The Drake Passage is truly a birder’s paradise. Both the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean meet off Cape Horn, which provides our guests aboard National Geographic Orion the opportunity to see numerous species of oceanic birds. As an ecologist, I can truly say there is a cost benefit approach to sailing the Drake Passage. Calm days provide the opportunity to see whales, but without wind, bird enthusiasts are limited to less diversity. The great albatrosses and petrels use winds to glide over great distances in search for food. Less energy is needed on windy days. On calm days, the albatrosses rest floating on the surface to conserve energy. Today our guests encountered a southern giant petrel, a species commonly sighted throughout the Southern Ocean. They are the true scavengers, feeding on anything they can find. We also encountered a white-chinned shearwater and a beautiful group of cape petrels. Later that afternoon one of our naturalists, Tom Richie, presented an informative presentation on birds of the Southern Hemisphere. Just another beautiful day in the Drake!
2/20/2024
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Cape Horn and Beagle Channel
The huge distances we have covered on this journey meant that our last full day was spent almost completely at sea on our return leg from Antarctica. After a merciful lie-in, we crowded the decks as we sailed past Cape Horn, the majestic headland at the bottom tip of Hornos Island, the southernmost point of Tierra del Fuego and the entire South American continent. Despite its fearsome reputation, pleasant seas allowed for an enjoyable brunch before we plunged into our presentation schedule for the morning and afternoon. Naturalist Gail Ashton related her experience of living on the Antarctica continent for 18 months, Jonny Reid discussed marine mammal acoustics and the underwater soundscapes of this region, and Jess Farrer explained how the study of whale and seal poop can tell us so much about these animals. As we entered the Beagle Channel, the stunning mountains of Tierra del Fuego lined our passage to Ushuaia. Gathering in the Ice Lounge for the captain’s farewell party, we toasted a hugely enjoyable trip and the new friends we have made.
