29 March 2008: The Magellanic Penguin is the most common and numerous penguin species found in South America. The size of its population is estimated to be a total of 1.5 million couples. 2500 couples can be found in Seno Otway which we visited yesterday, and 62,000 couples can be found on Magdalena Island (85 hectares). Magdalena Island and Martha Island (12 hectares) were declared Natural Monument in 1982.

So we got tickets for the ferry to Magdalena Island and went on 29 March, a Saturday, which luckily for us, was the last day people could visit the uninhabited island, till September. The penguins leave the island between March-April every year towards Atlantic and Pacific coastal waters to feed, so with no penguins around, it is not permitted for people visit the island between April and September.

This double-deck ferry awaited us in Punta Arenas

Taken from the ferry as it left the shore

The ferry captain

 After a 2-2.5 hour ride in the ferry, we were eager and excited to disembark

 At least a hundred other people were also on the ferry to see the penguins

 Monumento Natural Los Pinguinos

Penguin paradise for these Magellanic penguins!

The penguins we saw were the last ones still remaining on the island, and have not yet departed the island for the faraway waters to feed. All the young ones have left, and those remaining were finishing their molting or were trying to fatten themselves more before the voyage. So what we saw was only a fraction of the entire colony.

Penguins guarding their nests

We could only walk along the designated dirt path so as not to disturb the colonies.

Penguins coming onto shore after a swim to find fish. Don’t they look so cute!

Magellanic Penguins are medium-sized penguins which grow to be 70-76 cm (28-30 in) tall and weigh between 3 kg and 6 kg. Each has a pink ring around their eyes.

 Coming in from the sea

 This one peeks out from its cave nest

The rope separates inquisitive humans from the penguins. We are in their territory, so we can’t make any loud noise.

They are monogamous! Magellanic Penguins mate with the same partner year after year. Males reclaim the burrow from the previous year and wait to reconnect with their female partners. The females are able to recognize their mates through their call alone.

 Have I already mentioned they look soooo cute? 

There are only penguins on the island

While we saw more penguins here, we preferred the observation experience in Seno Otway even though there are fewer penguins there. Over here, we were herded along the path in a hurry by the guide (the same guide for everyone), with little time to observe the penguins at a leisurely pace. In Seno Otway, we could wander around at our own pace.

Feeling sleepy?

 During breeding season, two eggs are laid inside the nest

 Molted fur are scattered everywhere

 Leaving the island on the same ferry

A wonderful sight to behold

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