If you have never been to the Falkland Islands to photograph penguins and other species such as Elephant Seals. Sea Lions, Albatross, Killer Whales, lots of newborn chicks and a myriad of other bird species, it is difficult to explain in words what a natural wonderland the Falklands are. You really have to experience it first hand to believe it. It is like a sort of Shangri-La where all animals and humans are friends, almost.
Most of the wildlife, notably with the exception of Black-necked Swans, is unafraid of human presence and will often sit right down beside you out of curiosity. While at Volunteer Point on East Stanley we sat amongst King Penguins and their chicks while they went about their business seemingly oblivious to our presence. I had one young King lay down 2 feet from me and fall asleep!
It was a similar experience with the 3 other common species of penguins on the Falklands, Gentoos, Rockhoppers and Magellenics. While sitting outside their colonies they would go about their life coming and going from the ocean and switching nesting duties with their partners while fending off intrusive neighbors and feeding their young. At one point I was surrounded by a dozen Rockhopper penguins while they picked at my boots and slept in the surrounding grasses. The Macaroni penguin is also seen here sometimes amongst the Rockhoppers but they do not colonize here.
One of the most exciting and visually stunning experiences for our group was watching the Gentoo penguins swimming into shore from the rough seas in small groups and springing out of the water onto the beach to begin their walk back to the colony along one of the many penguin highways as they are called by locals. You could watch them porpoising in from sea about 100 yards out right until they reach the breaking surf, looks like they are having fun but it just could be that they are in a hurry. Either way it was so cool to witness this behavior.
Then there are the Striated Caracaras. These beautiful falcons nest and breed in the outlying islands of the Falklands are very photographable, sometimes very up close. What a great experience!
Then there is the majestic Black-browed Albatross. There are a few colonies that are accessible to humans and the photo opportunities are unbelievable. To watch these beautiful seabirds coming and going from their nests and doing greeting displays is something that you really need to see once in your life. Sometimes I just watched in amazement and forgot that I was there to take pictures!
Throw into the mix an abundance of other species such as Snowy Sheathbills, Upland Geese, Kelp Geese, Cobb’s Wren, Long tailed Meadowlark, Crested Ducks, and Silvery Grebes and you have a place with so much to offer the bird and nature photographer.
The hosts on the different islands are just so hospitable and knowledgeable that they add a lot to the Falkland Islands experience. Most of the people who live on the Islands outside of East Stanley are 3rd and 4th generation wool farmers. They have in most cases expanded into providing lodging and tours for visitors to the islands which now represent about one half of their income.
The accommodations are basic to good but there is always a friendly smile, good food and all of your basic needs and then some are met.
I can’t tell you in this short article all of what the Falkland Islands are really like, words do not do it any justice, and you just have to experience it for yourself! Don’t forget to tell them, David sent you!
Written by: David Hemmings. David owns and operates Natures Photo Adventures and has been published by National Geographic and many other magazines and books.