs.

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/gentoosoct191a.jpg) (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/gentoosoct1911a.jpg)

The radio telescope is part of a VLBI (Very Long Baseline Interferometry) setup. The ledges which form part of the telescope's base are prized nesting sites.

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/gentoosoct1913a.jpg)

In the pic above, the sea is open water, but only yesterday it was ice:

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/gentoosoct183a.jpg)

http://www.martingrund.de/pinguine/
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2009)
Post by: allikat on October 19, 2009, 21:31
This is so cool!  Thank you so very very much for this link!  I love Penguins!!!  
So Awesome  ;D
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2009)
Post by: Pam on October 19, 2009, 21:47
One day I hope to get to Antarctica to see the penguins, and all the other stuff.....like ice~!
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2009)
Post by: carly on October 20, 2009, 04:59
That is so cool Alison!  Look at them, like little butler pairs  :-* :-*
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2009)
Post by: Alison on October 28, 2009, 19:36
The Gentoos have been dealing with storms for the last while, but are now settling in:

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/gentoosoct286b.jpg) (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/gentoosoct287b.jpg)
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2009)
Post by: birdcamfan on October 28, 2009, 22:49
I guess it's spring in Antarctica. Looks just like spring 2009 in Winnipeg!
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2009)
Post by: Alison on November 16, 2009, 00:02
It's getting crowded around the ledges, as the snow continues to melt. It's good to see so many Gentoos there this year.

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/gentoosnov159b.jpg) (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/gentoosnov156b.jpg)

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/gentoosnov157b.jpg) (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/gentoosnov1524b.jpg)
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2009)
Post by: allikat on November 16, 2009, 09:14
They are sooooo cute!!  I want one  ::)
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2009)
Post by: sami on November 16, 2009, 11:36
Penguins, panda cubs, peregrines - alli, what would your poor cat do if you actually got all the cute little animals you want to have?
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2009)
Post by: allikat on November 16, 2009, 12:19
Quote from: sami on November 16, 2009, 11:36
Penguins, panda cubs, peregrines - alli, what would your poor cat do if you actually got all the cute little animals you want to have?
She would still be my queen and most likely have her very own room all to herself..... ::)
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2009)
Post by: eagle63_1999 on November 16, 2009, 22:32
Next question, where would yu put the penquin, the peregine and the panda. allikat?
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2009)
Post by: allikat on November 17, 2009, 08:51
When there's a will, there's a way!!!
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2009)
Post by: Alison on December 01, 2009, 19:49
Bad news from O'Higgins

From the blog:

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Severe hurricane and its consequences

The hurricane has raged mercilessly among the breeding pairs: a lot of nests were abandoned. It is not expected that there will be a successful second hatching this season. All the more dramatic fall from the balance sheet, considering that there have probably never been so many nests as this year.

The data from the German station shows how highly destructive this weather event was: for more than 10 hours, the mean wind speed was over 150 km/h, about 2 hours even in the range of 200 km. Only the Neststandorte in any wind in combination with the abysmal Bruttrieb/survival will of individual breeding birds had stock. I feel that these are the most severe consequences of a hurricane for the penguins since the webcam first went online. In the foreground area probably only 5 of the former approximately 18 nests survived the hurricane more or less intact. Couples who have lost their eggs, will be back in the early days of course, to their nest - but then just sitting on a stone, dead nothingness. In some cases, could lead to a Nachgelege, as the breeding season had begun for some of the new couples only.
 
This event shows once again, the incredible advantage for hatching of the nests on the concrete base of the radio telescope. The probability of successful breeding is particularly high because of the protection from the wind here!

Please forgive the rough translation from the German.

This is such sad news, after such a good start to the breeding season this year. I have watched this site since the first year it came online, and although I have seen nests lost in storms before, I have never seen anything like this.

The pic below, from the blog, shows the nests which have been lost:

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/nestslost.jpg)

Pics I had saved on November 28:

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/gentoosnov288.jpg) (http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/gentoosnov283.jpg)

Today, there are so few Gentoos on nests:

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/gentoosdec11.jpg) (http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/gentoosdec12.jpg)

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/gentoosdec15.jpg) (http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/gentoosdec111.jpg)
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2009)
Post by: carly on December 01, 2009, 19:54
Oh that is so sad, poor little guys.  What a terrible loss  :'(
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2009)
Post by: allikat on December 01, 2009, 20:00
Not good news at all for the population.  However, I am a firm believer of "everything happens for a reason".  I know that sounds terrible but it's true.
It is such a terrible loss....perhaps that will just make next years breeding season all that better. 
Trying to think positive...
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2009)
Post by: Pam on December 03, 2009, 18:49
Quote from: allikat on December 01, 2009, 20:00
Not good news at all for the population.  However, I am a firm believer of "everything happens for a reason".  I know that sounds terrible but it's true.
It is such a terrible loss....perhaps that will just make next years breeding season all that better. 
Trying to think positive...

