The lighter penguin is an elderly female whose partner died this year. The darker one is a younger male who lost his partner two years ago. Biologists have followed them as they meet every night to comfort each other. They stand for hours together watching the lights in Melbourne. Photographer Tobias Baumgaertner captured this image of two widowed fairy penguins looking over the Melbourne skyline. It has won an award in Oceanographic magazineโs Ocean Photography Awards 2020.
—
“at the end of the day, the ones who really matter
will be the ones standing next to you watching the sun set
and assuring you that it will rise again in the morning.”
-ash sweeney
—
story credit: natureblowsmymind
I didn't have my glasses on.... 
what a beautiful story, Beth; comfort and togetherness: a healing combination —
LikeLiked by 6 people
yes, the perfect way for both of them to heal
LikeLiked by 3 people
Aww, how lovely. Thanks for sharing
LikeLiked by 4 people
my pleasure, sadje
LikeLiked by 2 people
๐๐ผ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sometimes, providing comfort just means being there… Great post, Beth!
LikeLiked by 4 people
indeed it does –
LikeLiked by 1 person
A magical reminder that we humans share so much with other creatures!
LikeLiked by 3 people
oh, we do –
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely, lovey postโฆ
LikeLiked by 4 people
such a lovely story
LikeLike
๐
LikeLiked by 2 people
Aww..heartwarming! สโกโษ(เฅโขแดโขเฅโ)
LikeLiked by 3 people
There’s a lesson to be learned here.
Humans are still trying to figure out what it is.
LikeLiked by 4 people
yes, we’re not there yet
LikeLike
๐๐๐
LikeLike
That’s so beautiful ๐ญ๐ญ thanks for sharing!!
LikeLiked by 3 people
my pleasure
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Beth,
I hope you had a beautiful Christmas!
I love this! I love how in pain they have found each other to comfort.
Blessings!
LikeLiked by 4 people
me too and thank you
LikeLike
What a heart opening message. Sharing a smile and a tear with you Beth ๐
LikeLiked by 3 people
โค
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is extremely sweet, Beth.
LikeLiked by 3 people
they really are
LikeLike
Most beautiful!
LikeLiked by 3 people
aren’t they
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, absolutely!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is so touching!
LikeLiked by 3 people
It really is
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is exactly what we need to understand.
LikeLiked by 3 people
We so do
LikeLiked by 2 people
Beautiful message Beth. Thanks for sharing.
The best beginnings and endings are those shared together.
LikeLiked by 2 people
My pleasure
LikeLike
Happy, poignant, nodding, utterly sincere sigh with kindness and gratitude.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, all of that jim
LikeLiked by 2 people
This is always lovely to watch. Thanks, Beth. Hugs on the wing!
LikeLiked by 2 people
โค
LikeLike
Oh, my heart!
LikeLiked by 2 people
โค๏ธ
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy New year dear Beth. I hope you and the family are doing well.
LikeLiked by 2 people
yes, thank you and you too –
LikeLiked by 1 person
OMG! โค๏ธ
LikeLiked by 2 people
I know, so sweet
LikeLiked by 1 person
Other species know so much more about love and kindness than we do. If only we would see them as teachers.
LikeLiked by 3 people
yes, we need to look up to them
LikeLike
I love these penguins, not the least because they are protected by a pack of Maremmas โค
LikeLiked by 3 people
โค โค
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love everything about this!
LikeLiked by 1 person
me too –
LikeLike
This should be enough to make anybody vegetarian lol. Embrace the soya. This is incredible.
LikeLiked by 1 person
ah, yes –
LikeLike
So touching, thank you for sharing! It sort of reminds me of George R. R. Martin’s “โWhen the sun has set, no candle can replace it.โ
LikeLiked by 2 people
Aw, beautiful
LikeLike
Oh, Beth, this is so beautifulโฆ.the quote is so true too. I love this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
โค๏ธ
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a dear and unexpected story! The two of them simply standing together for comfort, and that moving quoteโฆthis will be with me a long time. โฅ๏ธ
LikeLiked by 1 person
i’m so glad you enjoyed it, i was very moved by their story as well
LikeLike
Love roosts in non-human hearts, as well. Poignant.
LikeLiked by 1 person
indeed it does
LikeLike
Lovely
LikeLike
I have seen photos of these two. How wonderful!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
are they sweet?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, yes!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
perfect in so many ways – the photo, your words, and the closing quote. thanks for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure
LikeLiked by 1 person
๐
LikeLike
That’s almost heartbreaking and sweet all in the same gulp. We miss a lot by not paying closer attention to nature. Thanks for this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes to all of that
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thatโs sweet๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
An incredible gesture
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m deeply touched. So sweet! ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love this photo, your words. Thanks and I am happy I found your site Thanks
Anita
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you so much, anita, and welcome – i look forward to reading yours as well –
LikeLike
I love this story, Beth. A heartwarming love story. โค
LikeLiked by 1 person
so much so –
LikeLike
Heart-breaking and heart-warming at the same time! Tks for this touching beauty.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure
LikeLike