Saint Andrew’s Bay

Saint Andrew’s Bay

Saint Andrews Bay is a 3.2 km wide bay that cuts into the north coast of South Georgia just south of Mount Skittle. King Penguins form huge breeding colonies in Saint Andrews Bay. There are over 150,000 birds in this colony and it is believed to be the largest in the world. The colonies are constantly occupied due to the long breeding cycle. This remarkable phenomenon is a testament to the unique characteristics of the King Penguin species. The breeding cycle of these birds is a complex and intricate process, involving a series of carefully orchestrated stages. The process begins with the arrival of the adult penguins at the breeding grounds in November, where they form large colonies on the coastal plains. The males take on the responsibility of incubating the eggs, balancing them on their feet and keeping them warm under a fold of skin. During this time, the females venture out to sea to feed, building up their energy reserves for the chick-rearing period. As the breeding season progresses, the females return to the colony, and the males are relieved of their incubation duties. The females then take over the task of brooding the chicks, while the males head out to sea to replenish their energy reserves. The colony stretches as far as the eye can see, with penguins packed tightly together, their distinctive calls filling the air. Despite the harsh Antarctic climate, the King Penguins have adapted to thrive in this environment. Their distinctive black and white feathers provide perfect camouflage in the sea and on the ice, while their streamlined bodies and powerful flippers enable them to swim with incredible agility and speed.