Good thinking, Allikat......I'm with you!
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2009)
Post by: Alison on December 29, 2009, 19:50
I think there may be a chick in this photo -- on the ledge, possibly being fed:

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/gentoosdec2916b.jpg)
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2009)
Post by: allikat on December 29, 2009, 20:12
I think you may be right Alison....it certainly looks like the little one in being fed.
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2009)
Post by: eagle63_1999 on December 29, 2009, 20:24
It does seem to indicate that they might have a little mouth to feed :)
Title: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2010)
Post by: Alison on January 09, 2010, 21:22
Several chicks are visible on the ledge in these pics -- I think the penguin in front has two chicks:
(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/gentoosjan95b.jpg) [img width==400]http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/gentoosjan99b.jpg[/img]
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2010)
Post by: The Peregrine Chick on January 12, 2010, 13:16
If you haven't checked out all the cams/cam angles on this one, its well worth doing.  Only patch of dirt you can see and the penguins look like black-and-white fire hydrants waiting for a fire.  Coote (pun not a spelling mistake)
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2010)
Post by: Alison on January 13, 2010, 20:47
The few chicks visible are growing fast:
(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/gentoosjan135b.jpg)

I like the Gentoo standing on tiptoe on top of the ledge in this pic:
(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/gentoosjan1327b.jpg)

A peaceful Antarctic sunset:
(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/gentoosjan1334b.jpg)

One of the chicks on the ledge standing tall to be fed:
(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/gentoosjan131b.jpg)

There are close-up cams on this site, which are usually activated later in the season. I hope they will be activated this year.
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2010)
Post by: Alison on January 18, 2010, 21:13
The chicks are continuing to grow fast.

I like the "twins" to the right of the ledge in this pic:
(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/gentoosjan189b.jpg)

A Snowy Sheathbill wanders hopefully among the Gentoos (centre of pic):
(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/gentoosjan1812b.jpg)

All the penguins on the ledge are facing the same way:
(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/gentoosjan1815b.jpg)

Chicks being cared for on the top level:
(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/gentoosjan1830b.jpg)

Two well fed little chicks on the ledge:
(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/gentoosjan1831b.jpg)
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2010)
Post by: Alison on January 18, 2010, 22:41
This video of a Gentoo isn't new, but I thought I'd post a link for anyone who hasn't seen it before. It's near the top of the page:

http://twinbeaks.blogspot.com/


Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2010)
Post by: bcbird on January 19, 2010, 12:25
Thanks, Alison!  The video is wonderful and so funny.  The Gentoo antics reminded me of the cartoon called PINGU.  
Those were Orcas weren't they?  Fabulous to hear the blowhole noises.
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2010)
Post by: Alison on January 23, 2010, 19:05
Quote from: bcbird on January 19, 2010, 12:25
Thanks, Alison!  The video is wonderful and so funny.  The Gentoo antics reminded me of the cartoon called PINGU.  
Those were Orcas weren't they?  Fabulous to hear the blowhole noises.

Glad you liked the video, bcbird. I really don't know whether those were Orcas . . . when I originally saw this video, I think it was on YouTube and there was no information with it. I believe the people who made the video were from Norway.
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2010)
Post by: Alison on January 23, 2010, 19:10
Today there was a rare visit from the supply ship: I think it is the Oscar Viel.

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/gentoosjan234b.jpg) (http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/gentoosjan236b.jpg)

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/gentoosjan2316b.jpg) (http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/gentoosjan238b.jpg)
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2010)
Post by: Alison on February 01, 2010, 21:47
Not too many Gentoos visible today. I liked the light in this pic:

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/gentoosfeb114b.jpg)

This pic of Gentoos is from the South Georgia Island site, where very few chicks survived last year:

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/Gentoo_colonydec09southgeorgieislan.jpg)
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2010)
Post by: The Peregrine Chick on February 02, 2010, 13:05
Quote from: Alison on February 01, 2010, 21:47
This pic of Gentoos is from the South Georgia Island site, where very few chicks survived last year:

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/Gentoo_colonydec09southgeorgieislan.jpg)

Sure looks like the "village" is going to raise that wee babe ....
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2010)
Post by: Alison on February 24, 2010, 20:28
A somewhat different view -- a couple of the other cams have now been activated:

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/gentoosfeb249b.jpg)
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2010)
Post by: Alison on February 25, 2010, 15:56
A view from one of the close-up cams. I'm glad they have finally been activated.

