"The Falkland Islands 2000-2001 & 2004" Top 5 Page for this destination Falkland Islands by zweiblumen

Falkland Islands Travel Guide: 303 reviews and 509 photos

Sunset at Hill Cove, West Falkland - 2004

An account of my time in the South Atlantic

It's not every day you get the chance to spend nine months at the other end of the earth, where water supposedly goes down the plug-hole the "wrong" way and the seasons are reversed. I got that opportunity and this is the story.

Birdwatching

Johnny Rook feeding on kelp, Sea Lion Island 2004

Until I visited the Falklands I had absolutely no interest in birds at all, as far as I was concerned they were just creatures that flapped and twittered away in the garden. When I arrived in the Falklands I began to realise that the birdlife down there was somewhat (considerably!) different to that in the UK .. even I who at the time couldn't tell the difference between a blackbird and a starling could recognise that. So I bought myself a book "A Field Guide to the Wildlife of the Falkland Islands and South Georgia" by Ian Strange and it literally changed my life! Within weeks I became a passionate birdwatcher and my weekends were spent roaming the countryside .. very often Berthas Beach; searching the land, sea and sky for new feathered species.

My most exciting moment would have to be seeing this bird, It isn't exceedingly rare by Falklands standards but by world standards it is a very rare bird, the Striated Cara Cara (Phalcoboenus australis); known locally as Johnny Rook, one of the rarest birds of prey in the world in fact.

Albatross Feeding Chick

Black Browed Albatross feeding chick

I didn't get chance to see any Albatrosses on my first Falklands tour so I made sure I didn't miss out on seeing them during my second tour. These were photographed on Saunders Island.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Rugged, Windswept Beauty, Fantastic Wildlife
Cons:Not easy to get to
In a nutshell:I love the place

Last visit to Falkland Islands: Dec 2003
Intro Updated Jan 30, 2010
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Reviews (30)

The Bridge at Bodie Creek Off The Beaten Path (5)

I suppose the last place you would expect to find a suspension bridge is in the middle of nowhere in the Falkland... more travel advice

The Gypsy Cove Gun Off The Beaten Path (5)

Gypsy Cove is one of the most visited places in the Falklands so perhaps this shouldn't go in Off the Beaten Track?... more travel advice

Penguin News Favorites (3)

For reliable information if you are staying in the Falklands the Penguin News is indispensable. Not only does it keep... more travel advice

Knitwear Shopping (3)

Wherever you go in the world, wherever it gets cold and windy you will surely find a local knitwear industry. Whether... more travel advice

Hotels (3)
See All Down on the Farm
Things to Do (6)
See All King Penguins
Transportation (3)
See All Cruising
Warnings Or Dangers (2)
See All It's No Joke!

Nightlife (3)
See All More Dancing Girls!
What to Pack (1)
Packing List
Restaurants (1)
The Malvina House Hotel
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Travelogues (8)

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Comments (120)

Hildeal Jan 5, 2012 at 5:30 AM Report Abuse

I want to go there,!! but money, money , money :(
Goner Dec 31, 2009 at 2:25 PM Report Abuse

I absolutely loved this page. I'm visiting the Falkland this month and appreciate your photos and narratives.
alza Oct 7, 2009 at 7:49 PM Report Abuse

Was swept away here! Yr pics have a special quality, sharp focus draws the eye. So isolated & wild, a humbling landscape for humans. Reminded me of Patagonia, Puerto Madryn surroundings, with more solitude. I'd love to go! Thanks Stever & good luck!
Arkeolog Apr 10, 2009 at 2:57 AM Report Abuse

I liked Falkland Islands with its landscape, scenery and lighthouse. You have a great page here with good combination of tips and photos. Bora
nixca316 Jan 25, 2007 at 5:49 AM Report Abuse

Great tips!
SabrinaSummerville Jan 22, 2007 at 1:25 PM Report Abuse

Good tip and great pics of the lighthouse and buzzard. I'll be there next month:-)
King_Golo Jan 17, 2007 at 12:12 AM Report Abuse

This looks like one of the coolest places on earth - so much nature and wildlife! I'll add it to my list of places to visit...
DWARF-2 Jan 13, 2007 at 3:21 AM Report Abuse

Ausgezeichnet, Zweiblumen! Great, Steve! This record of your impressions, together with your intimate photographs, of this wild and wonderful archipelago ar e a pleasure to view. D.
RickinDutch Dec 1, 2006 at 3:49 PM Report Abuse

Excellent work here. A Japanese friend told me the Falklands are just like here in the Aleutians, but you have sheep. Judging from your pages he was right!
Pixiekatten Nov 6, 2006 at 7:01 AM Report Abuse

Hey!! Amazing page! Your pics are so beautiful. Specially the penguin walking the beach at dawn. :) Nice work!!