ruffle some feathers

Magdalena Island is a 50-minute ride in a Zodiac boat in pretty rough seas. 

It's a natural monument, which means the Magellanic penguins are protected from natural predators like dogs. 

And also that they are unafraid of humans because there are thousands of them and only one or two boats a time.

Why did the penguin cross the road?

Some of them are curious about us.

Others prefer to sing.

Solos and duets.

La la la la la la!

Penguin chicks hatched 3 weeks ago, and many are guarding nests.

Here's a parent with a chick.

Penguins can live 20 years or longer. They are very attached to their mates.

They have a lot of character.

Some are more sociable.

They have the humans trained too.

A cute couple.

A richer view of the fauna.

Hanging around

Don't they have lovely feathers?

The only other inhabitants of Magdalena Island are seagulls. 

When penguins lie down, they look a little like seals.

10,000 holes in Blackburn, Lancashire...

That's enough!

Just hanging around

Single penguins without nesting responsibilities

This bunch was busy squawking and fighting. "Don't mess with me!" "Yeah!"

"Blah blah blah!"

Others were more solitary.

A different chick, out in the sunlight.

Time to call it a day.

****

One exciting footnote is the island I spotted flying in on Sunday was in fact Magdalena Island. The house in the middle is the lighthouse.