DOCSLIB.ORG

28 Day Itinerary South Georgia Kayaking

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
28 Day Itinerary South Georgia Kayaking 28 Day Itinerary South Georgia Kayaking The charter guests arrive at Mount Pleasant Airport and take a 40 minute bus ride to Stanley to meet Spirit of Sydney and then move on board immediately. The afternoon is spent stowing personal gear, familiarizing the team with the vessel and listening to the Captain’s ‘live aboard rules’ and safety briefings. DAY 2 – 5 Weather permitting, the vessel would leave Stanley bound for the northwest corner of the South Georgia which is 750 miles away. In most cases this would be a fast downwind passage in the prevailing westerly winds. Passage time would be roughly four to five days. Albatross, petrels and dolphins will keep us company. Once in South Georgia, we’ll spend a little over 2 weeks exploring the incredible bays, and taking in all the amazing wildlife. We will offer kayaking many days although the yacht will always be nearby for anyone not wanting to paddle. There will be opportunities to hike on land, visit the museum and whaling stations, sit and enjoy the wildlife and to camp. We don’t know of any other company who offers this long to enjoy and explore South Georgia – especially by kayak! DAY 5 - 6 Landfall will be in Right Whale Bay. If conditions are calm, this would be a place to rest our sea legs a bit after crossing the Scotia Sea. Finn whales, orcas, humpbacks, southern right whales and blue whales can be found in the nutrient-rich waters around South Georgia. We may be blessed with extended views of them on our way to the stunning backdrop of black sandy beaches, tussock covered dunes, and the snow covered mountains of the Salisbury Plains. DAY 6 - 10 At the Salisbury Plains we will enjoy sights of several hundred thousand king penguins standing shoulder to shoulder together with their precious chicks that spend over 14 months on land before they are ready to swim. Then we sail onward through the Bay of Isles and land upon Prion Island which is famous for its nesting wandering albatrosses along the boardwalks. As we walk about the chicks will be nesting, and even as babies they can be up to one meter tall! This time of year is prime time for watching the 4 ton elephant seals battling out and seeing the seal pups being born (a spectacle for everyone’s eyes and ears). This segment ends with a few days ashore Prince Olav Harbour where we will explore the first of many abandoned whaling stations. Then work our way along the coast to the gorgeous Fortuna Bay when the weather window is at its best. DAY 10 - 11 At Fortuna Bay, we head to Whistle Stop where Sir Ernest Shackleton stopped to listen for the sound of the worker’s whistle from the nearby Whaling Station during his heroic journey across South Georgia to Stromness. This was the first time in over two years that Sir Shackleton heard a sound from the outside world after his epic Antarctic voyage set sail in the year 1916. If the weather is suitable, those who wish will disembark and trace the final 5 km of the famous Shackleton Traverse from Whistle Stop to the Stromness Whaling Station. DAY 11-14 From the Stromness Whaling Station, a few days would be spent in King Edward Point which is a short walk from Grytviken, the premier shore based whaling facility on South Georgia which was abandoned in the 60’s. Visiting the whaling station which has now been incorporated into the South Georgia Museum is a full day. There is also a Post Office, Customs/Immigration check-in, and the hallowed location where Shackleton was laid to rest. Long walks behind the station, overland treks and day skiing outings are also a possibility. DAY 15-16 From Grytviken, we would sail to the snout of the Nordenskjold Glacier in Cumberland Bay East. Continually discharging ice into the bay, this is the largest of the glaciers on South Georgia. Later, an afternoon run down the coast brings us to Cobblers Cove, a natural harbor with a dramatic entrance. Gentoo Penguins may be nesting on the slopes above the cove, while Macaroni Penguins can be found up over a pass back to the north (an hour walk inland). We would spend the night at Cobblers Cove. It is a great place to sit with the sooty albatross, which is one of the only places in the world this can be done. This is a good storm anchorage, so it would also be used as a fall back in case of adverse weather while further down the coast. DAY 17-19 Weather and surf conditions permitting, we would attempt the beach landing at Prince Andrew Bay a few hours steaming from Cobblers Cove. Behind the beach is the world’s largest rookery of King Penguins on the Island. In order reach the main part of the colony we would have to trek to the snout of a glacier in order to cross the river flowing from it down to the sea. It is a spectacular wildlife venue on a fine day. Further south along the coast lies Gold Harbour which is one of the most spectacular scenic anchorages on the island. Again the landing is on an open shoreline (weather dependent and if successful) we would spend the day on the beach. Both Prince Andrew Bay and Gold Harbour offer the possibility of viewing harems of Elephant Seals with the competing bulls (September - October cruises only). If we haven’t had the overwhelming feeling that you are walking within a wildlife documentary by now, our days ashore here will surely convince you. South Georgia has the highest bio-mass of