Adult African Penguin and its Chick

[Teton Chuck]

This adult African penguin and its chick were near Capetown in South Africa. The red gland above the eye of the adult functions for thermoregulation. The warmer the ambient temperature the more blood goes to the gland, and the pinker it becomes, and the cooler the bird. A bird version of a car radiator. The spots on the breast of the adult are in a unique location for each individual. The chick has lost nearly all of its down and is very near the plumage of a juvenile.

[Donald]

Photography as a means of education. Thank you, Chuck.

[Geoff F]

Yes, an excellent image.

[Mike Buckley]

Wonderful interaction between the subjects! I never even saw that kind of interaction when I was there, much less photographed it.

[Teton Chuck]

Thank you Donald, Geoff and Mike. One of the problems with this kind of photography is that you have to make the best of the light conditions that exist when your group arrives at a site. I hope my next trip is geared more to photography.

[IzzieK]

I am with Mike...the first thing I saw was the great moment captured between the two of them...that was, after reading your narrative and following what you pointed to at with the birds...Excellent post!

[bnnrcn]

Very nice, thanks for sharing