January 3, 2024, Wednesday, Marguerite Bay & Red Rock Ridge, Antarctica

We stepped on to the continent of Antarctica this morning to visit an Adélie penguin colony. As we approached the shore the distinct smell of the birds reminded us of previous visits to their nesting habitats. This group has several thousand birds spread across the rocks along the shore. The primary purpose of this colony is for breeding and raising of penguin chicks. We saw a few of the gray feathered chicks huddled under the legs and body of the adults. While we moved amount the boulders, some of the birds followed us to see what strange things we might do on their turf. After spending about an hour and a half observing and taking pictures, we headed back to the ship for lunch.

In the afternoon, we suited up for a zodiac cruise to see what we could find in nearby Neny Fjord. The crabeater seals (miss-named since crabs are not their preferred dietary stable) were prolific on the ice and curious about our means of transportation.

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