animals on Earth and St. Andrews Bay is the most concentrated area of this phenomenon within South Georgia. DAY 20-22 These days will be spent in the Bay of Islands area. Here we would have an opportunity to go ashore at the Salisbury Plain for day or overnight skiing in an area located at the mouths of the Grace and Lucas Glaciers. This area is well-known for its enormous population of King Penguins (+100,000). Weather permitting, we would also land on Prion Island, which has one of the highest concentrations of nesting Great Wandering Albatross in the world. Our visit would be limited to a half day (the maximum allowed per visit by the government’s management plan for this sensitive area). Another alternative outing is a visit to Prince Olav Harbour which provides a spectacular day ski mountaineering route. DAYS 23-27 About this time we would need to be on standby for the return to Stanley. By day 23, if there was a favorable weather window (considering the return is against the prevailing wind) we would be obliged to take the opportunity, in order to make sure that we arrive on time for the guests to make the plane on the Saturday, with at least a day to spare. We will undoubtedly begin to see the first signs of the infamous Fur Seals swimming southward along the boat – the captain’s first signal to head back to the Falklands. Nearly hunted to local extinction in the late 19th century, they now migrate to South Georgia in numbers nearing 5 million. In the following weeks, these Fur Seals will land upon South Georgia’s shores forming a formidable barrier that nearly halts all landings along her coastline. DAY 28 Passage back to Stanley, arriving no later than the night of DAY 28. Guests plan to take the flight the day after disembarkation, heading out from Mount Pleasant Airport back to Punta Arenas with a direct connection to Santiago on Saturday..
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Intertidal and Subtidal Benthic Seaweed Diversity of South Georgia
    Intertidal and Subtidal Benthic Seaweed Diversity of South Georgia Report for the South Georgia Heritage Trust Survey September 2011 Shallow Marine Survey Group E Wells1, P Brewin and P Brickle 1 Wells Marine, Norfolk, UK Executive Summary South Georgia is a highly isolated island with its marine life influenced by the circumpolar currents. The local seaweed communities have been researched sporadically over the last two centuries with most species collections and records documented for a limited number of sites within easy access. Despite the harsh conditions of the shallow marine environment of South Georgia a unique and diverse array of algal flora has become well established resulting in a high level of endemism. Current levels of seaweed species diversity were achieved along the north coast of South Georgia surveying 15 sites in 19 locations including both intertidal and subtidal habitats. In total 72 species were recorded, 8 Chlorophyta, 19 Phaeophyta and 45 Rhodophyta. Of these species 24 were new records for South Georgia, one of which may even be a new record for the Antarctic/sub-Antarctic. Historic seaweed studies recorded 103 species with a new total for the island of 127 seaweed species. Additional records of seaweed to the area included both endemic and cosmopolitan species. At this stage it is unknown as to the origin of such species, whether they have been present on South Georgia for long periods of time or if they are indeed recent additions to the seaweed flora. It may be speculated that many have failed to be recorded due to the nature of South Georgia, its sheer isolation and inaccessible coastline.
    [Show full text]
  • South Georgia and Antarctic Odyssey
    South Georgia and Antarctic Odyssey 30 November – 18 December 2019 | Greg Mortimer About Us Aurora Expeditions embodies the spirit of adventure, travelling to some of the most wild opportunity for adventure and discovery. Our highly experienced expedition team of and remote places on our planet. With over 28 years’ experience, our small group voyages naturalists, historians and destination specialists are passionate and knowledgeable – they allow for a truly intimate experience with nature. are the secret to a fulfilling and successful voyage. Our expeditions push the boundaries with flexible and innovative itineraries, exciting Whilst we are dedicated to providing a ‘trip of a lifetime’, we are also deeply committed to wildlife experiences and fascinating lectures. You’ll share your adventure with a group education and preservation of the environment. Our aim is to travel respectfully, creating of like-minded souls in a relaxed, casual atmosphere while making the most of every lifelong ambassadors for the protection of our destinations. DAY 1 | Saturday 30 November 2019 Ushuaia, Beagle Channel Position: 20:00 hours Course: 83° Wind Speed: 20 knots Barometer: 991 hPa & steady Latitude: 54°49’ S Wind Direction: W Air Temp: 6° C Longitude: 68°18’ W Sea Temp: 5° C Explore. Dream. Discover. —Mark Twain in the soft afternoon light. The wildlife bonanza was off to a good start with a plethora of seabirds circling the ship as we departed. Finally we are here on the Beagle Channel aboard our sparkling new ice-strengthened vessel. This afternoon in the wharf in Ushuaia we were treated to a true polar welcome, with On our port side stretched the beech forested slopes of Argentina, while Chile, its mountain an invigorating breeze sweeping the cobwebs of travel away.
