PORTO DI MIKKELSEN, Antartide - i pinguini di Gentoo (Pygoscelis papua) nidificano nella zona riparata vicino a un rifugio argentino presso il porto di Mikkelsen sull'isola di Trinity, appena al largo della penisola antartica. La scena combina la fauna selvatica attiva con i resti della storia della caccia alle balene della zona, tra cui vecchi barili, una barca abbandonata e uno scheletro di balena sparso intorno alla capanna.
4813 x 3188 px | 40,8 x 27 cm | 16 x 10,6 inches | 300dpi
Data acquisizione:
14 dicembre 2013
Ubicazione:
Mikkelsen Harbour, Trinity Island, Antarctica Peninsula, Antarctica
Altre informazioni:
Photograph by David Coleman. Mikkelsen Harbour, located on Trinity Island off the Antarctic Peninsula, presents a unique juxtaposition of thriving wildlife and historical remnants. The site features a nesting colony of Gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua) that have found shelter in the lee of an Argentinian refuge hut. This location choice by the penguins demonstrates their adaptability and opportunistic use of human structures for protection against harsh Antarctic elements. The Gentoo penguins, easily identifiable by their white stripe extending across the top of their heads and orange-red bills, typically lay two eggs in nests made of pebbles and small rocks. The refuge hut, likely established for scientific or exploratory purposes, now serves as an unintentional windbreak for the penguin colony. Surrounding the hut are artifacts from the area's whaling era, including old barrels, an abandoned boat, and a whale skeleton. These remnants provide a stark reminder of the historical human activities in Antarctica, particularly the whaling industry that once thrived in these waters. The whale skeleton, in particular, offers a tangible link to the marine ecosystem that supports the penguin population. This site at Mikkelsen Harbour encapsulates the complex relationship between Antarctic wildlife, human exploration, and industrial history. It serves as an important location for studying penguin behavior, monitoring population changes in response to climate variations, and preserving Antarctic heritage. The juxtaposition of nesting penguins with whaling-era artifacts also presents a powerful visual narrative about the changing human relationship with Antarctica, from exploitation to conservation and scientific study.
