Nearly seven thousand penguins have returned to Galindez Island, where the Ukrainian polar station «Akademik Vernadsky» is located. The National Antarctic Scientific Center reports this on Facebook. 
Researchers have noted that these are sub-Antarctic penguins, which spend their mating season on the island from Antarctic spring to autumn.
«The first large groups began arriving in August, but when the island was covered in ice, it became deserted. In September, the number of penguins reached 5,500, but they disappeared twice during the month», - said biologist Zoya Shvydka from the 30th Ukrainian Antarctic Expedition. 
According to her, October counts indicate a stable presence of these birds on Galindez. Even when a large portion goes to the ocean to feed, many penguins remain on the island. Thus, it can finally be said that they have returned.
The scientist noted that about four thousand penguins are concentrated at the far end of Galindez, while another three thousand have settled in a narrow strip along the shore from Penguin Point to the «Akademik Vernadsky» station.
Currently, penguins are mating and building nests where possible, and, of course, fights break out over the best spots and stones.
«Some nests are still under snow, and their owners amusingly peck at the snow around, searching for stones», - the biologist explained, adding that soon the penguins will lay eggs and hatch chicks.