The Travelling Naturalist
Falklands – January 2008 Trip Report
Falkland Islands
10 to 23 January 2008
Trip Report
Leader:
Neil Arnold
The Support Team:
Jo Turner
Ken & Bonnie, Richard
Jacqui & Alan, Aiden, Dana
Rob & Lorraine, Ricky & Sarina, Rolden & Eva
Michael & Jeannette, Roddy & Lil
Jenny & her team, Richard
Carl & his team
Sharon, Nobby & Miranda & Paddy
Mickey & Steve
Falkland Island Holidays
Darwin
Pebble
Carcass
West Point
Sea Lion
Malvina House
Volunteer Point
Crew ‘John Byron’
Introduction
It is wonderful to reflect that we had the best possible weather for so long, apart that is from whenever
we’d planned to venture out to sea. Eventually we even managed that! I am most grateful to you all for
your enthusiastic company. I am especially appreciative of the support team and of Marjorie and Jean
for preparing such an interesting plant list.
I hope you will hold this holiday in your mind for ever and that we’ll meet again soon.
Best wishes
Neil Arnold, Partner, The Travelling Naturalist.
Diary
Weather measurements from: - Silva Alba Windwatch ( & Mark One Eyeball)
Thursday 10 January
Having gathered at Brize Norton in good time, we were able to get to know each other before leaving
for Mount Pleasant in the Falklands.
Friday 11 January
Darwin: Weather at 17.30,
8°C, SW20mph, 996mb, 7/8cu.
We took off just after midnight for the first leg of the journey, arriving at Ascension Island at
08.20GMT. Whilst waiting for the aircraft to be refuelled we had reasonably good views of the
endemic Ascension Frigatebird and closer views of Common waxbill and Common Mynah.
We set off for the Falklands at 09.30 and altered our watches to local time. At 13.40 we were joined by
two Tornado fighters which escorted us into the Mount Pleasant Base. They flew just off our wingtips
so the photographic opportunities in good light were excellent. Suddenly they both inverted and dived
away through the clouds.
We were met at the Terminal by Ken Greenwood from Darwin House and Jo Turner, The Manager of
Falkland Island Holidays. Soon we were driving into the ‘Camp’ and from time to time we stopped to
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admire birds. Crested Caracara, Turkey Vultures and Variable Hawks were busy ‘cleaning up’ sheep
carcasses. Ducks and geese were feeding in the wetlands and we were lucky enough to see a pair of
Black-throated Finches very close to the road.
At Darwin House, Bonnie soon had us settled and as we drank our tea and enjoyed a range of cakes, we
admired Black-chinned Siskins feeding on the ‘Red Hot Pokers’ just outside the lounge window.
By 17.30 we were walking in the grounds where we were able to watch a good variety of birds
including Falkland Steamer Duck, Rock Shag, Black-crowned Night Heron and the two local
Oystercatchers. Perhaps the most endearing sight was the flock of Ruddy-headed Geese quietly
mowing the lawn. We were then joined by a mixed flock of Two-banded Plover and White-rumped
Sandpiper. South American Tern, Kelp Gull, Subantarctic Skua and a number of Southern Giant
Petrels joined the throng.
After a very substantial meal we repaired to bed.
Saturday 12 January
Darwin: Weather am 996mb, 7/8cu, 10°C, NW23mph, dull, pm 3/8 cu, sunny, warmer, wind dropped.
Pre-breakfast walkers noted the first Magellanic Penguin and Silver Grebe of the trip.
At 09.00 we all set off for San Carlos Water and by 09.30 we were walking around the rather stark
Argentinian War Memorial on the hill overlooking Darwin. Then we were marvelling at a ‘stonerun’, a
collection of jagged white quartzite rocks protruding from the surrounding moor, a remnant of weather
generated rock splitting during the process of post-glacial solifluction.
10.30 saw us overlooking San Carlos Water before descending to the San Carlos Settlement, the site of
the British landing in 1982. Here we visited the well designed and beautifully maintained British War
Memorial adjacent to ‘Blue Beach’. Here eight soldiers and eight Royal Marines are laid to rest with an
Army Air Corps pilot who died in a helicopter crash in later years. Neil found this very moving,
especially as he was once a peace-time member of the Army Air Corps. Over the Bay was the
settlement of Ajax Bay, the site of the ‘hospital’ for the landings.
After a substantial lunch we set off to ‘re-enact in our minds’ the battle for Goose Green and Darwin,
first driving out to the hill overlooking Camilla Creek. We were privileged to have Ken as our guide.
