03.05.2009 - Early winter photos

Dusting off the sledges

A tiny unguarded wandering albatross chick

Wandering albatross adults on Wanderer Ridge

Moulting macaroni penguins in Mac Cwm

South Georgia pipit above the base

Dave on a sledge

A male fur seal practices at holding territory in the snow

Evermann Cove and stormy evening skies over South Georgia and La Roche

A grey-headed albatross feeds its chick, Colony A

Grey headed albatross chick on its nest, Colony A

With the departure of the BAS ship, RRS James Clark Ross after resupplying our food stores on April 13th, we go into another long winter on Bird Island. At present, we do not expect another ship visit for six months. There are five on base: myself, Derren and Stacey (the three Zoological Field Assistants), David (technician) and Jose (a squid and predator biologist).

The weather has turned a little wintery in recent days, with some snow showers - and although we don't really expect enough snow for winter sports until June or July, Dave and I have already managed a bit of tobogganing up on the lower slopes of La Roche.

The black-browed albatross chicks have been leaving the island, and the grey-headed chicks won't be far behind. Wandering albatross parents are returning every few days to feed their chicks which have recently been left unguarded, and will remain on the nest throughout the winter.