Gentoo Penguins, Weddell Island

Gentoo chick calling for its parent, Weddell Island, Falkland Islands

A quick collection of images from the Falkland Islands. Weddell Island is one of the less-visited of the Falkland Islands, functioning as a working sheep farm it none the less was some worthwhile wildlife viewing as well. A short walk from my lodgings got me to a small rocky beach where I spent a few hours observing and photographing penguins (mostly Gentoos) as they made their way in and out of the water.

Gentoos are quite a successful species. Whereas the range for some penguin species has shrunk in recent years, the range for Gentoos has actually extended with them displacing other species in some locations. The exact reasons for these changes can be argued but global warming is often cited as a possible/probable cause. The following images are from the Falklands 2019 image gallery, click on an image to see more. ~KD

A Gentoo Penguin comes ashore, Weddell Island, Falkland Islands.
A Gentoo Penguin comes ashore, Weddell Island, Falkland Islands.
Coming ashore, Weddell Island, Falklands Islands
Coming ashore, Weddell Island, Falklands Islands
Gentoo chick calling for its parent, Weddell Island, Falkland Islands
Gentoo chick calling for its parent, Weddell Island, Falkland Islands
Surfing into the beach, Gentoo Penguins, Weddell Island, Falkland Islands
Surfing into the beach, Gentoo Penguins, Weddell Island, Falkland Islands
Gentoo chick on rocky beach, Wedddell Island.
Gentoo chick on rocky beach, Wedddell Island.
Moulting chick on beach
Moulting chick on beach
Waterspray flying, splashing ashore, Weddell Island.
Water spray flying, splashing ashore, Weddell Island.
Jumping ashore, Gentoo Penguin, Falkland Islands
Jumping ashore, Gentoo Penguin, Falkland Islands
Ashore on a rocky beach, Falkland Islands
Ashore on a rocky beach, Falkland Islands
Splashing ashore, Weddell Island, Falklands Islands
Splashing ashore, Weddell Island, Falklands Islands
Gentoo Penguin on rocky beach, Weddell Island.
Gentoo Penguin on rocky beach, Weddell Island.