    [Show full text]
  • Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands
    Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands January 5 - 26, 2017 ARGENTINA Saunders Island Fortuna Bay Steeple Jason Island Stromness Bay Grytviken Tierra del Fuego FALKLAND SOUTH Gold Harbour ISLANDS GEORGIA CHILE SCOTIA SEA Drygalski Fjord Ushuaia Elephant Island DRAKE Livingston Island Deception PASSAGE Island LEMAIRE CHANNEL Cuverville Island ANTARCTIC PENINSULA Friday & Saturday, January 6 & 7, 2017 Ushuaia, Argentina / Beagle Channel / Embark Ocean Diamond Ushuaia, ‘Fin del Mundo,’ at the southernmost tip of Argentina was where we gathered for the start of our Antarctic adventure, and after a night’s rest, we set out on various excursions to explore the neighborhood of the end of the world. The keen birders were the first away, on their mission to the Tierra del Fuego National Park in search of the Magellanic woodpecker. They were rewarded with sightings of both male and female woodpeckers, Andean condors, flocks of Austral parakeets, and a wonderful view of an Austral pygmy owl, as well as a wide variety of other birds to check off their lists. The majority of our group went off on a catamaran tour of the Beagle Channel, where we saw South American sea lions on offshore islands before sailing on to the national park for a walk along the shore and an enjoyable Argentinian BBQ lunch. Others chose to hike in the deciduous beech forests of Reserva Natural Cerro Alarkén around the Arakur Resort & Spa. After only a few minutes of hiking, we saw an Andean condor soar above us and watched as a stunning red and black Magellanic woodpecker flew towards us and perched on the trunk of a nearby tree.
    [Show full text]
  • Antarctic Primer
    Antarctic Primer By Nigel Sitwell, Tom Ritchie & Gary Miller By Nigel Sitwell, Tom Ritchie & Gary Miller Designed by: Olivia Young, Aurora Expeditions October 2018 Cover image © I.Tortosa Morgan Suite 12, Level 2 35 Buckingham Street Surry Hills, Sydney NSW 2010, Australia To anyone who goes to the Antarctic, there is a tremendous appeal, an unparalleled combination of grandeur, beauty, vastness, loneliness, and malevolence —all of which sound terribly melodramatic — but which truly convey the actual feeling of Antarctica. Where else in the world are all of these descriptions really true? —Captain T.L.M. Sunter, ‘The Antarctic Century Newsletter ANTARCTIC PRIMER 2018 | 3 CONTENTS I. CONSERVING ANTARCTICA Guidance for Visitors to the Antarctic Antarctica’s Historic Heritage South Georgia Biosecurity II. THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT Antarctica The Southern Ocean The Continent Climate Atmospheric Phenomena The Ozone Hole Climate Change Sea Ice The Antarctic Ice Cap Icebergs A Short Glossary of Ice Terms III. THE BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT Life in Antarctica Adapting to the Cold The Kingdom of Krill IV. THE WILDLIFE Antarctic Squids Antarctic Fishes Antarctic Birds Antarctic Seals Antarctic Whales 4 AURORA EXPEDITIONS | Pioneering expedition travel to the heart of nature. CONTENTS V. EXPLORERS AND SCIENTISTS The Exploration of Antarctica The Antarctic Treaty VI. PLACES YOU MAY VISIT South Shetland Islands Antarctic Peninsula Weddell Sea South Orkney Islands South Georgia The Falkland Islands South Sandwich Islands The Historic Ross Sea Sector Commonwealth Bay VII. FURTHER READING VIII. WILDLIFE CHECKLISTS ANTARCTIC PRIMER 2018 | 5 Adélie penguins in the Antarctic Peninsula I. CONSERVING ANTARCTICA Antarctica is the largest wilderness area on earth, a place that must be preserved in its present, virtually pristine state.