He has a military background and a unique opportunity to meet many returning veterans and hear their
eye-witness accounts of the battle. He soon set the scene and took us step by step through the conflict
from the first shots fired at the attacking Second Division the Parachute Regiment (2 Para), to the
moment their Commanding Officer Colonel ‘H’ Jones was killed, to the eventual surrender of over a
thousand Argentinians who, though faced by a mere two hundred paras, had lost the will to continue the
conflict.
At 17.45 we set off back from Goose Green to walk the coast path back to Darwin. The sun shone, the
birds posed, and camera shutters clicked. We had wonderfully close views of a variety of species.
Even though the day had been primarily dedicated to the local history, we enjoyed encounters with
Imperial Shags, Variable Hawks and Rufous-chested Dotterel amongst others.
On our return to Darwin we weighed ourselves and our gear in readiness for the flight the following
morning. Then came another grand meal!
Sunday 13 January
Darwin: weather 993mmb, 1/8 cu, ci. 21°C, NW 17mph, Sun
A very early riser was rewarded by a sighting of a pair of Dusky Dolphins. After breakfast we left
Darwin at 09.30 and reached Pebble Island at 10.00 to be met by Allan, Jacqui and Dana. On our
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arrival at the settlement a Tussock Moth was discovered in the entrance to the house. We were, of
course, just in time for ‘smoko’.
At 11.00 we set off for the Eastern end of the Island in three vehicles. The drive round Elephant Bay
proved interesting as the tide was in, narrowing the beach somewhat.
We visited a number of ponds including Betts Pond, Swan Pond and Big Pond, enjoying wonderful
views of a number of wildfowl including Chiloë Wigeon, Yellow-billed Pintail and Black-necked
Swan. One of the highlights of the day were Silvery and White-tufted Grebe at point blank range in
wonderful sunlight. Double-banded Plover and Rufous-chested Dotterel were also noted. At one point
a Dotterel in fine plumage stood on a Diddle-Dee plant calling loudly and head-bobbing in order to
distract us away from a nearby chick. Allan showed us a collection of local flowering plants.
Cape Tamar was visited at lunchtime. We were able to sit on this exposed headland in complete
comfort as the wind dropped and the sun beat down on us. From this high point we were able to watch
passing Black-browed Albatross and Southern Giant Petrel. Below us was an assembly of South
American Sealions. Then our attention turned to two Peregrine Falcons wheeling backwards and
forwards over the nearby craggy cliffs. This display was prolonged, the birds perching every so often
before taking to the air again. The dark hood and strong moustachial stripes were very clear, a
characteristic of the Falkland subspecies Cassini.
Having spent some time watching Magellanic Penguins sitting outside their burrows, we moved on
towards the neck of land leading to Tamar Point. Here we enjoyed prolonged views of the Penguin and
Shag colony. The Imperial Shag colony was huge, perhaps twice the size of the previous year. As a
consequence the Rockhopper Penguins bred at each end of the colony as usual and right in its midst.
The Shag colony had young that were still being brooded on the nest while others were already
moulting into their flight feathers. The Penguins in contrast had fairly well grown young. As we
watched a fine Macaroni Penguin completed its preening and stuck its head up above the wall of
Rockhoppers behind which it was sheltering. This produced some jubilation as there are only known to
be four individuals on the Island.
The Penguins and Shags had a supporting cast of Subantarctic Skuas, finely plumaged Dolphin Gulls
and Snowy Sheathbills, all of which were busy ridding the colony of the weak and the already dead.
On our return journey we lingered at the ponds and then, just as we reached the house, we were granted
close views of a pair of Black-throated Finches, Black-crowned Night herons and a resident and
seemingly beloved cow Sea Lion.
The evening routine had now become established; far too much excellent food, the call-over and then
off to bed.
Monday 14 January
Pebble: weather 993mb, 1/8 cu, ci, 15°C, NW 22mph.
The early birds had their cobwebs blown away by the brisk NW wind; it was most refreshing.
At 09.00 we left to drive to the West of the Island and by 09.20 we were paying our respects to the
memorial for those who lost their lives in HMS Coventry.
As we moved west we came across a fine male Variable Hawk in flight and later saw another at rest.
Then there was a delightful interlude as we came across three Sedge Wrens, two of which appeared to
be attracting our attention. We surmised that young may have been present. By 11.00 we were at
Green Rincon, a crescent shaped bay which was stunningly beautiful. We saw a number of Magellanic
Penguins in a roost where we also found two adult King Penguins. At the other end of the beach was a
Giant Petrel colony which held fifty-eight adults and forty-two chicks – other adults were sweeping
over the sea.
We then stopped briefly at the memorial to the five Argentinian officers who died when their Learjet
was shot down by a missile from HMS Exeter.
