The baby boom continues: the network was amazed by the photos of baby gulls born near "Vernadsky"
Not only penguins are experiencing a baby boom near the "Akademik Vernadsky" Antarctic station. Ukrainian polar explorers have recorded the birth of Dominican martins.
The "Vernadsky" researchers noted on their Facebook page that two pairs of martins, whose nests are located near the station, are expected to have more babies. The photos of newborn babies hatching from mottled eggs captivated the web.
The little fluffies have conquered the network.
Source: Ivanna Koturbash/facebook.com/AntarcticCenter
"Four chicks are now growing up on Galindez Island, where "Vernadsky" is located. Two more pairs of gulls are also expected to have chicks," said Serhii Yermolenko, a biologist of the 29th UAE, in a post.
The Ukrainian scientist noted that gulls usually lay two or three eggs. Their nests are not deep holes on the ground lined with plants and feathers.
Mottled chicks hatch from mottled eggs.
Source: Ivanna Koturbash/facebook.com/AntarcticCenter
Interestingly, both eggs and babies have small dark spots in their coloration. Experts say they are located on the chicks' heads.
In general, the chicks are covered with thick silky gray-brown fluff. During the plumage, feathers with dark diamond-shaped spots with light edging appear on some parts of the body, in particular the wings. Adult birds are black and white with gray on the wings, biologists describe.
The chicks of the gulls have a very interesting color.
Source: Ivanna Koturbash/facebook.com/AntarcticCenter
According to Ukrainian researchers, the babies spend the first days in the nest and then leave it, but stay close by, hiding among the stones in case of danger. The gulls grow quickly and in about a month almost reach the size of their parents, experts say.
Adult gulls have predominantly white feathers.
Source: Anna Soina/facebook.com/AntarcticCenter
Interestingly, parents take turns feeding their children. Food is mostly caught in the ocean, in particular, mollusks and sea urchins.
The "Vernadsky" polar explorers emphasize that gulls are called the main gardeners of Antarctica because they use key species of local plants to build their nests. The birds purposefully collect them and carry them over long distances, thus spreading them, the researchers noted.
Martins are the main gardeners of Antarctica.
Source: Anna Soina/facebook.com/AntarcticCenter
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