The Wanderer. Marion 79 Newsletter. December 2022 - January 2023

Abstract

December and January were filled with new life across the island: Poo cookii grass clumps came alive with Brown skua chicks during early December and fur seal pup-weighs took place at both Watertunnel and Cape Davis. Along the coastal regions, Macaroni penguin chicks were starting to put on some weight and the new Rockhopper penguin hatchlings appeared within every nook and cranny. The majority of Wandering Albatross juveniles had left by mid-December (to spend several years at sea) and the first breeding pairs of this majestic species, made their appearance on the plains of Marion Island. It was rather entertaining to watch the nest-building activities of these large pelagic birds. What a sight! In the south, the high cliffs of Rooks Peninsula as well as Grey-headed Ridge came alive with Grey-headed Albatross hatchlings. It is an absolute delight to spend a year on this magical island, having the opportunity to witness the full life cycles of numerous special sub-Antarctic species. What a privilege!