Yellow-eyed Penguin (NZ endemic)

With a population of 4,000 individuals, the Critically Endangered Yellow-eyed Penguin is the rarest of the world's 17 penguin species. Found only in New Zealand, they have experienced precipitous declines at the hands of introduced mammalian predators, habitat degradation, disease, and human disturbance. If you think this individual looks rather rotund, you're right! He's been pigging out ahead of his annual post-breeding molt; unable to swim and feed during that month-long fast, he'll rely on his fat reserves to sustain him while he changes his feathery garb. I wish I could have achieved a lower shooting angle, but the area was fenced off to give the colony space. As is, I think the frame is a nice look at the oceanside cliffs this species prefers. Gotta love those clubby feet!

Katiki Point, Otago, New Zealand, 3/2/19
Canon 600mm f/4 IS II on EOS 1D Mark II
1/1250 at f/7.1, ISO 800