During my visit to South Africa I participated in the South Africa Penguins Project as an Earthwatch volunteer. During this 12 day project 5 volunteers worked with researchers to gather information on the South Africa Penguins and other animals on Robben Island.
The primary focus was to monitor penguins, their nests, and the growth of chicks. Penguins had to be identified by physical features, sometimes a difficult task. All observed birds that were banded were noted. From selected nests, older chicks were measured. Each chick was weighed and its head and flipper measured.
For more information about Earthwatch and the project :
Earthwatch www.earthwatch.org/website
South Africa Penguins Project www.earthwatch.org/expeditions/barham.html
www.SpotThePenguin.com Project information: www.spotthepenguin.com