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/gentoosfeb2514b.jpg)
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2010)
Post by: Alison on February 25, 2010, 18:36
Studying his/her feet:

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/gentoosfeb2526b.jpg)
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2010)
Post by: Alison on February 26, 2010, 17:00
I love close-up cams . . .

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/gentoosfeb2616b.jpg)

The penguin on the left who looks like a sasquatch is a young one going through a moult into adult plumage:

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/gentoosfeb2617b.jpg) (http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/gentoosfeb2620b.jpg)
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2010)
Post by: carly on February 26, 2010, 18:31
Awww...love the little molty one  :-* :-*
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2010)
Post by: bcbird on February 26, 2010, 19:18
Is there a name for a baby penguin?  pengling? or just chick?
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2010)
Post by: Alison on February 26, 2010, 19:34
Quote from: bcbird on February 26, 2010, 19:18
Is there a name for a baby penguin?  pengling? or just chick?

I think just chick . . .
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2010)
Post by: sami on February 27, 2010, 00:15
Though I kinda like pengling...... ;D
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2010)
Post by: Pam on February 27, 2010, 14:55
One day I'm gonna make this trip (Antartica), I swear......
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2010)
Post by: The Peregrine Chick on March 15, 2010, 21:36
nice little birds, love their plumage ...
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2010)
Post by: Alison on March 24, 2010, 21:37
A whole lot of Gentoos:
(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/gentoosmar248.jpg) (http://s1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/?action=view&current=gentoosmar248.jpg)

Moulting is not a comfortable event:
(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/gentoosmar247.jpg) (http://s1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/?action=view&current=gentoosmar247.jpg)  (http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/gentoosmar2422.jpg) (http://s1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/?action=view&current=gentoosmar2422.jpg)

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/gentoosmar2434.jpg) (http://s1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/?action=view&current=gentoosmar2434.jpg)


Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2010)
Post by: Alison on March 25, 2010, 18:57
The Gentoos looked busy today:
(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/gentoosmar257.jpg) (http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/gentoosmar259.jpg)

Lined up on the ledge:
(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/gentoosmar2512.jpg)

Gentoo exercise class?
(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/gentoosmar2519.jpg)
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2010)
Post by: The Peregrine Chick on March 25, 2010, 21:20
Quote from: Alison on March 25, 2010, 18:57
The Gentoos looked busy today:

How the heck can you tell?  :D
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2010)
Post by: allikat on March 25, 2010, 21:24
HAHAHAH

It's hard work to just stand there lookin' cute  ::)
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2010)
Post by: Alison on March 26, 2010, 17:27
Quote from: Alison on March 25, 2010, 18:57
The Gentoos looked busy today:

Quote from: The Peregrine Chick on March 25, 2010, 21:20
How the heck can you tell?  :D

Good question . . . I was watching them for a while.  :) I really like these little guys.

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/gentoosmar263.jpg) (http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/gentoosmar264.jpg)

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/gentoosmar267.jpg)
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2010)
Post by: The Peregrine Chick on March 27, 2010, 12:55
They are little charmers, no doubt about it.
Penguin Zen  :D
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2010)
Post by: Kinderchick on October 19, 2010, 18:17
Does anyone know if this webcam is still working and if so, where would I find the link?  ???  My Kinderchicklets have been learning all about the letter "P" these days and we have been looking at Pandas and Polar Bears but would love to see some Penguins.  :)
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2010)
Post by: carly on October 20, 2010, 06:32
Quote from: Kinderchick on October 19, 2010, 18:17
Does anyone know if this webcam is still working and if so, where would I find the link?  ???  My Kinderchicklets have been learning all about the letter "P" these days and we have been looking at Pandas and Polar Bears but would love to see some Penguins.  :)

There seem to be several cams here as you can see by the right hand column - which is in English - to observe different views.  Here is the link:

http://www.martingrund.de/pinguine/index.htm
Title: Re: Penguins - Antarctica / Gentoos (2010)
Post by: Kinderchick on October 20, 2010, 13:16
Thanks, carly! Tried this link from school and was denied access.  >:( Now I have to submit a "tech request" to the ICT Dept. at my school division Board Office to be granted access. ::) Hopefully, that won't take TOO long! :P Will try it from home this evening. :)