17th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Fairy Penguin

A Fairy penguin stretching before heading out to fish. They are the smallest species of penguin, being found primarily in southern Australia. I was lucky enough to get this shot at the St. Kilda Pier breakwater an hour or so before sunset. For a chance to see these adorable birds, follow the pier to the building at the end, then walk a little farther onto the jetty. Look for stairs going down to a viewing platform on your right. The penguins will either be heading out to sea or returning home at daybreak or sundown.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 06.2019
Date Uploaded: 11.2019
Photo Location: Melbourne , Australia
Camera: COOLPIX P510
Copyright: © Andrew Petlock