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As soon as we arrived at the Rockhopper colony we found two more Macaroni Penguins. This time
they stood up in a gap so we could see the whole bird. Then Jacqui showed us the lone Erect-crested
Penguin which had been visiting the colony for the past eleven years ( this species originates from the
sub-Antarctic of New Zealand and has no business being in the Falklands!) We were amazingly lucky
to have found two scarce species on land together. The sighting of six Penguin species in a day is
almost certainly only achievable on Pebble Island.
At 13.20 we climbed a little way up into Burny’s Rocks on Marble Mountain and ate our lunch in the
lee of the wind. In the process we disturbed an immature Peregrine. By 14.25 we were at Pebble
Beach where a variety of activities took place including ‘pebble combing’, albatross watching and
enjoying the antics of the Gentoo colony. On the way back to the settlement we encountered Dotterel,
Snipe with chicks, Siskins and Black-throated finches. Our final stop was at the wreckage of an
Argentinian Dagger fighter shot down by the British.
Tuesday 15 January
Pebble: weather 1005mb, 2/8 ci, cu, 10°C, NW 15mph, Sun.
We left Pebble Island in two flights, reaching Carcass Island by 11.00. There we were greeted by our
host, Rob, and by Tussock Birds and Striated Caracaras. After lunch we drove north to Elephant Flat
and walked around Shelder Pond, then along the shore towards North West Point crossing the
promontory to the North East coast.
Shelder Pond held good numbers of Falkland Steamer Ducks, Yellow-billed Teal, a great flock of Kelp
and Ruddy-headed Geese and a lone Silvery Grebe. On the stone beach was a breeding colony of Kelp
Gulls.
The sandy beach was the realm of Southern Elephant Seals which were scattered in small groups all the
way to North West Point. There were eighty four in all. We were also able to view two South
American Fur Seals through our telescopes and then one took to the sea nearby. Our attention then
turned to Double-banded Plover with chicks, and a constant stream of White-rumped Sandpipers. The
beach now held flocks of Crested Duck and Magellanic Oystercatchers. While all this was taking place
Southern Giant Petrels were gliding overhead and hordes of Imperial Shag were powering their way
along the coast. The other delight was the frequency with which we noted Austral Thrush, Black-faced
Ground Tyrant and Black-throated Finches. At least four Cobb’s Wrens also performed for us, running
around the beach like small mammals. Moving through the tussock grass to the North West Beach we
encountered rather aggressive Subantarctic Skuas and flushed a number of Magellan Snipe. We were
then lucky enough to find a pod of eight Peal’s Dolphins which we watched for some time as they
fished off shore.
Back at the settlement we were forced to enjoy more food.
Wednesday 16 January
Carcass:
weather 997 mb, 8/8 cu, 11°C, W 25mph, Dull, Sea state 3-4
The pre-breakfast walk gave us a chance to reinforce our identification skills. This involved twentythree species of birds in and around Port Pattison.
By 9.30 we had joined Michael on his fishing boat and were heading for West Point Island. We all
elected to stay out on deck where we were subjected to sea-spray as we ploughed into a Westerly wind.
On West Point Island we were greeted by Roddy and Lil Napier, the owners. This was a special
occasion as John Leonard was about to meet Roddy for the first time having been pen-friends as young
boys, writing to each other from 1937 to 1939. An ambition of seventy years was realised. John and
his family went off to the Napier’s home and the rest of us were entertained to smoko by Michael and
Jeannette.
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Once we’d dried out we were driven to the Black-browed Albatross colony. Here we were able to
watch the interaction between neighbouring Albatrosses and Rockhopper Penguins. What was even
more fascinating was the chance to see the rituals between male and female Albatrosses. This was
especially marked when an adult flew into the nest area. There followed an elaborate routine of beakfencing, head bowing and mutual preening. Only then did the chick attempt to beg for food by pecking
at the bill of the newly arrived bird. Eventually the chick was fed. Many of the chicks were busy
preening and stretching their wings despite the fact that flight was some weeks off.
Later, after afternoon tea, we waddled our way to the jetty – we were beginning to get the feel of being
a penguin!
We had hoped to motor out to the west in search of seabirds but the weather conditions precluded this.
We did however manage, between us, to see a Flying Steamer duck, seven Southern Sea Lions and two
Brown-hooded Gulls as we motored along the shore of West Point Island. We then made a dash for
Carcass, in a lively following sea. Our efforts were rewarded by sightings of two Common Diving
Petrels and ten Sooty Shearwaters. One of the most fascinating events of the return trip, though, was
coming across a tight raft of Imperial Shags with attendant Kelp Gulls, Magellanic Penguins, Blackbrowed Albatrosses and South American Terns.
The Shags were fishing vigorously and the other species seemed to be taking advantage of the situation.
It was surmised that a shoal of fish had been discovered.
The evening: - More eating!
