P-p-p-picking up pebbles

The nesting rings were put in place at Edinburgh zoo today and I spent quite a bit of time fascinated by the gentoo penguins' behaviour. It really was incredibly interesting.

This female had a very attentive male bringing her loads of pebbles for her nest, while other ladies sat with just one or two wee stones. They were clearly the wallflowers of the community. The males outnumbered the females so the lads with no mates sat about looking enviously at the Romeos and when their backs were turned tried to muscle in on the action.

How wildlife reflects our own, I'd say.