Journal Entries

2005-06

 

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Click here to access journal entries by Giancarlo Lopez-Martinez or Luke Sandro.

 

February 2, 2006 — Palmer Station, Antarctica

You know that feeling you get the last week of summer vacation, just before school begins? You want to savor each day you have left, but are excited to start back at school? That's how I feel about this trip right now.

Today was our last day to collect Belgica in the field, so we went to many of the islands near Palmer. By the looks of my worn, torn, Belgica-hunting pants, collecting has been rough work!

Not sure why we had little luck in finding Belgica in their usual spots. We turned over lots of moss-covered rocks in well-drained, but moist locations, but no good "catches". I got some great shots of penguins, though!

I really noticed the skuas today, because they were coming out of the sky like crazed attack birds! I know that they are aggressive birds, but why are they targeting me? I did all I could to keep a more than respectable distance from their nests, but did they appreciate how I was respecting their territory? NO! Were they aware that I meant them no harm? NO! Those aggressive creatures came after me like hungry mosquitoes feeding on chickens, or maggots on apples. Can you tell I’ve been spending time with entomologists?

Petrels are another bird to watch out for in Antarctica. Giant petrels have a great survival mechanism that involves spewing (at great accuracy to a distance of around 6 to 8 feet) a vile, sticky substance from their stomach at those who threaten them. This nasty substance is just stinky to humans but can mean death for other birds, because the substance causes them to lose their insulation. That is one aspect of Antarctic wildlife I’m glad I didn't experience.

The birders at Palmer Station have been studying Antarctic birds for many years. They monitor different species such as the giant petrels. They track the giant petrel by attaching satellite transmitters that track the birds on their foraging or feeding trips. Brett Pickering said they have been able to track giant petrels migrating to South America for food. Compare their flight to our trip aboard the vessel L. M. Gould. It will take the Gould around 9 or 10 days for a round trip — the same as the giant petrels! That's fast flying! Click here for more information on the giant petrels of Antarctica

I almost forgot to tell you about the great treat I had yesterday. Another tourist ship came into port yesterday, this one from Argentina. As is customary, they came ashore for tours of the station that ended with Marge and Sue's famous brownies. As they enjoyed the sweet treats, many of the station scientists answered the tourists' questions about our work in Antarctica. I wonder what impact the increased rate of tourism will have on Antarctica. What changes to the ecosystems and animal populations of Antarctica do you think might result if Antarctica becomes a popular tourist destination?

As a sign of appreciation for our hospitality, the ship brought us something I really miss — “freshies”! Fresh, dark green, leafy spinach! A case filled with fragrant and juicy oranges! And one of my favorites — a case of red, ripe, shiny apples for "the teacher".

The weather here sure does change quickly, as is typical for Antarctica. We might wake up to rain, have lunch when it's snowing, and then enjoy being outside in the evening sun. Tonight's sunset was such a welcome sight.

 

- Kaput-On-Ice

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