Precious stones, a swanky bachelor pad and monogamy? Girl penguins have it made

For those who have been following my blog, you have probably noticed some reoccurring trends. Firstly, I love Starbucks (pumpkin spice latte out this week - yay!) and secondly, I'm a little obsessed with the penguins at Moody Gardens.

But how can I not be? The little birds had me captivated in the documentary "March of the Penguins" and now I just can't get enough of them.

And the boy penguins...well, they are just so polite.

IT'S PENGUIN DATING SEASON

If you go to Moody Gardens this month, you'll be in for treat. That's because their Gentoo Penguins are getting a head-start for the mating season--which is fall to winter on our side of the globe.

Yup, that's right. It's kind of like high school prom where the guys have to pick their date. But instead of being limited to the girls in homeroom, they are limited to the ones living in the pyramid.
And here's how they they get their girls:

• Precious Stones: Males collect rocks to build nests to impress the females. They carry the rocks with their beaks.

• The Super-Sexy Bachelor Pad: Males are territorial to defend the nesting sites.

• How you doing?: Just like Joey in Friends, the penguins have their own way of getting the chicks to check out their bachelor pad. The male attracts females with a head-swing & squawk and shows possession of a nest.

• Double head-swing & squawk: This is how the pair strengthens their bond.

• Respectful Bow: This just may be their way of opening the door for the lady.  It seems the respectful bow is the way a potential couple acknowledges each other and lessens aggression.

• Apparel: Tuxedo-clad penguins are always prepared to look sharp for date nights.

Penguin Courtship Facts: Did You Know?

1. Guys always ask girls out: Yup, the males know that "home is where the heart is" so they usually build a nest, and then find a mate.

2. Girls rule: Females have the power in the penguin world. They determine with whom they want to mate with.

3. Monogamy: The good news is that once the girl accepts you, you are a keeper. In fact, 90 percent of Gentoo females go back to the same mates each year.

4. Thanks, but no thanks: The boys only get one chance. Females won't return to the same males if breeding was unsuccessful in the previous season. So sad. I can just imagine the poor penguin boy waddling away with his head down.

If you want to check out the penguins yourself (or maybe bring your own date there), visit www.moodygardens.org.