Boulders Beach, SimonstownSo, we've done whales... now it's time to waltz with penguins...
The Boulders Beach penguin colony was formed in about 1983 and is now home to some 3000 (or more) African Penguins. The penguins were formally known as Jackass Penguins because they bray - loudly - just like donkeys. This time of year is the moulting season and the penguins, having gone on a massive feeding frenzy in the preceding months, come ashore to moult. During this time they're particularly vulnerable. They can't go into the sea to feed and have to conserve energy. So, what you see is a lot of penguins lolling about looking decidedly scrappy and scruffy - and lethargic!
Conserving energy on a sunny rock
Click to enlarge images above and below to read more about penguins and moulting
Hanging about, all a-moult...A wooden boardwalk leads visitors down to the rocks and onto the beach. The beach and rocks themselves are not accessible, so as to give the penguins some space and peace. However, when not moulting, the penguins can be found everywhere, on the beach, on the rocks and in the neighbouring gardens - and they can get decidedly territorial! It goes without saying the penguins make a lot of mess and dig deep hollows for nesting. Not really the sort of bird you'd want in your garden... (about as bad as guinea fowl really....)
Early moult and late moult. The penguin in the front is pretty much in his new feathers. The one in the rear of the image is decidedly mid-moult!
Now, open wide... Didn't you just always want to stare down a penguin's throat...
Sunbathing
Me and my shadow 
Sssh, I'm meditating
Not now! I'm resting! Point that camera somewhere else!(I know it looks peaceful, but there were a gazillion tourists all snapping away and making a lot of ooh and ah and other noisy sounds!)
Plump and shy, getting ready to shed my feathers...
Teenage penguin
Please do not disturb
Stepping out - and looking decidedly "lean"
A final view of penguins slumbering on the rocks
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