Carcass and New Islands, Falkland Islands
It is hard to believe it has been three weeks since we turned our bow south towards Antarctica, and now here we are, our last day on land in the Falkland Islands. The Falkland Islands are the hidden gem of this voyage, a surprising mecca of wildlife and history. After our day of experiencing the culture in Stanley, we have now headed to West Falklands to enjoy the wildlife, of which there is no shortage.
We start our morning on Carcass Island. Owned by the McGills since 1974, Carcass is one of the rat-free islands in this archipelago, allowing for the ground nesting birds to thrive. Tussac birds, Austral Thrush, Upland Geese, Flightless Steamer Ducks, Patagonia Crested Ducks, and Night Herons litter the hillsides and gardens of the McGills. We explored the island by foot, by sight, by camera, and later with our stomachs as a grand tea was laid out for us in the McGills home.
Our afternoon found us at New Island Nature Reserve. Home to an impressive Black-browed Albatross colony, this afternoons strong winds made it the perfect day for watching these magnificent birds take flight—and land, albeit a little less gracefully.
While the guests of National Geographic Explorer enjoyed all that land had to offer, the Explorer dive team went beneath the ocean to explore the kelp forest. For us who have been diving onboard the entire Antarctic season, this dive was downright tropical. We started our voyage in Antarctica where the water temperature was -1°C / 29°F, but at Carcass Island the water temperature registered a balmy 11°C / 53°F. Kelp forests are wonderful seasonal marine environments. Right now is the peak of the growing season, and some of these kelp reach over 40m / 130 ft. Underneath the kelp lies a very active environment, as hermit and decorator crabs move busily through the detritus; sea stars hunt down mollusks; and great ascidians, the size of basketballs colonize the kelp hold fast.
This evening we depart the Falklands with hundreds of albatross silhouetted against a gorgeous sunset.
