Return to the penguins!

King Penguins (Macquarie Island Isthmus)

My book Every Penguin in the World: A Quest to See Them All was published five years ago—exactly as Covid shut everything down.  It’s been a joy sharing the book, and the love of penguins, through lots of Zoom talks and some in-person presentations.  Thanks to everyone for caring about penguins.

King Penguins Strolling (Macquarie Island)

It’s also been five years since my wife Susan and I were able to see wild penguins.  How we missed them!  So last December, we returned to New Zealand and its spectacular sub-Antarctic islands.  I was moved by how some things have not changed, how some big changes are happening to penguins, and how I am not the same as I once was.

Royal Penguin Portrait (Macquarie Island)

The penguins did not disappoint.  On Macquarie Island, for example, Susan and I reveled amid the Royal penguins—perhaps the friendliest penguin species.  They gathered around us, as they returned from the sea, eager to come close and look us over.  Snares crested penguins rollicked in the wild seas, letting big waves crash over them and sweep them away.  It’s always fun to see elephant seals with their bubblegum pink mouths.

Elephant Seals Female (Macquarie Island)

There are sobering changes, as well.  The big one: A deadly strain of bird flu has spread to Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic.  It’s been found now in penguins everywhere but New Zealand and Australia.  Researchers say Antarctica could be sliding toward a crisis.  It is changing the ways we can experience penguins.  No sitting or kneeling on shore, no setting backpacks or camera packs on the ground, no close approaches to penguins, plus mandatory antiseptic washes for boots before and after every landing—and other strict measures.  These safety precautions are essential to safeguard bird life.

Snares Crested Penguin (Snares Islands)

And me?  Well, I’m five years older—and more grateful than ever for every penguin in the world.  And the privilege of seeing them all.  You can enjoy beautiful penguin photos on my website at Photographer | Charles Bergman.

P.S. A million thanks to Heritage Expeditions for another superb trip last December!  

All photos are copyright Charles Bergman