Thursday 17 January
Carcass: weather 998 mb, 7/8 cu, 7°C, cold, S 20mph. Bright
Having bid our farewells to our hosts on Carcass Island we boarded two planes, the 09.30 flying to Sea
Lion Island via Weddell Island and the 09.40 flying via Fox Bay. Those stopping at Weddell saw a
herd of reindeer.
We were all welcomed to Sea Lion by Jenny Luxton, the Manager of the Lodge, consumed the
inevitable ‘smoko’ and then settled in.
After lunch we drove to West End, calling at Tussac, Long and Beaver Ponds. These held a variety of
wildfowl including Crested Duck, Speckled Teal, a pair of Silver teal and Chiloë Wigeon, all with
young. There were also seventeen Silvery Grebe and the inevitable geese including the splendid
Ruddy-headed Goose. The open grassland didn’t disappoint either, we noted flocks of Two-banded
Plover and individual Rufous-chested Dotterel and Magellan Snipe.
We then drove along the coast, stopping briefly at an Imperial Shag colony and the Rockhopper colony
adjacent to the memorial to the fallen of HMS Sheffield where we stopped for a moment of quiet
reflection.
At East Loafers we stopped and looked at the sleeping Southern Sea Lions before setting off on foot
towards the Lodge. A few gems were noted en route, a very close Sedge Wren in the grassland, Blackchinned Siskins, Black-throated Finches and Austral Thrushes in the gardens and a Magellan Snipe
which was feeding in an open sandy area – a photographer’s gift!
During afternoon tea we admired a group of Dolphin Gulls from the warmth of the lounge. A few
hardy souls then marched to the Southern Giant Petrel colony where they had great views of the Petrels
and a party of Sooty Shearwaters passing off shore. They also saw two roosting King Penguins.
At 21.15 we attempted to find a Short-eared Owl but a constant wind and approaching rain curtailed our
watch. The Owls had obviously decided it was more comfortable ‘indoors’.
Friday 18 January
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Falklands – January 2008 Trip Report
Sea Lion: weather a.m. 1003mb, 8/8 cu, 10°C, W 9mph, short shower, p.m. 1005mb, 2/8 cu, 10°C,
SW 12mph, Sun.
The pre-breakfast walk revealed the continued presence of the King Penguins. At 09.00 we drove to
the ‘Sheffield Memorial’ from which we walked back to the Lodge. After watching the antics of
Rockhopper Penguins at the memorial we followed the fence line towards Long Pond which was full of
bird life, a party of Silvery Grebes, and family groups of Chiloë Wigeon, Speckled Teal, Silver Teal,
Crested Duck, Upland and Ruddy-headed Geese. Soon after, we discovered a pair of Southern
Caracara which we were able to watch through our telescopes for some time. On the coast we enjoyed
close views of resting Southern Elephant Seals and nearby were more South American Sea Lions with
the bulls noisily defending their harem. One bull was deeply scarred around the face from previous
battles. The area was conscientiously patrolled by a pair of Striated Caracara. Off shore was a raft of
Southern Giant Petrels squabbling over the inverted carcass of a penguin. There appeared to be so
much conflict that few chances were available for feeding. One the way back to the Lodge we got very
close to a Magellan Snipe and a very confiding Sedge Wren.
After a leisurely lunch, we walked east towards the Southern Giant Petrel colony. As we passed the
Gentoo colony we came across the two King Penguins which some had seen earlier in the day. Out on
the windswept beach we were entertained by feeding Two-banded Plovers, White-rumped Sandpipers
and Magellanic Oystercatchers all of which were periodically moved on by a Striated Caracara. Once
in the sand dunes we were able to observe part of the Giant Petrel colony without disturbing the birds.
We were also able to look out to sea where a huge raft of Imperial Shags was feeding. One the edge of
the kelp bed there was also great activity from feeding South American Terns. Much to our surprise we
realised a scattering of sandpipers were feeding on the surface of the floating kelp. Beyond the kelp
were some two hundred Black-browed Albatrosses on the sea and further investigation revealed fifty
Sooty Shearwater passing through. Two resident Cobb’s Wren investigated our presence.
More eating!
Once again we stood on the airstrip hoping to see a hunting Short-eared Owl. While we waited four
Magellan Snipe put on a floor show for us. First one called from cover and then emerged, almost
feeding up to our feet. Then three more appeared and proceeded to feed and then chase each other. The
‘second act’ was provided by a hunting Owl – but it was some way off.
Saturday 19 January
Sea Lion: weather, 1013 mb, 2/8 cu, 9°C, S 14 mph, Sun.
At 09.30 we were driven to Beaver Pond at the extreme west of the Island. Here there was a real sense
of remoteness. The upper tideline was littered with pebbles, ancient kelp, wood and whale bones. We
were soon watching Cobb’s Wren in their favourite littoral habitat.
Geese, Magellanic Penguins, Shags and gulls were all very active in contrast to seven Southern
Elephant Seals who were, as usual at this time of year, fast asleep. Off shore Black-browed Albatrosses
swept over the waves, occasionally joined by Sooty Shearwaters. We tramped eastward through the
Diddle-dee heath coming across ground tyrants, thrushes, finches and Tussack Birds one of which had
caught a moth which it carried to its nesthole in the peat. Once again we were treated to close views of
Magellan Snipe and Rufous-breasted Dotterel and a handful of Correndera Pipits crossed our path.
They seemed scarce on Sea Lion. We had much better views of the pair of Southern Caracara as they
perched nearby or overflew the group.
After lunch we all went our separate ways, some clutching hand lenses and flora, some cameras and
some binoculars and telescopes. It was the perfect day to find solitude in some ‘secret hideaway’ on the
Falkland Islands southern gem, smoothly polished by summer warmth.
A great time was had by all!
The day closed with a glorious sunset but the Short-eared Owls watched it from cover – well, we didn’t
see them!
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Falklands – January 2008 Trip Report
Sunday 20 January
Sea Lion: weather a.m. 1005 mb, 1/8 cu,ci, 12°C, NW 10mph, Sun, p.m NW 35 mph!
The weather was beautiful. The morning was broken up by there being two flights to Stanley, at 11.05
and at 13.00. The group split up according to their interests and their flight time. Some new
discoveries were made; the total island King Penguin count rose to five as we found a subadult bird.
We also reacquainted ourselves with a number of bird species including Cobb’s and Grass Wren,
Rufous-bellied Dotterel and considerable numbers of Black- throated Finch. The bird of the morning
was a Short-eared Owl which was flushed from the heathland.
Once at Stanley we were expecting to board a boat and head for Kidney Island. Alas the wind
increased to 35 mph which made the trip impossible but instead Jo was able to drive us out to Gypsy
Cove. Here we watched familiar birds and visited the old Second World War gun battery. We were
also able to appreciate the fine lines of HMS Nottingham (D91) as she lay at anchor in Port William. A
short walk took us to a vantage point looking through the entrance of the harbour to Stanley. We were
then glad to get out of the wind and settle into Malvina House.
Footnote: By late evening the wind had increased to 50 knots.
Monday 21 January
Stanley: weather 1005mb, 2/8 cu, ci, 11°C +, W 20mph, Sun.
We were met by Sharon, Nobby and Miranda who drove us to Volunteer Point. The first fifty-five
minutes were on graded roads but the next seventy-five were cross country. Fortunately the ground was
drier than usual so we made excellent progress due to very skilful driving.
At Volunteer Point we met Paddy the Warden. The weather was perfect for photography so the nine
hundred King Penguins were soon posing. We were able to watch adults, very mature chicks and those
that were only a day or two old. Many adults were still sitting on eggs. We were also able to watch the
antics of both Magellanic and Gentoo Penguins. The Penguin march to the sea and back was a great
feature of the day. The beach also held Oystercatchers, Two-banded Plover, Crested Duck, Falkland
Flightless Steamer Duck, Dolphin, Kelp and Brown-hooded Gulls. Off shore there were a few Blackbrowed Albatrosses and Giant Petrels. Then a steady passage of Sooty Shearwaters developed, two
hundred and eighty birds flying west in a little over half an hour.
One the drive back to Stanley we encountered Rufous-chested Dotterel and Magellan Snipe. Once on
the main road to the capital we parked by a stone run to admire the rather strange Snake Flower.
We had been extremely lucky to have had yet another sunny day.
Tuesday 22 January
Stanley: weather 1010mb, 1/8 cu, 14°C, calm, Sun.
The weather was with us yet again! By 07.00 we were on board the ‘John Byron’ a sturdy craft which
was to take us eight miles out to sea. Fortunately the swell was steady and predictable. As we left
Stanley Harbour we were escorted by a pod of Peale’s Dolphins. Inshore we came across Imperial
Shags, Kelp Gulls and a group of Brown-hooded Gulls. Once out to sea Sooty Shearwaters and Blackbrowed Albatross made an appearance, soon joined by Great Shearwaters and White-chinned Petrels.
A lone Diving Petrel sped by the boat.
After a while we turned towards land, to Kidney Island where we came across a raft of some six
hundred & fifty Sooty Shearwaters in the midst of which were three Great Shearwaters. We were able
to gain close views of both species. The island waters held groups of porpoising Magellanic and
Rockhopper Penguins with a few South American Sea Lions. On shore we saw our last Tussockbird of
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Falklands – January 2008 Trip Report
the trip and a mass of South American Terns with Rock and Imperial Shag. As we made our way into
Stanley Harbour we were again escorted by Peale’s Dolphins.
