Just like I have mentioned before, Gold Harbour was one of my favorite landings in South Georgia. The Kings here were especially curious and bold and would waddle not more than a few feet or less to you, inspecting you like some detective on a murder case, moving its head from one side to the other. And their eyes were so expressive and emotive. They would sit for many minutes at a time, staring at you all beady eyed. I so wish I knew penguin talk, like the Dog Whisperer but for penguins. “Hey buddy, what’s up? How’s it going? Catch any good fish today? Water chilly?" At that moment, I came to the realization that if I could redo my career path from experiencing and knowing what I know now then, I would in a heartbeat have taken a path that involves something with these magnificent mammals. I am just lucky enough to have experienced this firsthand, all thanks to my passion for photography. Gold Harbour, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands GPS Coordinates: 54°37'3.479" S 35°56'31.313" W
King Penguins breed under some of the harshest conditions and due to their unusually long breeding cycle of 14-16 months in this part of the world, really only get to reproduce twice every 2-3 years. Mating usually starts so chicks are born during the harshest months. This allows mature penguins who leave their parents, to do so in the summer when food is plentiful, allowing for their best chance at survival alone. Visiting in November, we were hitting the tail end of the breeding cycle, that spans from September, with couples who were unsuccessful last cycle starting even earlier. When the egg is laid, both couples take turns incubating it, balancing it on their feet and covering it with a warm layer of feathered skin called a brood pouch, while the other goes out to sea to hunt for fish. About two months later, the chick will hatch and spend another 30-40 days under this pouch for protection. After that period, the chicks are large enough to protect themselves and start curiously exploring their world. Then in light of all that, factor in their baby might not even survive and make it into childhood during that time. Life in South Georgia is so very fragile and so very precious. Gold Harbour, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands GPS Coordinates: 54°37'3.437" S 35°56'31.692" W
This adorable female elephant seal was bobbing her head up and down the whole time I was near her. I think she may have been trying to toss sand on her back, which could be to keep her body temperature comfortable while on land. Each time she kept getting higher and higher, her mouth crept open further. I just waited and timed this shot, at the highest point of her motion, mouth and eyes fully open with wonder, and a pink tongue in all its glory. It was almost like she knew I was wanting to photograph her, so she put on her best show. St. Andrews Bay, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands GPS Coordinates: 54°26'10.979" S 36°11'17.441" W
