Islands of the Falklands

This morning we arrived in the west falklands at an island called Steeple Jason, one that had never been visited before by any of the staff members but one. The landing was a bit tricky as we had to clamber up across the rocks before setting off around the island to the legendary Black-browed Albatross colony. On the way we passed Tussocbirds and Austral Thrushes foraging for food and a Gentoo colony which had the first small chicks we had seen.

Steeple Jason

Austral Thrush

Tussockbird

Gentoo Colony

On the way we encountered some very inquisitive Striated Caracara, known as Johnny Rook to the locals, who attacked anything left on the ground.We also saw Long-tailed Meadowlark, Falklands skua, Black-throated Finch.

Striated Caracara (Johnny Rook)

After about a mile we arrived at the albatross colony which went on along the beach edge as far as the eye can see. Interspersed among the albatross were Rockhopper penguins, number 7 on our list for the trip.

Black-browed Albatross Colony

Rockhopper penguin

We began to see the first flowering plants since we left Ushuaia

In the afternoon we sailed for West Point Island which was another albatross/rockhopper colony. On the way we were accompanied by some Peale's Dolphins and as we arrived we were greeted by a pod of about 50 Commerson's Dolphins which delighted everyone for hours. They seemed to really enjoy frolicing round the boat and chasing the zodiacs.

Peele's Dolphin

Commerson's Dolphin

The trees around the settlement held lots of black-chinned siskin and the smell of gorse reminded us of Dungeness.

Black-chinned Siskin

On shore we also saw Ashy-headed Goose, Falklands pipit, Falklands Grass Wren, Night Heron, Kelp Goose and Upland goose, the day ended with a Bar-B-Q at the back of the boat.

Falklands Pipit

Night Heron