Some colonies are far from the beach, such as on Saunders Island. These three adults are in the process of walking about a kilometer from the sea.
Dolphin Gulls are strikingly handsome birds of the Far South that associate with penguin colonies.
This picture shows how much larger Kings are than Gentoos.
Penguins have very stiff tails.
Gentoos, particularly younger birds, are very curious about people.
The young birds come quite close on their own if you sit and wait.
The birds are simply curious, they're not looking to be fed by humans.
Another closeup.
Preening and feather maintenance are critical to a penguin's health.
Once back at the colony, birds spend a lot of time resting. Molting birds are not waterproof and need to wait for new feathers.
The white around these young birds is a layer of feathers. Colonies are blanketed in down from fledglings and white from molting adults.
This first-year bird has complete plumage and is ready to enter the water.
When walking, Gentoos look like toddlers.
Too charming for words!
You'll see lots of small groups of birds walking around together near a colony.
This young bird is soliciting a meal while a Dolphin Gull looks on.
This young birds is begging in hopes of a meal.
The adult is looking like it may feed the youngster.
Yes, this bird is going to get a feed.
Mmmmm. Fishy.
Penguins have enormous feet.
During the "weaning period", fully feathered young birds chase adults in hopes of a free meal.
This adult has a very late chick.
This group of Gentoos arrived with a group of King Penguins.
After emerging from the water, penguins preen, dry, and rest before walking to their colony.
Gentoos returning from the sea.
Ready to head for home.
Other colonies are closer to the beach. This group of Gentoos at Volunteer Point emerged from the sea about 500 meters away, not from the water next to them.