Image courtesy of Jean Pennycook

From: Jean Pennycook
Cape Royds, December 12, 2006

Proud Parents

At long last the moment we have been waiting for, the first Adelie chick of the season. We have been scanning nest sites for broken egg shells, evidence that a chick has hatched. On Dec 12, 2006 we sighted one and settled down to watch and wait. Twenty minutes later we were rewarded with this sight, the proud parent showing off the results of her nesting skills and patience. This chick has a very light downy covering which is no match against the cold Antarctic winds (today�s temperature is -1�C) so it will spend the next 3 weeks in its parents incubation pouches to keep warm. For the parents, rest time is over, now the real work of providing enough food for all three (two parents and the chick) begins.

Do you see the second egg? It is still un-hatched under the parent. We will check back in a couple of days to see if there is to be a second chick.

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Postcards from the Field: Antarctica

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