Falkland Islands
This morning our smooth crossing of the Drake was rewarded with landfall in the Falkland Islands. An early wake-up call and breakfast prepared us for going ashore on New Island, the western-most island in the Falklands. The Endeavour anchored in Coffin’s Harbor where the New Island Settlement is located. The owners and caretakers of the island, Ian Strange and Tony Chater, welcomed us ashore. A short walk took us across to the western side of the island to a bird rookery situated atop a cliff 500 feet above the sea. As we approached the cliff, the raucous calls of birds filled the air. Overhead, black-browed albatross and king cormorants soared overhead and swooped in to their nesting sites. In addition to the albatross (today’s photo) and cormorants who displayed a variety of courtship behavior, rockhopper penguins were also on the nest, a few with tiny chicks only days old. It quickly became clear that the photo opportunities here would be a grand finale. In fact, many of us made more images here than any other landing on the entire trip!
After our bird viewing extravaganza, the ship sailed to Carcass Island via Wooly Gulch. With the sun shining brightly, the ship anchored in Port Pattison and prepared for operations for going ashore. Our options for the afternoon included long walks and a landing at the settlement for afternoon tea. A great variety of waterfall was seen all along the shoreline, while inland, Magellanic penguins made their homes in burrows among the tussock grass. It was a glorious afternoon with tasty treats hosted by Rob Magill, who has lived on the island for almost 30 years. Our visit to his home provided a glimpse of life in the Falklands, as well as a great number of excellent photo opportunities.
Back on board, we all enjoyed a festive evening with the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail Reception and Dinner. It was great to recall all our shared experiences over the past two weeks on this Photo Expedition to South Georgia, Antarctica, and the Falklands.
This morning our smooth crossing of the Drake was rewarded with landfall in the Falkland Islands. An early wake-up call and breakfast prepared us for going ashore on New Island, the western-most island in the Falklands. The Endeavour anchored in Coffin’s Harbor where the New Island Settlement is located. The owners and caretakers of the island, Ian Strange and Tony Chater, welcomed us ashore. A short walk took us across to the western side of the island to a bird rookery situated atop a cliff 500 feet above the sea. As we approached the cliff, the raucous calls of birds filled the air. Overhead, black-browed albatross and king cormorants soared overhead and swooped in to their nesting sites. In addition to the albatross (today’s photo) and cormorants who displayed a variety of courtship behavior, rockhopper penguins were also on the nest, a few with tiny chicks only days old. It quickly became clear that the photo opportunities here would be a grand finale. In fact, many of us made more images here than any other landing on the entire trip!
After our bird viewing extravaganza, the ship sailed to Carcass Island via Wooly Gulch. With the sun shining brightly, the ship anchored in Port Pattison and prepared for operations for going ashore. Our options for the afternoon included long walks and a landing at the settlement for afternoon tea. A great variety of waterfall was seen all along the shoreline, while inland, Magellanic penguins made their homes in burrows among the tussock grass. It was a glorious afternoon with tasty treats hosted by Rob Magill, who has lived on the island for almost 30 years. Our visit to his home provided a glimpse of life in the Falklands, as well as a great number of excellent photo opportunities.
Back on board, we all enjoyed a festive evening with the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail Reception and Dinner. It was great to recall all our shared experiences over the past two weeks on this Photo Expedition to South Georgia, Antarctica, and the Falklands.