    [Show full text]
  • Anatid[Ae] of South Georgia
    270 Mvl•rnx,Anatid•e ofSouth Georgia. [July[Auk P¾CRAFT,W. P.-- The Courtship of Animals. London, Hutchinson & Co.. 1913. SELOUS,E. ('01.) An observationalDiary of the Habits of the Great Crested Grebe (includes observations on the Peewit). Zoologist, 1901 and 1902. ('05•) The Bird Watcher in the Shetlands. N.Y., Dutton, 1905. ('052) *Bird Life Glimpses. London, Allen, 1905. ('09.) An ObservationalDiary on the Nuptial Habits of the Black- cock, etc. Zoologist, 1909 and 1910. ('13.) A Diary of Ornithologicalobservation in Iceland. Zoologist, 1913. WASHBURN,M. F.-- The Animal Mind. Macmillan, New York, 1909. WEISMANN,A.-- The Evolution Theory. * ZOOLOGIST,THE.--West, Newman & Co., London, monthly. (Many papers on Natural History). ANATIDzE OF SOUTH GEORGIA. BY ROBERT CUSHMAN MURPHY. Plate XIV. THispaper is the twelfth • dealingwith the ornithological results of the SouthGeorgia Expedition of the BrooklynMuseum and the AmericanMuseum of Natural History. Nettion georgicum (Gmel.) Anas georgica,Gmelin, Syst. Nat., I, 2, 1788, 516. Querquedulaeatoni, yon denSteinen, Intern. Polarforsch.,1882-83, Deutsch. Exp. II, 1890, 219 and 273. XA list of the precedingpapers, not includingseveral brlef notes,follows: (1) preliminary Descriptionof a New Petrel, 'The Auk,' 1914, 12, 13; (2) A Flock of Tublnares,'The Ibis,' 1914,317-319; (3) Observationson Birdsof the SouthAtlantic, 'The Auk,' 1914,439-457; (4) A Reviewof the GenusPh•ebelria, 'The Auk,' 1914,526-534; (5) AnatomicalNotes on the Young of Phalacrocorax alriceps georgianus, Sci. Bull. Brooklyn Mus. II, 4, 1914, 95- 102; (6) Birds of Fernando Noronha, 'The Auk,' 1915, 41-50; (7) The Atlantic Range of Leach's Petrel, 'The Auk,' 1915, 170-173; (8) The Bird Life of Trinidad Islet, 'The Auk,' 1915, 332-348; (9) The Penguins of South Georgia, Sci.
    [Show full text]
  • An Expedition to the Remote Islands of the South Atlantic South Georgia – Tristan Da Cunha – St
    An Expedition to the remote islands of the South Atlantic South Georgia – Tristan da Cunha – St. Helena Our ship m/v Plancius has spent the winter season, "The Austral summer", in Antarctica and turns north in March to sail in the Arctic during the summer season. We are guests aboard her voyage between the hemispheres. Our voyage takes us to three of the Atlantic's most inaccessible island groups and islands: South Georgia, Tristan da Cunha and St. Helena. Tristan da Cunha is the world's most solitary island community and furthest away from any mainland. The expedition is led by Captain Torbjörn Svensson, who has visited all the islands on many occasions. Torbjörn is the son of the Swedish author and artist Roland Svensson, who himself made repeated long stays at Tristan and St. Helena. The memory of Roland lives on and the islanders on Tristan and St. Helena will receive us as their friends. Tour guide and lecturer: Captain Torbjörn Svensson is the son of Roland Svensson, who in his time wrote among other the classics, “Lonely Isles” on the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland islands and “Archipelago Life in days gone by” on the Stockholm world of islands. Through his father, Torbjörn has a strong connection to the islands and he looks forward to introducing us to his friends on Tristan da Cunha. Torbjörn has visited Tristan and St. Helena as commander of cruise expedition vessels and he has made several visits to South Georgia, the Antarctic Peninsula and Ushuaia. Torbjörn's life has largely been about seafaring.
