Program – Penguin Adventure: Falkland Islands with Shawn Carey (hybrid)

Shawn Carey presented a program on the Falkland Islands, or Islas Malvinas. The Falkland Islands are located off the southern coast of Argentina and almost to the tip of Tierra del Fuego. But for many people in the US wanting to visit the Falklands, access is through the city of Punta Arenas in southern Chile. With one flight a week entering and departing the Falklands, and a total of three days’ travel each way, you have to really want to go there.

The Falkland Islands are a very remote South Atlantic archipelago with two main islands, East and West Falkland, plus an additional 776 smaller islands, most of which are not inhabited. However, several that are host some of the islands’ amazing wildlife, including five species of penguins, which on certain islands have thousands of birds during the nesting season.

For bird watchers and wildlife photographers with an interest in the birds found here, you can see 63 nesting species including 14 endemic subspecies and two endemic species, the Falkland Steamer Duck and the Cobb’s Wren. In addition to the bird life, there are also both Southern Elephant Seals and Southern Sea Lions, which can be seen in large numbers on a few islands.

During this program, Shawn explored two locations on Saunders Island: The Neck, which has four nesting penguin species plus nesting Black-browed Albatross. Then onto The Rookery with its impressive colony of Southern Rockhopper Penguins and a staggering number of Black-browed Albatross. After that, Shawn explored Sea Lion Island and shared the first look at Elephant Seals, Sea Lions, and the Killer Whales that prowl the waters looking to feast on them. Next up was Bleaker Island with its beautiful mile-long beach where you can watch Gentoo and Magellanic Penguins as they ride the waves onto the sandy shores. Finally, the photographic adventure ended at Volunteer Point, which has the largest nesting King Penguin population in the Falklands.

The program also included a look at the lodges one can stay at, the food, and some of the people you will meet along the way. Shawn shared his advice on traveling to this fantastic location, as well as many tips to help you plan your own Penguin adventure to the Falkland Islands.

Watch the video below to enjoy Shawn Carey’s presentation and learn more about the incredible wildlife, landscapes, and photographic opportunities found in the Falkland Islands: