RickDB

<p>In Florida it is common to see anhinga with outstretched wings drying their feathers - but this one was just about to take off. EOS 7D2 + Tamron SP 150-600 @ 600mm; 1/250s @ f/8 ISO 1600, handheld.</p><div></div>

<p>Great pics, as usual, from the MiN photographers! No snow in Florida so here are some chinstrap penguins on Orne Island singing in their snowy environment.</p><div></div>

<p>A Chilean icebreaker on patrol emerges from the mist and ice.</p><div></div>

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<p>Thanks Laura for the links - it is interesting how DNA sequencing is consolidating species that were once thought to be individual based on morphology. I was just sorry I didn't come across any during my recent visit.</p>

Today, Jan. 20th, is Penguin Awareness Day. Penguins are delightful birds of the southern hemisphere - their comical antics are most entertaining. Unfortunately penguins face an uncertain future - global climate change is thought to be diminishing krill populations, their main food source. Outside of Antarctica penguins face challenges from habitat loss. To celebrate Penguin Awareness Day post a penguin picture.<div></div>

<p>Despite recent reports of some "little brown mushrooms" discovered on an island off the Antarctic Peninsula I did not manage to find any for all the mycophiles at MiN. DNA analysis revealed that they were <em>Galerina antarctica</em>, a fairly common but extremely poisonous mushroom. However, there are about 20-odd species of macro-fungi that have been reported to exist in the Antarctic, according to the British Antarctic Survey. In addition, there are about 100 species of mosses, 25 species of liverworts and upwards of 400 species of lichen. So, for your delectation, here are some colorful examples I found on Deception Island - I've no idea what they are or whether they should be there!</p><div></div>

<p>Above and below the ripples. EOS 5D2 + EF 15mm fisheye in Aquatech housing; 1/500s at f/16 ISO 800.</p><div></div>

<p>Barely a ripple in Paradise Bay made for great reflections of the snow covered mountains in the icy waters. EOS 5D2 + EF 24-105L; 1/1000s at f/8.0 ISO 400.</p><div></div>

<p>Humpback whale breaching.</p><div></div>