Once docked at 10.10 we hurried off to Malvina House Hotel to change our clothes and clear our
rooms. The rest of the morning was ours to enjoy – sun and all.
By 14.00 we were on our way to Mount Pleasant Airport to make our way home.
Wednesday 23 January
We made an early arrival at Brize Norton and said our farewells.
SPECIES CHECKLIST
BIRDS
ASCENSION ISLAND
FRIGATEBIRDS
Ascension Island Frigatebird
STARLINGS
Common Myna
Common Waxbill
Pelecaniformes Fregatidae
Fregata aquila
Passeriformes Sturnidae
Acridotheres tristis
Estrilada astrid
Distant views of three
Three flying around the base.
Two
FALKLAND ISLANDS
PENGUINS
King Penguin
Sphenisciformes Spheniscidae
Aptenodytes patagonicus
Gentoo Penguin
Pygoscelis papua
Erect-crested Penguin
Eudyptes sclateri
Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes chrysocome
Macaroni Penguin
Eudyptes chrysolophus
Magellanic Penguin
Spheniscus magellanicus
GREBES
White-tufted Grebe
Two adults on Pebble, two Sea Lion.
At least 900 at Volunteer Point.
Colonies on Pebble, Sea Lion and
Volunteer Point.
A lone bird on Pebble, a vagrant from
New Zealand waters in its eleventh
year on Pebble.
Colonies on Pebble, West Point and
Sea Lion.
One at the western colony and two in
the eastern colony on Pebble.
Widespread, Darwin, San Carlos
Water, Pebble, Carcass and Sea Lion.
Podicipediformes Podicipedidae
Rollandia Rolland
Eight on Pebble including one
immature bird and an adult on two
eggs. One Volunteer Point.
Silvery Grebe
Podiceps occipitalis
One Darwin, four Pebble, one Carcass
and 17 on Sea Lion.
ALBATROSSES
Procellariiformes Diomedeidae
Black-browed Albatross
Thalassarche melanophris
Widespread along the coast. The
colony at West Point flourishing.
SHEARWATERS & PETRELS Procellariiformes Procellariidae
Southern Giant Petrel
Macronectes giganteus
Noted throughout. Colonies on Pebble
( 58 adults, 48 chicks) and Sea Lion
(76 adults and three chicks in a partial
count)
White-chinned Petrel
Procellaria aequinoctialis
Four off Stanley.
Sooty Shearwater
Puffinus griseus
Common offshore. Peaks 280 at
Volunteer Point and 650 in a raft off
Kidney Island.
Great Shearwater
Puffinus gravis
Ten off Stanley
DIVING-PETRELS
Procellariiformes Pelecanoididae
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The Travelling Naturalist
Common Diving-petrel
CORMORANTS
Rock Shag
King (Blue-eyed) Cormorant
HERONS
Black-crowned Night-heron
WILDFOWL
Black-necked Swan
Upland (Magellanic) Goose
Kelp Goose
Ruddy-headed Goose
Flying Steamer Duck
Falkland Steamerduck
Chiloe Wigeon
Speckled Teal
Crested Duck
Yellow-billed Pintail
Silver Teal
NEW WORLD VULTURES
Turkey Vulture
HAWKS, EAGLES & KITES
Variable (Red-backed) Hawk
FALCONS & CARACARAS
Striated Caracara
Southern Caracara
Peregrine
OYSTERCATCHERS
Magellanic Oystercatcher
Blackish Oystercatcher
LAPWINGS & PLOVERS
Two-banded Plover
Falklands – January 2008 Trip Report
Pelecanoides urinatrix
Two on the boat trip to West Point
Island; one off Kidney Island.
Pelecaniformes Phalacrocoracidae
Phalacrocorax magellanicus
Scattered records throughout, smaller
colonies than atriceps on Pebble,
Carcass and Sea Lion.
Phalacrocorax atriceps
Noted throughout with large Colonies
on Pebble, Carcass, West Point and
Sea Lion islands.
Ciconiiformes Ardeidae
Nycticorax nycticorax
Very widespread in sheltered coastal
locations throughout.
Anseriformes Anatidae
Cygnus melanocorypha
Five on Bett's Pond, Pebble
Chloephaga picta
Very widespread and numerous.
Chloephaga hybrida
Widely distributed on the shore.
Chloephaga rubidiceps
A widespread grazer – better than a
lawn-mower.
Tachyeres patachonicus
One off West Point Island
Tachyeres brachypterus
Very widespread.
Anas sibilatrix
Six Pebble and nine Sea Lion.
Anas flavirostris
Widespread.
Anas specularioides
Widespread often in large flocks.
Anas georgica
Three, Pebble Island.
