"Fairy Penguins."
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I had the pleasure of viewing a group of very cute Fairy Penguins when I visited Dolphin Marine Magic at Coffs Harbour in New South Wales and I was utterly captivated by them. Of the 17 different species of penguins available, Fairy Penguins are the smallest. They are also referred to as, 'The Little Penguins.'
All penguins live in southern seas and oceans. They breed in colonies along the southern coastlines of Australia and New Zealand and Philip Island in Victoria is home to an estimated 32,000 breeding adults. Cool currents extend as far as the Galapagos Islands where penguins can also survive. Their feathers keep them warm in cold waters and their webbed feet assist them to swim. They dive to catch fish but swim on the surface of the sea as they need air to breath.
Penguins nest between the months of July and November after digging burrows in the ground or sheltering between rocks. They lay two white eggs and both parents share in keeping the eggs warm until they hatch. Mum and Dad penguins get involved with feeding their chicks also.
Penguin chicks develop adult feathers by the time they are eight weeks old and this is when they are able to swim out to sea. Their biggest threat in the oceans are sharks, seals and killer whales and unfortunately they will starve if the number of fish they prefer to eat are not available.
Little Penguins (Eudyptula Minor) grow to about 33cm tall and weigh approximately one kilogram with males weighing a little more than the females. They spend 80% of their lives at sea swimming and foraging for food. They return to land at sunset every day.
Other factors that have effected Penguins in recent years is the human element, such as over exploitation of marine ecosystems, oil spills, marine population and climate change. The more we know about these beautiful birds the better equipped we will be to protect them.
The little Penguins are characterized by their blue and white feathers as opposed to black and white, like other penguins. The countershading effect blends with the water which helps to camouflage the penguins against flying predators and the light coloured feathers of their stomach blends with the sky to camouflage against predators beneath the waters.
This is my entry for the Daily Photography Contest curated and sponsored by @juliank and @photocontests. Theme: Animal Photography.
Check out Julian's other challenges.
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They are so cute and chubby. I just loved seeing them today.
Many thanks for your kind support @sunscape Glad you enjoyed viewing these cute penguins.
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They look beautiful. I've never seen them. Wish i could someday.
I hope you get to see them one day too @punkblogs They are very cute.
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Aren’t they the sweetest little penguins. Love looking at them.
They really are @redheadpei One of them was not at all interested in food and spent the whole time I was there swimming in the pool having a wonderful time. Unfortunately, those photos didn't turn out very well.
They are so cute. I like that random seagull in there too.
They are just the cutest little birds.......and that seagull was very patient waiting for a random fish to be thrown his way. Not sure if he got any though.
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It is something we don't see to offend the colors are beautiful and they are so adorable !!
Thank you very much @bigsambucca
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Lovely photography, cute bird!🐧
Happy day my friend!
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