ANTARTICA AT LAST

A long held ambition was finally achieved when we set foot on Danko Island to be greeted by the first of many many Gentoo Penguins,they were completely unphased by our presence and continued their comical walk from the sea to the colony high above the rocky shore.

 GENTOO PENGUINS

 THE PREEN GLAND THAT KEEPS THE PENGUINS WATERPROOF

They were not the only birds on the island ,the skuas were equally unperturbed by human presence .

SOUTH POLAR SKUA

KELP GULLS

ANTARTIC IMPERIAL SHAG

PLANCIUS
Back on board and more fin whales were seen

Neko Harbour was the landing point for the afternoon with lots more Gentoos.

 This nest appears to have an unhatched egg in it.

This was a very noisery "rookery"with lots of well developed youngsters,the adults raise their heads to the vertical and bray  like a donkey to greet a returning partner or warn a trespassing neighbour that comes too close.

 A VERY CONTENTED LOOKING CRAB EATER SEAL

 SKUAS AND TERNS FLYING BY.

 ANTARTIC TERN

 GIANT PETREL

S