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While studying natural geography with a community college group in 2005 I had the pleasure of viewing several species of the tuxedo clad birds land on a beach in New Zealand.
Through the quickly fading winter light I saw them riding in, wave upon wave waddling from the water like a well orchestrated battle battalion, returning home to hungry chicks and family dinners of fresh fish.

From our perch on a cliff over-looking the pebble lined beach, one little guy caught everyones attention as he jumped in and out of the waves. Our guide said he was either being chased by a predator or he was entertaining us. Fortunately it turned out to be the latter and we all clapped and cheered when he made it safely to shore.
Making our way down the cliff, following a path that took us past the rookery of wooden breeding huts we ended up in camouflaged blinds on the beach where we could see the beautiful creatures up close. Flash photography was not allowed so the memories are etched permanently in my mind.
Suddenly, over our heads, came the pattering sounds of penguin feet as they crossed the blind by way of a bridge that was built into the structure. Some of them had heavier foot falls than others.
Looking once again toward the ocean, I found myself staring into the eyes of a young penguin who was apparently just as curious about his observers as we were with him. It was a beautiful encounter and I felt a connection with the critter.
As darkness was falling fast, our group headed back up the path where we discovered a couple of amorous penguins that stood about three feet high blocking our way to the top. They seemed down-right cranky at our intrusion but eventually waddled ahead of us and ducked into an enclosure together.

Learn more about this author, Shirley Gooding.
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