Fairy (Little) Penguins on Kangaroo Island!

Fairy (Little ) Penguins - Fairy ( Little) Penguins On Kangaroo Island. The females nearly always lay two eggs.
@jennybianca (12912)
Australia
July 23, 2007 3:57am CST
A couple of people asked that I post a photo of a Fairy Penguin, which I saw on my recent holiday to Kangaroo Island. I will let you in on something. We are not allowed to take photos of Fairy Penguins. They are only seen at night, when they are active, & only people like my daughter know where they are hiding during the day. The flashlight from cameras can hurt their eyes, so I completely agree with this ban. So I have found a photo on the internet, specifically of a Kangaroo Island Fairy Penguin. Another thing abnout Fairy Penguins. We are encouraged to call them by another name, & that is "Little Penguin". Why is this? As the other name offends some people.... I have other Kangaroo Island photos to show you.
4 people like this
10 responses
Calais
@Calais (10893)
• Australia
23 Jul 07
They are so gorgeous arnt they, I have not seen them live but I have seen documentaries on how they go along on their merry little way and what they have to do...It must have been awesome to see this live.
2 people like this
jennybianca
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
24 Jul 07
It is always awesome to see them live. We visit the Fairy Penguins at least twice every time we go there.
KarenO52
@KarenO52 (2950)
• United States
23 Jul 07
They are cute little birds, whatever they are called. I wonder why calling them Fairy Penguins offends some? Kangaroo Island, is that a zoo, or can you just go see the animals running around free?
2 people like this
jennybianca
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
24 Jul 07
The term fairy has another meaning in Australia!
Heather Echola
@GardenGerty (160159)
• United States
23 Jul 07
In this case protective rules sound like they are in order. Isn't language funny. I still do not think of negative things with the term fairy, but it must be because of the age I am. I grew up on children's literature and there were stories of fairies, and elves and leprechauns and lots of other little people. That, and Shakespeare's plays, too. I am answering through e-mail, but have not seen the picture yet. I am looking forward to it.
2 people like this
jennybianca
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
24 Jul 07
Hoped you liked the picture. Apparently thge fairy term has it's other meaning only in Australia.
2 people like this
brendalee
@brendalee (6082)
• United States
23 Jul 07
I didn't know that the flash from the camera would hurt their eyes. Interesting. They look much smaller than the penguins I have seen pictures of. I can't wait to see what other pictures you have.
1 person likes this
jennybianca
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
24 Jul 07
I believe they are the smallest of all penguins. Another photo coming today, I hope!
whiteheather39
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
23 Jul 07
I know I responded before to one of your discussions about penguins and I will say it again. I think you are so lucky so live close to these fascinating creatures. I envy you.
1 person likes this
jennybianca
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
24 Jul 07
My house at Penneshaw is only three streets away from their main breeding grounds. Thery hsave been seen in my street, but not by us. We can hear them very clearly in the evening, & around 4.00am, when they are departing to go to sea.
whiteheather39
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
24 Jul 07
Sorry to be asking a stupid question but I am really interested in these little guys .... what do they sound like?
Amber
@AmbiePam (90355)
• United States
23 Jul 07
It is so cute! I wonder why anyone would be offended by fairy. Now if you called them midget penguins, that would be offensive. But I find fairy penguins a cute name. Maybe fairy has extra meaning where you are than in America?
1 person likes this
jennybianca
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
24 Jul 07
Apparently fairy has it's other meaning only in Australia, which I can't descibe here!
1 person likes this
Amber
@AmbiePam (90355)
• United States
24 Jul 07
Oh. Some people here might see the term fairy as calling someone gay, but we aren't told not to say it. Makes me curious about the meaning over there. : )
Willowlady
@Willowlady (10658)
• United States
23 Jul 07
People are way too touchy about names and titles in this day and age. I hope to see that picture once I post this response and notice how they are in comparison to other penguins that I know about. Thanks for sharing it with all of us here at Mylot.
1 person likes this
jennybianca
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
24 Jul 07
Thery sre much smaller than other penguins.
shambuca
@shambuca (2524)
• United States
24 Jul 07
Oh my God - they are so cute -- I love them- I just adore penguins to begin with - but these guys are so little and cute--- I want one!!! (only kidding- but I would love to see one in person) Thank you for posting that photo- I had never heard of them before.
1 person likes this
66jerseygirl
@66jerseygirl (3877)
• United States
29 Jul 07
I love penguins! I love all birds actually . It sounds like you really had a great time on your vacation! I have really enjoyed your photos
1 person likes this
Dr. Ann
@drannhh (15219)
• United States
30 Jul 07
Jenny, that is such a sweet picture! I have never seen one of those before. I do like the name Little Penguin, although it is a shame that once respectable words change so in meaning that now we have to walk on eggshells all of the time. Well...just so nobody steps on any Little Penquin eggs!
1 person likes this