Gotland, Sweden
As we bounced our way through the clear waters of the Baltic Sea en route to the wildlife-rich island of Stora Karlso, many of us remarked on the penguins seen flying overhead, busying the morning sky as they commuted between the sea and their nests. Indeed, the illusion of flying penguins was made even more complete once we saw these birds sitting snugly on their nests along the rocky ledges of the local limestone cliffs. The upright stance, the appearance of wearing a dinner jacket, and the smell of ammonia-rich guano were all reminiscent of the more familiar birds that are so often associated with Antarctica. Of course, the birds strafing our boats today weren't really penguins, but such is the similarity between these Guillemots and Razorbills and the true penguins of the Southern Ocean that one could be forgiven for the mistaken identity.
Although these two groups of birds are not related, they have more in common than their refined good looks and impeccable dress sense. In their separate hemispheres (the auks in the North and the penguins in the South), each group occupies the same ecological niche as a colonially nesting bird that feeds on small fish and only comes ashore to breed. Our visit today afforded us with spectacular views of the birds crowded onto the ledges below as we peered down from the top of the island. By nesting on ledges, the Razorbills (pictured) and Guillemots can avoid predators like foxes and weasels, and their tight packing in the little nooks and crannies is also helpful in dissuading aerial attackers, such as gulls. Today was not exclusively about birds – we saw other interesting things like splendid orchids, the medieval town of Visby, and even an excellent Viking museum – but the sight of flying penguins was the most unexpected treat.
As we bounced our way through the clear waters of the Baltic Sea en route to the wildlife-rich island of Stora Karlso, many of us remarked on the penguins seen flying overhead, busying the morning sky as they commuted between the sea and their nests. Indeed, the illusion of flying penguins was made even more complete once we saw these birds sitting snugly on their nests along the rocky ledges of the local limestone cliffs. The upright stance, the appearance of wearing a dinner jacket, and the smell of ammonia-rich guano were all reminiscent of the more familiar birds that are so often associated with Antarctica. Of course, the birds strafing our boats today weren't really penguins, but such is the similarity between these Guillemots and Razorbills and the true penguins of the Southern Ocean that one could be forgiven for the mistaken identity.
Although these two groups of birds are not related, they have more in common than their refined good looks and impeccable dress sense. In their separate hemispheres (the auks in the North and the penguins in the South), each group occupies the same ecological niche as a colonially nesting bird that feeds on small fish and only comes ashore to breed. Our visit today afforded us with spectacular views of the birds crowded onto the ledges below as we peered down from the top of the island. By nesting on ledges, the Razorbills (pictured) and Guillemots can avoid predators like foxes and weasels, and their tight packing in the little nooks and crannies is also helpful in dissuading aerial attackers, such as gulls. Today was not exclusively about birds – we saw other interesting things like splendid orchids, the medieval town of Visby, and even an excellent Viking museum – but the sight of flying penguins was the most unexpected treat.
