naturalrealm

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  1. The Natural Realm

South Georgia Island and the Falklands- in benefit of the South Georgia Heritage Trust

Please note: all proceeds from purchases of prints for this collection are donated to the South Georgia Heritage Trust for rat eradication to protect this important environment!
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    A gentoo penguin rides a wave as a group comes onshore.  Several of his mates can be seen drafting the wave as well.  This appears to be an adaptation for avoiding predators, but it also looks like fun!  Gentoo penguins are among the fastest swimmers of all birds - reaching up to 20 mph as they porpoise.
    It was snowing a half hour before this was taken, and it was snowing a half hour later.  The light came out to find a huddled group of photographers perched on a hillside along with the fur seals in the foreground.  As the breeding season progresses for the southern fur seal, they become as aggressive as a barking dog chasing a bike with photographers.  Tripods became self-defense tools, an ironic moment considering the near-extinction of this wonderful seal.