Previous satellite  tracking of Little Penguins found the at-sea-movements and foraging range of Little Penguins (Eudyptula minor)  change in response to dips in water temperature. From Phillip Island (Millowl), they might go into Port Phillip Bay and travel even as far as Warrnambool.

The short days and wintry weather can make for a harder  time of year for Little Penguins, but fortunately, they are well equipped to deal with the icy waters with their waterproof feathers that act like a doona inside a wetsuit! 

At this time of year, many individuals conduct single day trips, but some can go much farther and stay out at sea for over a month! Despite these long feeding trips, penguins still come ashore each evening at Phillip Island. 

Over autumn on Millowl (Phillip Island), there was an increase in numbers coming ashore with some breeding behaviours observed. There have been some eggs found by our research team, however usually once the cold winter hits these attempts are abandoned. Sometimes, as was observed last year, a small number of individuals power through all winter.