19 Dec 2006

Pure white snow petrels


Snow petrels, the subject of Frederique Olivier's three-year-long study, live amongst the pack ice during Antarctica's harsh winter. Image: Frederique Olivier


The ocean is much calmer now that we are in the sheltered waters of the pack ice. I almost miss the rough and tumble of the open water. I’m sure some of the seasickness victims would disagree with me!
Today, I talked with Dr Frederique Olivier while the Aurora was crunching its way through pack
ice. The site of our interview — 60° south, snow petrel territory — is fitting. Fred’s main research interest is studying the nesting sites of these pure white birds that look like pieces of ice come to life.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Tanya,

I have been enjoying reading your Blogs since you started writing them and have found them very good reading (Informative) and some of the pictures you have posted up are fantastic (Keep it up).

It sounds like you are having a great time over there and I can't wait to read more of your adventures (And see more wonderful photo's :).

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year. I can imagine that yours will be somewhat different to the usual :)

Talk soon,

Steve W (from photo training :)

Mona said...

i just learned of these beautiful snow petrels and wanted to write about them in my blog so I was googling around for more info when i came upon your blog...
i don't know if you'll see this or not since this entry is several years old but your trip sounded soooooo wonderful! i would love to visit the antarctic...

Mona said...

i just learned of these beautiful snow petrels and wanted to write about them in my blog so I was googling around for more info when i came upon your blog...
i don't know if you'll see this or not since this entry is several years old but your trip sounded soooooo wonderful! i would love to visit the antarctic...

Unknown said...

do you know a map of where the snow petrel is found? thanx