In a breathtaking display of nature's resilience, Bertie Gregory's photograph captures a heart-stopping moment in the lives of emperor penguin chicks. But what if their survival strategy is more daring than we thought?
The image, titled 'Ice Edge Journey', showcases the perilous path these young penguins take as they venture into the freezing waters of Antarctica. As the chicks teeter on the brink of an ice shelf, Gregory's drone captures their courageous leap of faith. But this isn't just a stunning visual; it's a glimpse into a potential future.
Gregory, a renowned British wildlife photographer and filmmaker, spent two months observing these penguins' unique behavior. Most chicks use ice ramps to reach the sea for their first meal, but this group took a different, more daring route. They plunged 15 meters (49 feet) into the ocean, a breathtaking spectacle.
Here's where it gets controversial: Scientists speculate that the diminishing sea ice could push penguins to breed on ice shelves more frequently, making this daring leap a common occurrence. This raises questions about the impact of climate change on wildlife behavior and the adaptations required for survival.
Behind the lens, Gregory is an Emmy Award-winning director of photography, known for his work on Disney+ productions. His equipment for this shot included a DJI Mavic 3 Pro drone and a Hasselblad L2D-20c lens, capturing the moment at 1/50 at f3.5, ISO 100.
This image is part of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, hosted by the Natural History Museum. To explore more of Gregory's work and support the museum's mission, visit the provided links. And remember, this isn't just about stunning photography; it's about understanding and preserving the wonders of our natural world.
