January-February, 2015

We have spent two amazing weeks in the Falkland Islands photographing Rockhopper, Magellanic, Gentoo and King penguins. These birds were our primary target.

Gentoo Penguin in Storm

Falkland Islands have a big variety of other birds too which could be seen on the coast or cliffs, in tussac grass, ponds or wetland areas. 

Tussacbird also known as Blackish Cinclode is one of the most common bird on the islands. As the name suggests it prefers tussac grass as well as rocks and kelp. It is difficult for birds to adapt in the Falkland Islands due to lack of trees and harsh, windy conditions. Tussac grass which grows up to 3 metres tall and usually is found around the coastline plays an important role here. 

On the Sea Lion Island the bird preferred to stay not only in the tussac grass but also close to the moulting Elephant Seals. Surprisingly this small creature easily picked through the skin and flash of these huge animals.

Cobb's wren is another highlight of the Falkland Islands. This tiny bird is unique to the Falkland Islands and is found in places free of rats or cats. For example, Saunders island is the second largest offshore island in Falklands but Cobb's wren is absent there and only a few songbirds are seen because of presence of feral cats, mice, rats and rabbits.

Sea Lion Island has several songbirds, including Black-chinned siskin, White-bridles finch (also known as Black-throated finch),  Dark-faced ground-tyrant, Falkland pipit, thrush and others.

Wading birds are numerous on the Falkland Islands. Pied Oystercatcher, Two-banded Plover, White rumped sandpiper are easy to spot.

Persistent drumming of Snipe can be heard in wetlands and moorlands.

Skuas are widely distributed around the Falklands. 

They stay around colonies of penguins looking for food.

Dolphin Gulls often harass penguin colonies but do little harm.

In the Falkland islands there are plenty of freshwater ponds and lakes. They are the best place to spot Silvery Grebe.

One day we were very happy to spot a Black-crowned Night Heron at Volunteer Point. 

King Cormorants, also known as Imperial Shags or Blue-eyed Shags, nest at over 100 sites around the Falkland Islands.

In late January King Cormorants had their chicks already. Nevertheless the birds carried on "refurbishing" their nests.

King Cormorants nest tightly in the neighbourhood of Rockhopper penguins. Such colonies provide not only interesting observations but also super strong smells from guano, urine and regurgitated baby food.

Colonies of Rock Cormorants are quite difficult to approach. These birds nest on the ledges of steep cliffs or jetties.

Falkland Islands hold about 70% of the world population of Black-browed Albatrosses.

These long-lived birds spend most of their lives soaring above the southern oceans and land during the breeding season. A wingspan of 2,5 m (8 ft) enables them to glide effortless.

We loved watching their courtship displays when birds clack their beaks, raise bills skyward and fan their tails.

Albatrosses lay one egg in the nest made of mud and guano. This tall pillar later is occupied by a fluffy chick.

Penguins in Falkland islands

More information about travel arrangements and wildlife photography in the Falkland Islands you can find in our blog.

If you have any queries or would like to leave a comment, please drop as an e-mail.  We are always happy to hear from you.