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Penguin Day
"The penguin's like a funny bird
With feathers sleek and black and white.
He waddles awkward on the ice,
But in the water—oh, what might!
He dives and swims with perfect grace,
A sea-bound bird of ice and snow.
A tuxedoed dancer of the sea,
The penguin steals the show!"
~ The Pengin, Ogden Nash, 1934
Go Penguins! There are at least two tartans that celebrate the popular penguin, both tied to Antarctica! Edward Bransfield (1785-1852) an Irish Antarctic explorer, was the first to land on and claim King George Island for the British Crown. He is also credited by many as the first to discover the Antarctic Peninsula. Several landmarks in Antarctica are named in his honor, including Bransfield Strait, Bransfield Island, and Bransfield Mount. The colors in the tartan inspired by these regions reflect their unique features: white for ice and clouds, dark blue for the Antarctic Ocean, light blue for icebergs, black for volcanic rock and penguins, green for algae and moss, orange for lichen and penguins, and red for the vibrant penguin rookeries. 💙 🤍 ❤️ 🧡 💛 💚 🇦🇶 🐧 🐧 🐧
This tartan was designed by Gael Mueller.
Antarctica is home to a variety of penguin species, each uniquely adapted to thrive in the frigid climate and icy waters of the Southern Ocean. The emperor penguin is the largest of all penguin species, standing up to four feet tall and weighing as much as 90 pounds. Renowned for their endurance, emperor penguins are the only penguin species to breed during the Antarctic winter, with males incubating eggs on their feet under a flap of skin called a brood pouch while enduring months of fasting and extreme cold.
The Adélie penguin, smaller and more agile, is one of the most widespread species in Antarctica. Recognized by their white-ringed eyes and bold black-and-white plumage, they gather in large colonies along the rocky shores to nest and raise their chicks during the brief Antarctic summer. These industrious birds are exceptional swimmers, diving to impressive depths to catch krill, fish, and squid.
The chinstrap penguin is named for the thin black line under its chin, giving it the appearance of wearing a helmet strap. These energetic birds are highly social and known for their loud, braying calls, often nesting on steep, rocky cliffs to avoid predators.
The gentoo penguin is easily identified by its bright orange bill and white stripe that arches over the top of its head. Gentoos are among the fastest swimmers in the penguin family, reaching speeds of up to 22 miles per hour as they hunt in the nutrient-rich waters.
While these four species are the most prominent in Antarctica, other penguins, like the king penguin, occasionally venture to sub-Antarctic islands nearby. Together, these species embody the resilience and adaptability of life in the coldest place on Earth. Each plays a vital role in the delicate Antarctic ecosystem, serving as both predator and prey in this icy wilderness.
For more on Edward Bramsfield, click the Adélie penguin.