Overnight we anchored in the sheltered waters of Ship Harbor on New Island. This is one of the most westerly of the outer islands in the Falklands. In the morning we went ashore and landed on a stunning white sandy beach. We headed off walking through the Diddle Dee and grassland for a good long walk up to an overlook for a southern fur seal colony. We saw some molting Magellanic penguins on the edge of their burrows along the way and learned about the various species of songbirds that live amongst the tussock grasses. Johnny Rooks or Striated Caracaras, the local raptor, followed us it seemed everywhere we went as they are incredibly curious about anything that moves!
After lunch, the ship sailed around the corner to anchor just off Settlement Harbor. We went ashore escorted by a small group of Peale’s dolphins, which loved to ride the bow of the Zodiacs giving everyone a good soaking. There are two local caretakers who work for the New Island Conservation Trust and we had the chance to see the small museum right at the landing beach. Then everyone headed up the track to see for our first look at a rockhopper penguin and black-browed albatross colony. We stood right on the edge of the colony, watching the albatross feeding their large chicks. The rockhopper penguins were also busy feeding their chicks maybe their last meal before the chicks fledge and head out to sea for the first time.
The Falkland Islands are a special place that usually surprises people with its stunning rugged beauty and the incredible chance to see wildlife close up. Our day on New Island was an excellent introduction to the magical part of the world!
