King Penguin with egg, Falkland Islands

King Penguin with egg

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King Penguin with egg
Volunteer Point, Falkland Islands   –   January 18, 2013
— Ralph Paonessa
Canon EOS 7D   *   EF500mm f/4L IS USM   *   ISO 160   *   1/1250 sec @ f/5.6

King Penguins incubate their single egg for 55 days, keeping it warm between their feet and a featherless area called a brood patch.

The adults take turns caring for the egg, and switch places ever 1-3 weeks, in a delicate dance. If the egg falls to the ground, they abandon it.

Photo ID: 20130118-3794