Gentoo Penguin chick, Falkland Islands

This downy Gentoo Penguin chick makes a heroic effort to withstand a sandstorm sweeping through its colony. It is leaning forward against the gale force wind.

Gentoos seem to choose the most barren, windswept locations in the Falklands for their nest colonies. Perhaps the scouring winds help purge the nests of the parasitic insects that plague the fluffy chicks until they are old enough to enter the ocean. It also cools them from the hot sun on clear days.