Anas versicolor
Two Pebble Island; a pair with three
chicks Sea Lion.
Falconiformes Cathartidae
Cathartes aura
Noted throughout.
Falconiformes Accipitridae
Buteo polyosoma
Fourteen records Darwin, Pebble and
Stanley.
Falconiformes Falconidae
Phalcoboenus australis
Common on Pebble, Carcass, West
Point and Sea Lion.
Caracara plancus
Two en route to Darwin on 11th and
two Pebble.
Falco peregrinus
Two East Pebble and an immature
bird West Pebble.
Charadriiformes Haematopodidae
Haematopus leucopodus
Widespread, usually on sandy
beaches.
Haematopus ater
Widespread often seen on rocky
shores.
Charadriiformes Charadriidae
Charadrius falklandicus
Rufous-chested Dotterel
Charadrius modestus
SANDPIPERS
Charadriiformes
South American (Magellan)Snipe Gallinago paraguaiae
Common, especially on open wellvegetated inland areas and on beaches
Scattered groups in open areas.
Scolopacidae
Surprisingly, usually on dry open
areas.
A small flock Darwin and numerous
Pebble (120) and Sea Lion (105).
White-rumped Sandpiper
Calidris fuscicollis
SHEATHBILLS
Snowy Sheathbill
Charadriiformes Chionididae
Chionis alba
SKUAS
Subantarctic Skua
Charadriiformes Stercorariidae
Catharacta antarctica
Common especially near breeding
seabirds. Peak (34) Pebble.
Charadriiformes Laridae
GULLS
9
Eight on Pebble island, and one on
Carcass.
The Travelling Naturalist
Falklands – January 2008 Trip Report
Dolphin Gull
Larus scoresbii
Widespread especially near sea bird
colonies.
Very common. Thriving colony
Carcass (700)
Two West Point, ten Volunteer Point
and twelve Stanley.
Kelp Gull
Larus dominicanus
Brown-hooded Gull
Larus maculipennis
TERNS
South American Tern
Charadriiformes Sternidae
Sterna hirundinacea
PIGEONS & DOVES
Columbiformes Columbidae
Rock (Feral) Pigeon
Columba livia
OWLS
Strigiformes Strigidae
Short-eared Owl
Asio flammeus
OVENBIRDS
Passeriformes Furnariidae
Blackish Cinclodes (Tussock Bird)Cinclodes antarcticus
TYRANT FLYCATCHERS
Dark-faced Ground-tyrant
WAGTAILS & PIPITS
Correndera Pipit
WRENS
Cobb's Wren
Passeriformes Tyrannidae
Muscisaxicola macloviana
Passeriformes Motacillidae
Anthus correndera
Passeriformes Troglodytidae
Troglodytes cobbi
Sedge Wren
Cistothorus platensis
THRUSHES
Austral Thrush
OLD WORLD SPARROWS
House Sparrow
FINCHES
Black-chinned Siskin
TRUE BUNTINGS
Black-throated Finch
TROUPIALS & ALLIES
Long-tailed Meadowlark
Passeriformes Turdidae
Turdus falcklandii
Passeriformes Passeridae
Passer domesticus
Passeriformes Fringillidae
Carduelis barbata
Passeriformes Emberizidae
Melanodera melanodera
Passeriformes Icteridae
Sturnella loyca
Widespread. West Point (100) Sea
Lion ( 50)
A few Darwin.
Two records on Sea Lion.
Common on Carcass (peak 100) West
Point and Sea Lion Island; One from
the boat off Kidney Island - all places
where there are no cats or rats.
Widespread in small numbers.
Widespread but nowhere common.
Common on Carcass and Sea Lion
islands where there are no cats or rats.
Noted on Pebble, Carcass and Sea
Lion islands.
Widespread.
Several Darwin and Stanley.
Common.
Widespread, common.
Common.
MAMMALS
EARED SEALS
South American Fur Seal
South American Sea-lion
EARLESS SEALS
Southern Elephant Seal
Carnivora Otariidae
Arctocephalus australis
Otaria byronia
Carnivora Phocidae
Mirounga leonina
MARINE DOLPHINS
Peale's Dolphin
Cete Delphinidae
Lagenorhynchus australis
Reindeer
Hare
Rangifer tarandus
Lepus europaeus
Eleven-spot Ladybird
Ochre-shouldered Moth
Brocade Moth
One Pebble
One Sea Lion
One Pebble.
Three, Carcass Island.
Widespread.
Very local, Carcass (84), Sea Lion (40
or so).
Two Darwin, eight NW Point of
Carcass and two Point Pattison,
Carcass. Two Stanle
Twenty Weddell Island.
