|
|
Penguins at play in Seno Otway
|
|
Where It's At
Punta Arenas is home to two of the largest penguin colonies
in southern Chile. Each year from November through to January
the 150,000 strong army of Magellenic penguins, named
after the Magallenes region in which they breed, arrive at
the Seno Otway (Otway Sound) and on Isla Magdalene
on the Chilean coast to meet and mate.
Magellanic Penguins
The Magellanic penguin (sometimes called the Jackass penguin)
is similar in appearance to a typical penguin but is distinguished
by two black bands running along the front surface of its
neck. They are found in a variety of habitats including woodland,
sand dunes, grassy hills and open beach. Their diet consists
mainly of small fish and marine crustaceans and their chief
enemy is the Southern Sea Lion. The Dominican Gull and Giant
Petrel also provide a threat, feeding on the penguins chicks
and eggs.
Penguins of Seno Otway
The tour of the colony is self guided and offers a fascinating
close up view of these unique birds. Most people will know
that penguins are loveable and comical creatures and a visit
to Sena Otway is bound to provide numerous incidents that
will have you laughing out loud. On land, where penguins aren’t
the most graceful of creatures, just watching them waddle
along brings a smile to the face. They can also frequently
be seen to fall flat on their faces when presented with the
smallest of obstacles (whether intentional or not, penguins
have been known to trip each other up!). But the Magellanic
Penguin is more than a pure comedian, the power and agility
they show when entering and exiting the water is in impressive
contrast to their exploits on land.
As innocent as they look and as tame as they are, the penguins
at Sena Otway have been known to attack over-curious visitors
that venture too close. This sight may be amusing to other
onlookers but these types of incidents are obviously worth
avoiding. For this reason it is worth bringing a pair of binoculars
to provide the safest and best view possible. It is also in
an ozone hole area and so sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended
as are food, some water, a hat, gloves and rainproof and windproof
clothing to take into account the unpredictable weather conditions.
Being on the mainland, Sena Otway is easily accessible from
Punta Arenas, about an hour and a half journey by road. Tour
operators in Punta Arenas provide return transportation at
varying prices ranging between $7-12 per person. The entrance
fee to the colony is around $3.50 per person.
|
