nest check
Nest #6 - 2025
Banded Bird #76670 – Female
This bird was born in 2017. She returned to the colony for the first time in 2020 at 3 years old, but she only wandered around and did not try to claim a nest. She was not seen again for three years. In 2023, she came back and tried to raise an egg with a mate, but they were unsuccessful. However, last year they successfully raised one chick! Let’s see how they do this year.
The first photo was taken December 22nd, and the nest log started with two chicks.
CONTENT WARNING: The section below contains non-graphic images of deceased chicks. This may be sensitive for some viewers.
In nature, not all chicks survive. Survival depends on many factors such as weather, food supply, and predators. These losses are part of the life cycle and the Antarctic food chain. Even in death, animals play an important role by providing energy and nutrients to other organisms. Learning about these realities helps us better understand how ecosystems function.
Jan 11, 2026
The nest is empty. If both parents survive the winter and return to the colony next season, they will likely try to raise offspring at this nest (or one close to it) again. This is called having high “nest site fidelity” and is common in seabirds.
Jan 12, 2026
The female is back at the empty nest. When she last left, she may have believed her chick was still alive and has now returned with food. She will soon realize the nest has failed and will travel north to molt and prepare for next season. This is the last day we are able to check this nest.
Jan 6, 2026
The female is still here, with only one chick now. A skua must have removed the body of the other chick. Her chick is begging for food, though she has been on the nest a while and may be empty.
Jan 7, 2026
The female is still watching the nest, but her remaining chick appears to have also died. It is unclear what has happened. It is possible that the chicks did not get enough to eat, as the male has yet to return.
Jan 8, 2026
The male is back, but he is too late. The second chick is indeed dead. He must have had trouble finding food in the ocean, as it took him several days to return to the nest. The female has left.
Jan 9, 2026
The male is still at the nest, though it is now empty. Skuas must have come and removed the body of the second chick.
Jan 10, 2026
The nest remains empty. The male, alone, has begun to “EV” (ecstatic vocalization). This behavior is him advertising his territory and his prowess as a male to other penguins, despite his recent failure.
Jan 1, 2026
Happy New Year! The female is back, and the chicks are huddling against her for warmth.
Jan 2, 2026
The female is still on the nest, keeping her two chicks out of the wind.
Jan 3, 2026
The female is still on the nest. Where is the male? It is important that he returns soon to feed the chicks.
Jan 4, 2026
The female remains alone at the nest. She is sheltering the chicks from the gusting wind.
Jan 5, 2026
The female is still on the nest and stretches nervously. One of the chicks appears to be deceased in the nest, though we will check tomorrow to confirm.
Dec 27, 2025
The male is back on the nest. The chicks are growing well.
Dec 28, 2025
The male is still on the nest today, with the chicks tucked under him closely.
Dec 29, 2025
The female has returned from the sea with food for the chicks.
Dec 30, 2025
The female is still on the nest. It is warmer today, so one of the chicks is napping in the sun.
dec 31, 2025
The male is back at the nest. This was a shorter trip to sea than he did previously, so maybe he found plenty of food quickly.
Dec 22, 2025
The male is here sitting on a freshly hatched chick and an egg! He must keep them both warm.
Dec 23, 2025
The second egg hatched. The female is here and is protecting two small chicks now.
Dec 24, 2025
No photos today due to a windstorm.
Dec 25, 2025
The male is back on the nest, keeping the chicks warm and fed.
Dec 26, 2025
The female is back tending the chicks, which are snoozing in the nest.