Tag: Falkland Islands

The sub-Antarctic region of the Falkland Islands houses numerous species of birds, some of which are endemic to the area. We aim for excursions to Sea Lion and Bleaker islands to explore varied bird populations including steamer ducks, ruddy-headed geese, southern rockhopper & magellanic penguins as well as sooty shearwaters and southern giant petrels.

This windswept location, situated in the southern archipelago provides one further day of activity. We launch our Zodiacs and go ashore to view the remarkable wildlife colonies found here. Three species of penguins including gentoo, magellenic and rockhopper exist in the vicinity. Southern elephant seals and South American sea lions are found hauled out on the beaches. Once ashore we also look for king cormorants and striated caracaras. Weather permitting; we may have time to visit neighbouring Bleaker Island, another settlement on the exposed southeastern coast of the Falklands.

Having arrived in the Falkland Islands overnight, we aim to explore several locations in the West Falkland archipelago. These remote islands are home to a proliferation of seabirds and migratory birds including the stunning black-browed albatross. Our first penguin sightings will be on the island of West Point with its bustling rookeries of rockhoppers. On Carcass Island, we observe nesting magellanic penguins as well as oystercatchers, geese and the striated caracara – a bird of prey.

As hope to wander through the charming streets of Stanley with it’s brightly painted houses. We learn how this quiet harbour was once a major port in the 19th century for tall ships rounding the fabled Cape Horn. There are several interesting activities to enjoy today. Stanley has an excellent museum that outlines the historic events that took place during the conflict with Argentina in 1982. The waterfront memorial built to commemorate the lives of the British servicemen killed during the war is a sobering reminder of recent history. Stanley’s famed philatelic museum with its impressive collection of historic stamps is another interesting diversion.