MIKKELSEN HARBOUR, Antarctica — Gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua) nest in the sheltered area near an Argentinian refuge hut at Mikkelsen Harbour on Trinity Island, just off the Antarctic Peninsula. The scene combines active wildlife with remnants of the area's whaling history, including old barrels, an abandoned boat, and a whale skeleton scattered around the hut.
Photograph by David Coleman. Mikkelsen Harbour, located on Trinity Island off the Antarctic Peninsula, presents a unique juxtaposition of thriving wildlife and historical remnants. The site features a nesting colony of Gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua) that have found shelter in the lee of an Argentinian refuge hut. This location choice by the penguins demonstrates their adaptability and opportunistic use of human structures for protection against harsh Antarctic elements. The Gentoo penguins, easily identifiable by their white stripe extending across the top of their heads and orange-red bills, typically lay two eggs in nests made of pebbles and small rocks. The refuge hut, likely established for scientific or exploratory purposes, now serves as an unintentional windbreak for the penguin colony. Surrounding the hut are artifacts from the area's whaling era, including old barrels, an abandoned boat, and a whale skeleton. These remnants provide a stark reminder of the historical human activities in Antarctica, particularly the whaling industry that once thrived in these waters. The whale skeleton, in particular, offers a tangible link to the marine ecosystem that supports the penguin population. This site at Mikkelsen Harbour encapsulates the complex relationship between Antarctic wildlife, human exploration, and industrial history. It serves as an important location for studying penguin behavior, monitoring population changes in response to climate variations, and preserving Antarctic heritage. The juxtaposition of nesting penguins with whaling-era artifacts also presents a powerful visual narrative about the changing human relationship with Antarctica, from exploitation to conservation and scientific study.
Size: 4813px × 3188px
Location: Mikkelsen Harbour, Trinity Island, Antarctica Peninsula, Antarctica
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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