World Images: Antarctica’s Wildlife

Adelie Penguins

While I was deployed with the Navy’s Antarctic Development Squadron (VXE-6), I had the occasional opportunity to fly with the squadron’s helicopter detachment… the VXE-6 Ice Pirates.  Some missions involved flying supplies to the various science camps in the Dry Valley’s near McMurdo Station.  After the missions were completed and if time & weather permitted, a landing at the “Ice Edge”, Cape Royds, or Cape Evans provided the chance to see and experience the natural wildlife.  Adelie Penguins were always the most fun to observe… they stand about three feet tall, waddling around their rookery or gliding on the snow with their bellies.  Since rules are in place to not disturb the wildlife, it was always good to take along an assortment of lenses to get some great shots from a distance.  However, sometimes when I would lay on the ground taking pictures… the next thing I know these curious little guys would come close enough for me to get some of the best shots.  One of the highlights in my life was to experience the Antarctic Wildlife in their native environment.  Cameras used… Canon F1, Bronica ETRS, Pentax 6×7 and Nikon/Kodak DCS 410.

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Emperor Penguins

Seen mainly on the “Ice Edge” of the frozen sea ice and occasionally near McMurdo Station itself, the Emperor Penguins were yet another form of Antarctic wildlife to behold.  Standing about four feet tall, they have a majestic presence about them.  To photograph them in their natural environment was yet another rare lifetime opportunity!!!

Whales and Seals

Visits to the “Ice Edge” provided the opportunity to encounter Killer Whales…Live and Up-Close.

There was nothing like standing near the water, then hearing the tranquil silence broken by the deep breath taken in by an Orca just prior to swimming under the very ice I was standing on.  Once in a lifetime indeed!!!  Another place to catch the wildlife of Antarctica are by the “Pressure Ridges” near the New Zealand’s Scott Base.  The ridges are created where the Sea Ice Meets the Permanent Ice Shelf, creating holes and breaks in the ice for seals to pop through, bathe in the sun, or even give birth to their young.

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