It has been 6 months now since we saw a living creature. It was just snow and ice all around. We longed to see something that had life- a bird, a blade of grass, an insect, a four legged being- anything. Even those mosquitoes and cockroaches that made life miserable for us back home would have been welcome. In fact, when we did find a half dead insect during the polar night in one of rooms here, the whole station went berserk photographing it and fiddling with it. It still remains a mystery as to how it survived for so long.
Our sore eyes were soon treated to a feast on 10th Oct 2008, the day the 6th convoy was to leave for Maitri. While hooking one of the trailers, I noticed about 10 birds hovering above one of the containers. There was a blizzard going on. But the birds did not appear to be in any kind of discomfort. They were diving around comfortably. Being pure white, I identified them as snow petrels. I shouted at the others to have a look. I also informed all on the walkie talkie. The snow petrels soon became the centre of attraction, before they flew away.
I had expected to find some living creatures on the shelf this time around. I wanted to see the penguins. But I was disappointed when I did not sight any. They will be here sooner rather than later.
On returning to Maitri, we were told that a group of 30 snow petrels had been sighted here as well. They were flying due north. They were in all probability flying from the Wolthat Mountains, 100 km south of Maitri, where they nest. They were flying towards the ocean to gather food.
This is only the beginning. By the time the week is over, we expect the skuas and the most adorable beings on earth- penguins to be here. We will soon have a lot of company.
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