Runners
December 26, 2008
This post is dedicated to wily penguins.
As chicks are getting bigger and older, parents are less reserved about leaving them alone, which means, when we have to catch a penguin to retrieve its satellite tag, it is more apt to run away from you. Those ones are the runners, and I battled wits with one today. For the first time, I couldn’t get close enough to pick the bird up, and had to fetch a net (like a huge butterfly net) for the chase. Slowly and deliberately, I worked up as close as I could to the bird, but, just as deliberately, it edged away, keeping just enough distance. When I’d snaked it out into an open area, it was time to strike.
In short order, I was sprinting all-out after the penguin, who was tearing just as fast away across the loose lava rocks. Just as I thought it would make a break downhill, gaining the advantage, I lucked out: the penguin stumbled over a rock, which was all the pause I needed to snare it, remove the tag, and send it on its way. What’s the penguin version of a cowboy? Penguinboy? Hm. Doesn’t sound quite as romantic…
Penguins Diving From Shore
6 Responses to 'Runners'
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Great shot and obviously a great snare. You must have been a bit warm inside your gear after that adrenaline rush!
Arija
27 Dec 08 at 5:07 am
I wonder if penguins blog? They would certainly have some interesting stories to share during your time of residence in their guest room!
ZHL
27 Dec 08 at 6:07 am
You can’t be Penguinboy, you are Birdboy remember? If you want to catch a Penguin, you should think like a Penguin. ::smile:: I guess it’s wobbly time. If you think about it, Penguin’s walk is not much different than a toddler’s walk….hmmmm
fluffy cloud
27 Dec 08 at 10:08 am
Hi! Have another interview for you (with photo credits for you also) but emails bounce back. Can you contact me asap? Thanks – happy boxing day too.
Elaine
27 Dec 08 at 11:51 am
What a great picture! It reminds me of people Base Jumping with wingsuits-the guys in back are like….hey check it out! That’s a good one!
~Sarah
Sarah
27 Dec 08 at 11:57 am
That would be penguin wrangler, I do believe. I have been doing CBCs for the first time ever and am catching up with what’s happening way down under. Always a delight! Stay safe.
Jan, Richmond VA
28 Dec 08 at 5:06 pm