Blubber, Fur and Feathers

A Weddell seal enjoying the sunshine.

A fur seal taking a scratch break before heading back in the water to eat krill.

An adult Adelie penguin looking scruffy while molting.

Baby Birds

Penguin chicks aren't the only little birds we have around Palmer Station. We have ... 

sheathbill chicks - look how the face is just like mama's (or is it papa?)

The sheathbills are the only birds here without webbed feet. They feed on penguin poop, carcasses and what everelse is lying around. There are about 8 living on station, but only one couple hatched an egg and had a chick. Near station there are also ...

 

southern giant petrel chicks. This downy chick is on its own while the parents feed. Other birds will not go after the chick because if they get close the chick will spit out stomach oil that damages bird feathers. 

 

Southern giant petrel adults. 

Their wingspan can reach up to 7 feet.