Oiled Penguin on Nightingale Island Photograph by Andrew Evans, National GeographicOil patches cover a northern rockhopper penguin on March 23, a week after a cargo vessel slammed into Nightingale Island in the South Atlantic, initiating a roughly 1,500-ton of fuel-oil spill, according to the U.K.-based Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. The island, part of the British territory of Tristan da Cunha (see map), is home to 200,000 northern rockhopper penguins, half the world’s population. The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the bird as endangered, due to its mysteriously rapid decline in the past three decades.
King Penguins in Moonlight Photograph by Stefano UnterthinerAs sure as moonrise over Possession Island, king penguins gather each year for “ecstatic display.” Puffing their chests, lifting their heads, and belting out calls, birds of both sexes advertise themselves. Before long, pairs form and join a crowd, and breeding season is on. Download Wallpaper (1600 x 1200 pixels)
King Penguins Swimming Photograph by Stefano UnterthinerA feeding party streams back to shore after several days at sea. Their orange markings, long, slender bills, and hefty, three-foot-long bodies distinguish them as king penguins. With bellies full of small fish, they will regurgitate a portion for waiting chicks. Download Wallpaper (1600 x 1200 pixels)
King Penguins, Falkland Islands Photograph by Gavin Emmons This Month in Photo of the Day: Animal PhotosThese king penguins were part of a breeding colony photographed in the Falkland Islands, their spectacular coloration on full display. I liked the intimacy portrayed between an adult male and female in the moment. Download Wallpaper (1600 x 1200 pixels)