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00:00We approach the penguins and the sounds of chirps and caws slowly filter through the air.
00:13The thousands of miniature figures are outlined with fine threads of gold in the sun's rays.
00:20Makes you glad to be alive, doesn't it? Terry exclaims, swinging her camera off her shoulder as we arrive at the bird colony.
00:29The penguins exude joie de vivre.
00:34I understand what Terry means. In spite of their noise, their smell and their excessive swampy guano, I already like penguins much more than I like humans.
00:46Today, the birds seem to be involved in some kind of tribal dance.
00:51Moving their heads up and down, marching to and fro, and gaveling to themselves and each other.
00:59They pick up pace and some of them go down on their tummies and slide along the ice.
01:10Their flippers are outstretched, their beaks pierce the rush of oncoming wind. They look insanely happy.
01:30Terry rushes towards them, insanely happy too.
01:34It's such a beautiful morning. I'll just start with a few photos.
01:39She clicks away. Every so often, she turns the camera on me.
01:44Smile, Veronica, she calls, but she needn't tell me. I'm smiling anyway.
01:51Terry spots a banded penguin in the distance and passes me the binoculars. I gaze through them intently.
01:58The penguin doesn't seem remotely perturbed by the encumbrance on its flipper, but it does look rather a tight fit.
02:05Doesn't it hamper their swimming? Not at all. And it doesn't hurt them either, before you ask.
02:12I'm relieved to hear it. I'd have my doubts about supporting you if I found out you were in any way causing them hurt.
02:19She nods, quite right too.
02:22We wander through the aisles of penguins. Terry records facts about the returning couples in her notebook, while I appreciate the view.
02:32In between her scribbling, she points out a few other local residents.
02:36They all look like gulls to me, but apparently one is an albatross, several are skewers, and one is a storm petrel.
02:44Terry hands me the binoculars again, and I examine the storm petrel as it wheels through the sky, trying to make out its markings.
02:52Suddenly, there's a loud squawk and a sharp, jagging sensation in my leg. I drop the binoculars in shock and let out a sharp cry.
03:02A penguin is at my side. Flippers lifted in indignation, weak, poised for further action.
03:10Before I can do anything else, it gives my shin several more hard pecks, then fastens itself, hanging on below my knee like a pair of pliers.
03:20My flesh feels the pain acutely through the waterproof trousers and long johns.
03:25Off! Off! Off, you little bugger! Terry yells, grabbing it with both gloved hands.
03:31At once, it lets go of my leg, only to attach itself to my second favourite scarlet handbag. I screech and use all my might to shake the bag.
03:41The fiercest creature won't let go and is dragged around in circles, feet flying.
03:52Only after the leather has been ripped beyond all hope of repair, does it relinquish its grip and stumble off drunkenly.
04:05So, that was a less pleasant encounter with the penguins, but of course she does walk to them again and stays there, and she ends up becoming very close to a little orphaned baby penguin.
04:18Has anyone here read a word on penguins?
04:21Oh yes, excellent, I liked it.