SATURDAY, MARCH 20, 2009: CUVERVILLE ISLAND & NEKO HARBORWakeup call at 6:30 a.m. Inside the Gerlache Strait, but pretty much snowed in! Snow covered the bow of the ship, and was coming at blizzard force outside. Cuverville Island, a small rocky island, lies in the Errera Channel between Arctowski Peninsula and Ronge Island, just off the western coast of Graham Land. Gentoo Penguins, Southern Giant Petrels, Kelp Gulls, Antarctic Terns, Pale-faced Sheathbills, Brown Skuas, and South Polar Skuas are confirmed breeders. The Gentoo Penguin colony is the largest in the region, with a minimum breeding population of 4, 818 pairs in 1994.
A new plan was made to land on Cuverville Island, keeping the ship in the lee of the winds. This was our wettest and coldest Zodiac landing of the trip. Very wet snow pelted our eyes, and gusts of wind almost knocked us over on shore. Beautiful snow algae lined the snow cliffs. About 1000 Gentoo Penguins were about, along with a few downy chicks, who would soon become food for the Brown Skua fledglings. Molting adults frequently ate bits of snow. Circular piles of rocks, some containing a tail feather or two, or perhaps, a bone indicated the remains of this season's nest sites. A few giant petrels patrolled the shoreline, as well. Today, winter appears to be imminent. Back on board by 11:30 a.m., we repositioned the ship to Neko Harbor. Plagued by fog, we were not able witness the spectacular scenery.
DEBRA SHEARWATER
831/637-8527
PO Box 190, Hollister, CA 95024
Antarctica, South Georgia, & The Falkland Islands: January 5-24, 2010
Exclusive charter with Debra Shearwater
Only 3 cabins available
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