Falkland Islands Wildlife

January 2 - 16, 2010

        The Falkland Islands, located in the Southern Atlantic Ocean about 280 miles east of the southern tip of South America, are home to one of the richest concentrations of wildlife left in the world.
        Penguins are by far the most numerous and appealing subjects on the Falkland Islands. Their comical mannerisms and awkward gait are endearing qualities. Penguins are almost totally unafraid of humans and are very curious and friendly. If you sit down near a colony and remain quiet, they will frequently walk right up to you. Four species of penguins are common in the Falklands - rockhopper, magellanic, gentoo, and king.
        Although penguins are the star attractions on the Falkland Islands, a large number of other birds are common and easily photographed. The best subjects are king cormorants, black-browed albatross, striated caracaras, pied oystercatchers, Falklands skuas, Magellan snipes, upland geese, kelp geese, Patagonian crested ducks, Falklands flightless steamer ducks, white tufted grebes, snowy sheathbills, red-backed buzzards, dolphin gulls, giant petrels, and black-crowned night herons.

Gentoo Penguin and Chick           Joe Lange
Falkland Islands

King Penguins                               Joe Lange
Falkland Islands

        Relatively few mammals are found on the Falklands, but the most numerous and entertaining is the southern elephant seal. Largest of all seal species, an adult male reaches 18 feet in length and weighs 3 to 4 tons. The Southern sea lion is also easily and safely photographed. Adult males, which are about 8 feet long and weigh between 500 and 700 pounds, fiercely defend their harems. Killer whales or orcas are frequently seen patrolling the waters around the Falklands.

Pied Oystercatcher                                         Joe Lange
Falkland Islands

        This Workshop starts and ends in Stanley, the quaint and historic capitol of the Falklands. In the past, Stanley Harbor was a haven for ships fighting their way around Cape Horn. You can still see the hulks of square-rigged ships sunk and abandoned in the harbor.
        While a large colony of king penguins is found at Volunteer Point near Stanley on East Falkland Island, most of the wildlife is found on more remote islands. We will travel from Stanley to Saunders Island, Carcass Island, Bleeker Island, and Sea Lion Island on short take off and landing (STOL) planes operated by the Falkland Islands Government Air Service (FIGAS). Visitor accommodations on the outer islands consist of small lodges, hotels, or cottages that are modest but comfortable.
        This ALL INCLUSIVE Workshop includes all inter-island air transport from Stanley, land rover trips, lodging, and ALL MEALS (except on Saunders Island which is self-catering).
        The Falkland Islands are one of the few unspoiled areas of the world in which wildlife is still at ease with man. Still relatively undeveloped as a tourist destination, the Falklands are one of the most exciting locations for wildlife photography left in the world.
        Combine the quantity, quality, and accessibility of wildlife with a scenic landscape, a friendly population, and a total absence of crime, and you will come to appreciate what a quality experience awaits you in the Falklands.