Unusual penguin colony discovered

On the heels of the success of the movie March of the Penguins in 2005, a very unusual penguin colony has been discovered, to the astonishment of scientists who study penguins. Despite the fact that until now all penguins were believed to live in the southern hemisphere (except for the Galapagos penguins, which cross the equator by just a few miles), a colony has been discovered in northern Arizona, in a desert locale of all places.

Scientists are astounded by this discovery because all previously known penguins are aquatic, depending on the ocean for food. What do penguins eat in the absence of dependable water? How do they regulate their body temperature? At least one theory is being developed for this latter question. Our photographer happened to catch this penguin colony in the process of an amazing transformation.

Here we see a now-familiar sight: penguins huddled together for warmth in the cold winter air, balancing their precious eggs on their toes.

But then, in just a few minutes, the penguins broke out of their formation, donned knitted garments, and began frolicking in the snow! The eggs were stacked together in a nest warmed by a knitted blanket. Penguins danced around the communal egg nest--was this some sort of fertility/survival ritual? Clearly this colony will be the subject of further study, as many questions remain. Who knitted the garments? Were the penguins themselves partaking in the resurgence of knitting among humans? What is the explanation for their strange coloring--a camouflage device for the pine forests endemic to this region?

OK, enough silliness. Actually, it wasn't cold out when we took these pictures. It was about 50F. And there's an apalling lack of snow, so we substituted white flannel bedsheets. The photo shoot was a little stressful, because apparently aspirations of artistic vision and a 4-year-old assistant don't go very well together. But Max and I aired our artistic differences and finally came to an understanding, and he ended up taking some nice photos. He's a tripod junkie: anytime the tripod comes out, he can't keep his little paws off it, even if mom is trying to take a non-wiggly photo at that exact second.

As was hinted in a previous post, these are intended as presents for Max's friends. Each is paired with a matching birdie-monkey hat. Here are the ensembles.

For Alexandra, an ensemble with a mini feather and fan pattern on the hat, and a micro version on the penguin's hat.

For Miku, the same red but with a 2x2 rib instead.

For Dmitri, complementary color scheme to Max's, with rolled brim.

And for Max, the archetypal birdie-monkey hat, blue with green contrast, rolled brim. This is Max's craft tithe, he wants one (or more) of everything I make. Usually it ends up being much more than 10%.

One of these white-hatted penguins is for my artist-group friend JoAnne who, as an adult, doesn't get a matching birdie-monkey hat. The other one is currently unspoken for. Fluffy white, with pompon. The wider scarf is a micro-feather-and-fan (six stitch repeat), the narrower scarf is half of a micro f&f.

One last picture: the invaluable photo crew, with cast of characters.

Comments

[myra]

No way!! They are so fantastic. Penguins with their own little birdie monkey hats?!! I love it! And finding a colony of them in Northern Arizona - that is so amazing!

Simply wonderful Amanda! But Max doesn't look like he's ready to part with any of the birdie-monkey hat wearing penguin crew.

[abbyjane]

Seriously, you're amazing! The penguins are amazing, the hats and scarfs for children and penguins are amazing. Wow! Not only is it tough to make six of something, but then to make accessories, too, without losing interest in the project (like I usually do) - you have so much wonderful patience and it shows in the results.

Max is totally adorable, by the way.

[Blair]

How wonderful! So much work! I, too, tend to lose interest before I have completed a *collection*, so I have even more appreciation. Such happy little faces (including Max's). I may have to make one of these...one...but wait....I have two kids....I guess I could make two.....oh geeezzzz....

[debbie]

that is some penguin colony - the cutest i've ever seen! you've outdone yourself, i love the caps and scarves and max too! i've yet to catch the movie....happy new year to you and your family!

[Bettsi]

WOW, WOW, WOW! Stunning, impressive, darling! Inspiring of much coveting! I wonder how I can get to Arizona and steal the one that is unspoken for?

[Anamaria]

Those are the world's cutest penguins! Then they put on their hats and scarves...and get cuter still! They're bigger than I thought, too. What a wonderful gift for those kids (and their parents). And just look at Max! How did you manage to pry the penguins out of his hands?

[Samantha]

They are so cute - and to make that many of them.

I am impressed with your dedication!

[carabeth]

Those are great! And I love the picture with Max, he looks so cozy and happy.

[Marie]

This post makes me so happy! Beautiful penguins! And I love the detail of the hats etc. So, so wonderful. :)

[persephone]

Ok, my birthday is in March, and I would like one of the polka-dot penguins. Max can come to my party, too. I'm just in Texas...
Seriously, though, they are TOO cute, and very cute model.

[manda mcgrory]

Beautiful, beautiful penguins with hats and scarves! And could Max be anymore gorgeous?!

[sarah]

your penguins are just so delightful, such lovely pictures too!

[lyn]

Hee hee. What fun !
I love them.

[jess]

just wonderful - bet they will be loved to bits.

[Jessica]

Hi - I think this is international delurking week? So I have been lurking for a few weeks, and got your blog from Abby - While She Naps. Your penguins . . . ingenious! And your son is sooo cute too.

[momo]

these are really adorable!! ^^

[Jedda]

How wonderful, the best, cutest penguin colony I've even seen!

[fussball]

Gute Arbeit hier! Gute Inhalte.

[fussball]

Gute Arbeit hier! Gute Inhalte.