Whether they're following the anchovies, or adapting to other changes in their environment, these temperate birds are finding their way north. This gorgeous coastal resort is famous for surf, seafood, and the influx of visitors who come here to enjoy a carefree summer in the Southern Hemisphere. Like sun-seeking tourists, the stocky little birds are abandoning the colder climes of Patagonia in Argentina, and heading for the beach, causing consternation and amusement among locals.
Surfers tell of riding the waves, only to look up and see a penguin swimming alongside.
Fishermen can't work because so many penguins are getting caught up in their nets. People are even taking the animals home as pets. But this year it's ridiculous. A few years ago, a dozen or so stray Magellanic penguins would find themselves thousands of miles adrift in the seas off Saquarema, a quiet coastal resort two hours east of Rio de Janeiro. In 1999 the number rose to 50.