West Point Island - Falklands

After departing Ushuaia Argentina and cruising East (and slightly North) for a day on the Scotia Sea, we arrived at the Falklands Islands. Our first landing was at aptly-named West Point Island. This almost 10 square mile island is owned by the Napier family and Lily & Roddy have a charming farmhouse where we were enjoyed tea & crumpets next to their lush garden. But our first stop was to see the Albatross and Rockhopper Penguin Rookery at a lookout called Devil's Nose. This is a nice rolling mile or so walk ... or you can take a Land Rover. After some amazing up-close wildlife viewing, we stopped by the Napier farmhouse on our return for some excellent Falklands hospitality.

Roger points the way as we take our first ride in the Zodiacs heading to West Point Island

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Zodiacs shuttling passengers from the Ocean Nova to West Point Island

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Land Rovers are the obsequious vehicle in the far corners of the Earth - Paul Lenhart picture

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About a mile away is a huge Rookery with Black-browed Albatross and Rockhopper Penguins

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Birds and Penguins galore just hanging out on the rocks in the Tussock Grass

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Black-browed Albatross provides a show for my fellow tourists

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West Point Island Albatross

They would sometimes go flying right over our heads

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A pair of Black-browed Albatross hanging out together - mouseover image for wings-up shot

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Another pair of Albatross shot from a different angle

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Yet another pair of Albatross shot with the wide-angle lens

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Huge webbed feet on these birds

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This Albatross allowed me to get quite close with my wide-angle lens

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Close-up of this regal looking bird

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Another close-up of a Black-browed Albatross - mouseover image for even closer!

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There were also several Albatross chicks at West Point Island

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Black-browed Albatross Chick hanging out as an Adult flies overhead

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It took several minutes to "inch" my camera in closer

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He did show his wings at one point, but otherwise seemed comfortable with my presence

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I held the wide-angle lens out at arm's length and he seemed quite comfortable about it

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RockHopper Penguins hiding out in the Tussock Grass

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I wonder if these RockHopper Penguins were brothers?!?

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Roger using a long-lens to get close-ups of the wildlife

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Rick doesn't have a long lens on his camera ... but doesn't need one! ;-)

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Conrad looks confused while using his new Macro Lens - note lens cap - D'OH! ;-)

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Tea and Crumpets at the Napier Farmhouse

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We returned back to the Ocean Nova for lunch as it motored over to our next stop - Carcass Island, Falklands.

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