Gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua) trumpeting and reflection at sunset. Useful Island, Antarctica
After hours of travel in hopes of getting somewhere to photograph before the sun went down, we arrived at Useful Island, Antarctica. Sunset was 15 minutes away and itâs a long hike up to the top in November, through heavy snow. Having been there before, I had some idea of where I wanted to go. I rushed up to the top, my heart beating fast, almost out of breath. I pushed on, knowing time was running out. With moments to spare, I found this small colony of Gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua) on the edge of some rocks, reflected in a small puddle, with the mountains lit by the pink sunset light in the background. The penguins sounding their call added the final touch.