February 16 - Falkland Islands

I apologize for taking the last few days off from writing. We had a more hectic than usual turn around day and I didn't really have a chance to do much of anything in Ushuaia except get some ice cream at the best ice cream shop ever. And then it was back out to sea to the Falklands. It was sunny for the first time at both Carcass and New Island and I had a great day. In the morning I took the long hike again and it was great. I think because of the sunshine and low winds many of the penguins and birds were out and about. On the way back to the ship, there were about 10 Commerson's Dolphins riding around the bow of the zodiac. It was a ton of fun to watch them and play with them for a little before returning to the ship.

In the afternoon, we went to New Island. I got to run up to the cliffs early again to get some nice alone time with the birds, and then came back and worked the landing so Cheli could have her alone time too. I always love seeing the changes at the colony and this time was no exception. The Albatross chicks are getting too big for their nests and many of them are losing their grey down. Many of the Rockhopper penguin chicks had fledged and a lot of the adults were molting.

But today was all about the Cormorants, or Blue Eyed Shags. I went over to a rock with some of the passengers and sat down to take some photos of the young birds and one of them decided to come over and say hi. Once one got up the nerve, about 30 followed! I'm not kidding. It was almost like attack of the birds. They were so inquisitive and funny. As you can see by the photo attached, the lens I had on my camera was just too big for the situation. Much thanks to Mick for this photo. This photo was taken pretty late in the game after the birds had gotten bored with pulling at my Velcro and trying to eat my boots and knees. Too funny. It was a great encounter.


Photo - credit Mick Brown. Curious young Shags