DOWN SOUTH

As the Falkland Islands prepares to mark 40 years since its liberation, experience the wonderful wildlife highlights of this Atlantic archipelago

PORTFOLIO

The noisy black-browed albatross colony on Steeple Jason Island is on flat ground along the shoreline but the species is also known to nest on steep slopes. This colony consists of more than 200,000 breeding pairs and is the largest of any albatross species in the world. Fluffy, single chicks are often left alone for days while their parents forage out at sea. This youngster will fledge at four months and breed at about seven years old.

Taking its pick

In November, imperial cormorants (above) return to shore to breed. This one on Bleaker Island is pulling up clumps of Empetrum rubrum, known as diddle-dee or red crowberry, for its nest. The stunning blue ring around the bird’s eye is most prominent during the breeding season.

Jumping for joy

Diminutive and striking, the Commerson’s dolphin (left) can regularly be seen foraging by the shore. “The cetacean plays just for the fun of it and is attracted to any small boat that creates bow waves for it to ride,” says Mark.

Beach buddies

Volunteer Point beach, East Falkland, is home to the biggest king penguin colony in the archipelago. The birds will cluster in small groups on the sand before and after their feeding trip.

Artist’s impression

Mark captured this abstract image of a black-browed albatross while it rested on its nest. “I defy any makeup artist to match the delicate shades of colour that can be seen around its eyes,” he exclaims. The long-lived, pelagic bird has a strong bond to its colony of birth.

Tucked up