Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Humboldt Penguins at the Columbus Zoo

The Humboldt penguin is a bird of the spheniscus genus, found in South America. Its name is derived from the German explorer Alexander Von Humboldt, who explored the area in which the penguins are found in the 18th and 19th century.
On the day we visited the zoo these little guys were all out sunning themselves instead of in the water. The birds are known to "fly" underwater by using their wings much like flippers, steering themselves with their feet and tail. When doing this, these penguins can reach speeds of 20 miles per hour. Humboldts also are waterproof, with their stiff feathers acting as a protective barrier against the water. Also, when feeding, these birds swallow their food whole, without chewing.
This was the only little guy with wet feathers.
 'Maybe nobody will notice if I close my eyes just for a minute.'
'Uh-oh, she caught me!
Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday.

36 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

they're adorable!

eileeninmd said...

Carletta, what a cool looking bird. I love the penquins, your photos are wonderful.

Unknown said...

They're beautiful!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Phil Slade said...

They are just beautiful close-ups Carletta which I think really capture the birds character.

HansHB said...

Such a nice serie of photos!

Anni said...

Marvelous Carletta!!! That very first photo is like its watching me...very closely!!!!

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Carletta: What fun shots from the zoo. Nicely captured and posted.

mick said...

Great photos of interesting birds.

EG CameraGirl said...

So cute! They look cuddly...but I'm sure they aren't. ;)

Colin (HB) said...

Penguins are just so fascinating.
Great to see in zoos, but far more exciting in their natural sea environment.
There are "colonies" of "fairy penguins" around Sydney harbour.
You can watch them from the pier, ferry terminal and the sailing club deck at Manly. They whiz around after their food - small fish. And boy oh boy can't they move fast. There are very prominent signs up to tell people not to feed them - BUT!!! Some people can't read.
Great blog and your Humboldt penguins sure look great.
Cheers
Colin (Brisbane.Australia)

Linda said...

So cute - you got some great photos!

Red said...

Awesome dudes! Super photos.

ZielonaMila said...

Wonderful photographs, I like to admire such views. I am greeting

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

These are unusual penguins. Must have been fun watching them.

Vores have said...

Nice picture of some cute penguins.
Hanne Bente

Stewart M said...

Splendid little birds - I've not seen these in the wild or in captivity.

We are lucky enough to have penguin colonies along the south coast near us - they are great birds to watch!

Thanks for linking to WBW.

Stewart M - AUstralia

kayerj said...

he seemed to pose for you nicely--fun post today.

judi/Gmj said...

Well, how cool is that?

They seem to have feathers on their beaks!!

Was a Grandchild with you??

I love taking Grands to the zoo.
It wears the calluses off my heart.

Danielle said...

Oh so cute!! I meant to respond to your comment on my art journal blog sooner....being a scrapper it was difficult on my first few pages to go from 'perfect' to 'messy'...however, it is becoming easier ;)

Gattina said...

Adorable pictures ! They have such cute faces !

Pat said...

These are fantastic captures! They are so cute.

Les fous du cap said...

Beautiful birds ;-)
Céline & Philippe

Robyn said...

WOW, look at the beak in your first picture. I could sit and watch them for hours.

When we went to the Henry Doorly Zoo we got to pet a penguin. I was surprised at how soft they are.

Rose said...

Great shooting...and nice facts to go with.

Elizabeth Edwards said...

so cute. awww!! (:

jeanlivingsimple said...

So cool...very cool!:)

diane b said...

Great shots and info on the Humboldt Penguin. I see they have dots on their chest.

Gail Dixon said...

Fascinating creatures! Beautiful photos, too. :)

A Creative Grace said...

Oh! These little guys are adorable and you caught some great shots of them :)

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

They are just adorable! I love the sleepy baby!

NatureFootstep said...

wow, that is something you don´t see every day. Adorable and you got such great shots. Thanks for sharing. :)

jeanlivingsimple said...

I Love,love,love your endearing captures!

A Colorful World said...

Awwwww...they are adorable!

Kranky Granny said...

I have never seen these cuties before. Thanks for taking me along on your armchair tour at the zoo.

Becky said...

I love Penguins, and these are just the "cats meow" I even have a small collection I bring out at Christmas. You got beautiful clear shots Carletta.

Connie Smiley said...

Just darling! Love that shot with the eyes shut tight.