Magellanic Penguins in Argentina

Hello dear friends of Hive, it is a pleasure to write to you. On this occasion, I want to show you some photos from a trip I made a few months ago to the Province of Chubut, during the summer to observe wildlife, specifically Magellanic penguins nesting on the peninsula near Puerto Madryn.

https://images.hive.blog/DQmZ98CxuJZEzTiQnXYFHV92EhEa3hRu3KNsVEf9xqv4Vqu/IMG_0730.JPG

We made the trip in November, when the penguins are already nesting. At the beginning of spring, the males begin to arrive to choose the best nesting areas. Once the nests are ready, the females arrive and courtship begins.

The males seduce the females by presenting them with the nests. These can be holes in the sand, cracks between rocks, under bushes, and under pedestrian bridges in the observation areas.

They are taking turns to take care of the nest, when one is out eating, the second is protecting the egg or the new born.

The main predators are the Patagonian fox, the gray fox, seagulls, pumas and some birds of prey.

Penguins are a protected species in Argentina and their hunting, commercialization, and captivity are prohibited and punishable by law. The nesting areas are also protected areas.

Public transportation does not reach these areas, so you must hire tourist transportation services from Puerto Madryn, Puerto Piramides or Trelaw.

Costs can vary between USD $60 and$100 depending on the quality of the service and the size of the group.

The transportation will pick you up from your accommodation at 7:00 and the tour ends at approximately 16:00 after passing by several sighting sites, a lunchtime dining room and the observation museum at the Punta Tombo Nature Reserve.

Well friends, I hope you enjoyed this post. I send you greetings from Argentina. I will be attentive to your suggestions and comments.

Note: All images belong to me