Penguins take to the air

[xchrom]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/wondermonkey/2011/07/penguins-take-to-the-air.shtml



Penguins can’t fly. But they can get airborne.

In fact, taking to the air, for even a brief instant, is actually a vital strategy penguins employ to avoid being eating by predators such as leopard seals or orcas.

Now scientists have worked out the secret technique that penguins use to get airborne. It involves wrapping their bodies in a cloak of air bubbles – and it turns out to be the same technique that engineers use to speed the movement of ships and torpedoes through water.

Another interesting aspect of the discovery is that it was made by scientists examining in minute detail footage shot for the programme Blue Planet, a landmark natural history series filmed by the BBC’s own Natural History Unit.

It sounds implausible that penguins might get airborne. These short, squat birds, which tend to live in the colder parts of the southern hemisphere, are renowned for their waddling walks and flapping flippers – which are famously great for swimming, but useless for flying.

[htuttle]

1. Penguins can't fly?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrxmpihCjqw

:D

[The Croquist]

2. Don't doubt it's because of Global Warming

The warming atmosphere has created a better lift ability by their stubby little wings.

I can't imagine the ecological devastation that will be brought on by this.

I suspect it will be even worse then the attack by the guinea pigs in the peaceful town of South Park, Colorado in 2008.

[Faryn Balyncd]

3. Sometimes they stand in line :

[The Croquist]

4. That's amazing!

They jump tail first out of the water and end up on top of the ice.

[Rhiannon12866]

5. Awwww! Very cool story and what a priceless pic!

Thanks so much for posting this! I needed the smile today... :D :hi: