The Macaroni Penguin is found from the Subantarctic to the Antarctic Peninsula. It is very closely related to the Royal Penguin. Adults weigh on average 5.5Kg and are 70cm tall. The male and female are similar in appearance; the male is slightly larger and stronger with a relatively larger bill. Like all penguins, it is flightless, with a streamlined body and wings stiffened and flattened into flippers for a marine lifestyle. Its diet consists of a variety of krill, small fish and squid, consuming more marine life annually than any other species of seabird. They moult once a year, spending about three to four weeks ashore, before returning to the sea. Numbering up to 100,000 individuals, the breeding colonies of the Macaroni Penguin are among the largest and densest of all penguin species. After spending the summer breeding, they disperse into the oceans for six months where they have been know to travel 10,000Km into the central Indian Ocean. The macaroni penguin is the most numerous penguin species although it is still classified as vulnerable. .
This is a series of caches that have been set around the footpaths of Badminston Common, an area of mixed heath and woodland, with the intention that they are found with what I hope will be helpful hints. You should not have to stray more that a few of feet from the footpath to reach each cache.
Some points to note, there maybe, from time to time livestock roaming/grazing in the area, be mindful of where they and you are and if you have a dog with you keep it under control, the same should be said of little cachers too!
Much of the eastern side of the common can become flooded after prolonged rain, although still walkable, wellies or good boots will be essential.
Nature has a nasty habit of pushing up stinging nettles and thorn bushes at the most inconvenient of places, usually where a cache was hidden earlier in the year. I haven't placed any of them deliberately so that you get stung/scratched, if this happens, blame Mother Nature!
Public transport is available as far as Blackfield, use BlueStar #9 and get off at Blackfield Crossroads. There are a number of shops/takeaways in the village if needed as well a garage for fuel.
The most important thing, have fun!
Happy caching!
Many thanks to Team Flynnie for the assistance in setting this series, your help has been invaluable.