Ten Darwin
INSECTS
FALKLAND ISLANDS PLANTS
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The Travelling Naturalist
Falklands – January 2008 Trip Report
Darwin, Goose Green and San Carlos
White Grass
Cortaderia pilosa
Diddledee
Empetrum rubrum
Gorse
Ulex europaeus
Orchid
Chloraea gaudichaudii
Tall Fern
Blechnum magellanicum
Native Strawberry
Rubus geoides
Pigvine
Gunnera magellanica
Daisy
Bellis perennis
White Clover
Triflolium repens
Prickly Burr
Acaena magellanica
Wild Celery
Apium graveolens
Christmas Bush
Baccharis magellanica
Monterey Cyrpess
Cupressus macrocarpa
Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
Pebble Island
West
Diddledee
Empetrum rubrum
Tall Fern
Blechnum magellanicum
Pigvine
Gunnera magellanica
Prickly Burr
Acaena magellanica
Christmas Bush
Baccharis magellanica
Small Fern
Blechnum
Scurvy grass
Oxalis enneaphylla
Chickweed
Cerastium sp.
Fachine
Chilotrichum diffusum
Balsam Bog
Bolax gummifera
Woolly Ragwort
Senecio littoralis
Creeping Berry Lobelia
Pratia repens
Sea Cabbage
Senecio candicans
Sticky groundsel
Senecio viscosus
Coastal Nassauvia
Nassauvia gaudichaudi
Sheeps Sorrel
Rumex acetosella
East
Diddledee
Empetrum rubrum
Creeping Berry Lobelia
Pratia repens
Sea Cabbage
Senecio candicans
Gorse
Ulex europaeus
Daisy
Bellis perennis
White Clover
Triflolium repens
Monterey Cypress
Cupressus macrocarpa
Lilaeopsis macloviana
Falkland Lavender
Perezia recurvata
Thrift
Armeria macloviana
Boxwood
Hebe elliptica
Carcass Island
North – around the airstrip
Yorkshire Fog
Holcus lanatus
Meadow Grass, Pigvine, Sheep’s Sorrel.
Along Coast
Prickly Burr, Small Fern, Sea Cabbage
Mousear Chickweed
Stellaria media
Arrow-leafed Marigold
Caltha sagittata
Small Nettle
Urtica urens
Yarrow
Acaena lucida
Wild Celery
Apium australe
Dock
Rumex sp.
Clubmoss
Azoralla lycopodioides
West Point Island
Red Dead Nettle
Lamium purpureum
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The Travelling Naturalist
Falklands – January 2008 Trip Report
Self-heal
Prunella vulgaris
Gorse
Nassauvia
Tussock Grass
Parodiochloa flabellate
Red Campion
Silene dioica
Pineapple Weed
Matricaria discioides
Native Boxwood seen along coast, from the boat, growing wild.
Sea Lion Island
Pigvine, Diddledee, Small Fern, Sheep’s Sorrel, Yorkshire Fog, Gorse, Nassauvia, Tussock Grass, Sea cabbage,
Christmas Bush, Mousear Chickweed, Clubmoss, Arrow-leafed Marigold, Wild Celery, Sticy Groundsel, Tall
Fern.
Marsh Daisy
Aster vahlii
Liverwort
Marchantia sp.
Grey-lobed Flat Lichen
Tall Rush
Scirpus californicus
Native Woodrush
Luzula alopecurus
Cudweed
Gamochaeta sp.
Groundsel
Senecio vulgaris
Basket Kelp
Macrocystis pyrifera
Marram Grass sp.
Cinnamon Grass
Hierochloe redolens
Antarctic Bedstraw
Galium antarcticum
Shore Meadowgrass
Poa robusta
No daisy or clover.
Gypsy Cove
Tall & Small Fern, Gorse, Cinnamon Grass, Tussock Grass, Christmas Bush, Diddledee, Sheep’s Sorrel, Pigvine,
Scurvy Grass and Balsam Bog.
Wiry Azorella
Azorella filamentosa
Mountain Berry
Gaultheria pumila
Vanilla Daisy
Leucheria suaveolens
Heath Bedstraw
Galium saxatile
Almond Flower
Luzuringa marginata
Volunteer Beach
Pratia, Pigvine, Stitchwort, Liverwort, Sheep’s Sorrel.
Buttonweed Plant
Leptinella scariosa
Near Tumbledown
Snake Plant
Nassauvia serpens
Tea Berry
Myrteola nummularia
Tufted Azorella
Azorella monantha
Mountain Berry, Almond Flower.
Neil Arnold, 2008
© The Travelling Naturalist / Limosa Holidays
© photo credits to Pam Phillipson, many thanks from The Travelling Naturalist
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The Travelling Naturalist
Falklands – January 2008 Trip Report
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The Travelling Naturalist
Falklands – January 2008 Trip Report
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