This is a picture of “Pierre” taking care of his feathers this morning. A penguin must constantly keep their feathers clean and waterproof. This behavior is called preening. Penguins can preen while swimming or on land. They will often bite at their own oil gland located at the base of their tail, transfer the oil from their beak to their wings and then rub their head and body with these oils. Or they may just take their beaks and individually clean and apply oils to each feather as Pierre is doing. Their feathers must stay in clean condition and well oiled in order for the penguin to remain warm and insulated. Pamela Schaller