WHERE TO SPOT LITTLE PENGUINS

SHORTLY after the sun sets and darkness descends, colonies of little penguins 30cm tall waddle ashore to settle into their burrows for the night.

Penguin ecologist Perviz Marker is confident people can catch a glimpse of the beauties in the north and south, but bird safety always comes first.

“Visitors are always very enthusiastic and in awe of the penguins,” Dr Marker said. “You should always go to the designated viewing areas and talk to guides to learn about the penguins’ behaviour, habitat and conservation aspects.”

She said January was a good time to see the penguins at the peak of breeding season while they spend more time on land. Options up north include Low

Head Penguin Tours, Lillico Beach, The Nut at Stanley and Burnie Little Penguin Observation Centre.

More safe penguin viewing is available at Diamond Island Resort in the east, Bonnet Island tours in the west, the Neck at Bruny Island in the south and Grassy Harbour on King Island.

Dr Marker said the best time to see the cute creatures was about half an hour after sunset from 9pm onwards, with some 60 penguins in the colony at her local Burnie spot.

“There may be a few chicks out of the burrows earlier in the evening,” she said.

“They’re very charismatic and amazing little birds. It’s important people are informed and educated about the conservation aspects.”

Though rules differed at colony viewing spots, Dr Marker recommended

listening to guides and following signs, refraining from flash photography, leaving pets at home and wearing warm, dark- coloured clothing.

At the sites allowing torches, red cellophane cover the beam to avoid blinding or distressing the birds.

Learn more about little penguins at cradlecoast.com/online- learningpackages

WHERE TO SEE LITTLE PENGUINS

Low Head Penguin Tours Diamond Island Resort Bicheno Penguin Show

The Neck, Bruny Island

Bonnet Island Penguin Cruise, Strahan Grassy Harbour, King Island

The Nut, Stanley

Burnie Little Penguin Observation Centre

Lillico Beach