Saunders Island, Falklands
Whereas yesterday’s weather was calm, sunny, and warm today was the opposite, or as our Expedition Leader pointed out, “back to normal.” We awoke to a gale that threatened our proposed landing on Carcass Island for a walk to Leopard Beach. Fortunately, the Captain was able to put us in a good spot so the Zodiacs were lowered and those inclined were taken ashore. There were Magellanic and gentoo penguins about as well as other sea and shore birds. The gentoos seem to be having trouble this season with their nests on some islands and are abandoning them in large numbers. After visiting the beach, we took a long walk to a farmer’s settlement for tea. Once everyone had warmed up and dried off at the McGill residence, it was time for a quick trip to the ship, where some were lucky enough to have Commerson and Peale dolphins bow-riding the Zodiacs.
The afternoon landing was on Saunders Island, owned by Dave Evans. From here we had the chance to observe four penguin species on one beach. There were gentoos, who Dave told us have just showed up in large numbers, Magellanic (pictured), rockhopper, and a nice introduction to the second largest of all penguins – the King. There were about a dozen in a roped off area with one chick just about done molting. It was impressive to see the height and robustness of the Kings in comparison to the smaller birds as they all tried to go out to sea against the crashing surf.
Our day was full of great sightings and sounds, and won’t soon be forgotten.
Whereas yesterday’s weather was calm, sunny, and warm today was the opposite, or as our Expedition Leader pointed out, “back to normal.” We awoke to a gale that threatened our proposed landing on Carcass Island for a walk to Leopard Beach. Fortunately, the Captain was able to put us in a good spot so the Zodiacs were lowered and those inclined were taken ashore. There were Magellanic and gentoo penguins about as well as other sea and shore birds. The gentoos seem to be having trouble this season with their nests on some islands and are abandoning them in large numbers. After visiting the beach, we took a long walk to a farmer’s settlement for tea. Once everyone had warmed up and dried off at the McGill residence, it was time for a quick trip to the ship, where some were lucky enough to have Commerson and Peale dolphins bow-riding the Zodiacs.
The afternoon landing was on Saunders Island, owned by Dave Evans. From here we had the chance to observe four penguin species on one beach. There were gentoos, who Dave told us have just showed up in large numbers, Magellanic (pictured), rockhopper, and a nice introduction to the second largest of all penguins – the King. There were about a dozen in a roped off area with one chick just about done molting. It was impressive to see the height and robustness of the Kings in comparison to the smaller birds as they all tried to go out to sea against the crashing surf.
Our day was full of great sightings and sounds, and won’t soon be forgotten.
