Studying penguins in their natural chill zone—science at its coolest! ❄️🐧 What’s so cool about it? This long-term USGS research helps us understand penguin populations and informs conservation efforts in the face of climate change. Dr. Katie Dugger from the USGS Oregon Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, along with her Master of Science (MS) student Nadia Swanson, are embarking on an extraordinary journey at Cape Royds on Ross Island, Antarctica. While studying Adélie penguins, they’ve captured some truly stunning photos along the way. In their 28th season of research, they’re tracking banded penguins throughout their lifetimes to understand how environmental changes and climate variation impact survival and reproduction. Nadia’s MS research focuses on the early life stages of penguins, including the survival of chicks the first year after they fledge (grow their waterproof feathers) and leave the breeding colony and face the challenges of the wild.  📸 Credit: Katie Dugg...