How can you not love penguins? They walk like us on big flat feet, sometimes stumbling and falling. When descending a steep hill, they look down at their feet, carefully choosing their footing. They waddle, yes, but so do some of us! They dress well and try to keep themselves clean (though sometimes a baby spills food on its parent's tuxedo!).

This Gentoo Penguin was one of many who looked us over when we landed on Aitcho Island in Antarctica. We humans were all dressed in bright red parkas. The penguins examined us, probably figuring we were another kind of penguin - a species that carried long tubes, which were impolitely pointed at the hosts, while making frequent clicking sounds. Several penguins demanded that I pay them for posing, but I pled poverty. I'm not sure they believed me, but I was bigger than they were!

Lee Rentz