Cuverville Island & Gentoo Penguins (2)

While walking, against a rocky slope there was a small patch without snow and, looking carefully, there was most southernmost flowering plant: the Deschampsia Antarctica. Fortunately one of the expedition guides, an avid botanist, had seen it and was standing by to show people. It is trying hard to make a living and is very slow growing.

At the viewpoint a penguin couple was going through a dance, being re-united with each other; but other similar dances were seen too. One penguin was nesting already – an egg had been spotted under it’s tummy. Egg laying takes place between October and November, and we might get to see checks towards the end of November and in December! Egg incubation is about 34 to 37 days.

It was soon time to head back to the ship but guests got interrupted by the penguin highway when trying to cross it to get to the zodiacs, so there was a bit of a delay again. But it was lovely.Read more