    [Show full text]
  • Developing UAV Monitoring of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands’ Iconic Land-Based Marine Predators
    fmars-08-654215 May 26, 2021 Time: 18:32 # 1 ORIGINAL RESEARCH published: 01 June 2021 doi: 10.3389/fmars.2021.654215 Developing UAV Monitoring of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands’ Iconic Land-Based Marine Predators John Dickens1*, Philip R. Hollyman1, Tom Hart2, Gemma V. Clucas3, Eugene J. Murphy1, Sally Poncet4, Philip N. Trathan1 and Martin A. Collins1 1 British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, Cambridge, United Kingdom, 2 Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom, 3 Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States, 4 South Georgia Survey, Stanley, Falkland Islands Many remote islands present barriers to effective wildlife monitoring in terms of Edited by: challenging terrain and frequency of visits. The sub-Antarctic islands of South Georgia Wen-Cheng Wang, National Taiwan Normal University, and the South Sandwich Islands are home to globally significant populations of seabirds Taiwan and marine mammals. South Georgia hosts the largest breeding populations of Antarctic Reviewed by: fur seals, southern elephant seals and king penguins as well as significant populations of Gisele Dantas, wandering, black-browed and grey-headed albatross. The island also holds important Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Brazil populations of macaroni and gentoo penguins. The South Sandwich Islands host the Sofie Pollin, world’s largest colony of chinstrap penguins in addition to major populations of Adélie KU Leuven Research & Development, Belgium and macaroni penguins. A marine protected area was created around these islands in *Correspondence: 2012 but monitoring populations of marine predators remains a challenge, particularly John Dickens as these species breed over large areas in remote and often inaccessible locations.
    [Show full text]
  • In Shackleton's Footsteps
    In Shackleton’s Footsteps 20 March – 06 April 2019 | Polar Pioneer About Us Aurora Expeditions embodies the spirit of adventure, travelling to some of the most wild and adventure and discovery. Our highly experienced expedition team of naturalists, historians and remote places on our planet. With over 27 years’ experience, our small group voyages allow for destination specialists are passionate and knowledgeable – they are the secret to a fulfilling a truly intimate experience with nature. and successful voyage. Our expeditions push the boundaries with flexible and innovative itineraries, exciting wildlife Whilst we are dedicated to providing a ‘trip of a lifetime’, we are also deeply committed to experiences and fascinating lectures. You’ll share your adventure with a group of like-minded education and preservation of the environment. Our aim is to travel respectfully, creating souls in a relaxed, casual atmosphere while making the most of every opportunity for lifelong ambassadors for the protection of our destinations. DAY 1 | Wednesday 20 March 2019 Ushuaia, Beagle Channel Position: 21:50 hours Course: 84° Wind Speed: 5 knots Barometer: 1007.9 hPa & falling Latitude: 54°55’ S Speed: 9.4 knots Wind Direction: E Air Temp: 11°C Longitude: 67°26’ W Sea Temp: 9°C Finally, we were here, in Ushuaia aboard a sturdy ice-strengthened vessel. At the wharf Gary Our Argentinian pilot climbed aboard and at 1900 we cast off lines and eased away from the and Robyn ticked off names, nabbed our passports and sent us off to Kathrine and Scott for a wharf. What a feeling! The thriving city of Ushuaia receded as we motored eastward down the quick photo before boarding Polar Pioneer.
    [Show full text]
  • Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands Field Report
    Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands January 24 - February 14, 2019 ARGENTINA West Point Island Elsehul Bay Salisbury Plain Stromness Bay Grytviken Tierra Stanley del Fuego FALKLAND SOUTH Gold Harbour ISLANDS GEORGIA Drygalski Fjord SCOTIA SEA Ushuaia Elephant Island DRAKE Spightly Island PASSAGE Port Lockroy/ Cuverville Island LEMAIRE CHANNEL Wilhelmina Bay ANTARCTIC PENINSULA Saturday, January 26, 2019 Ushuaia, Argentina / Embark Island Sky Having arrived at the Arakur Hotel & Resort in Ushuaia the day before, and caught up on at least some sleep overnight, we set out this morning to explore Tierra del Fuego National Park. Guided by our ornithologist, Jim Wilson, our birders were first out, keen to find their target species, the Magellanic woodpecker. In this they were more than successful, spotting five, both males and females. Meanwhile, the rest of us boarded a catamaran and sailed the Beagle Channel towards the national park. En route we visited several small rocky islands, home to South American sea lions, imperial and rock cormorants (or shags), and South American terns. Disembarking in the national park at Lapataia Bay, we enjoyed lunch and walking trails through the southern beech forest with views of the Beagle Channel and Lago Roca before heading back to Ushuaia by bus. Awaiting us there was our home for the next few weeks, the Island Sky. Once settled in our cabins, we went out on deck to watch the lines being cast off and we sailed out into the Beagle Channel. Our Antarctic adventure had begun! Sunday, January 27 At Sea Our day at sea began with Jim introducing us to the birds of the Falkland Islands, and preparing us for our upcoming wildlife encounters.
    [Show full text]
  • The Keepers of the Outback Working to Save Australia’S Final Frontier
    INSIDE A Superheroic Fight Against Superbugs 18 Behind the Badge 24 The Keepers of the Outback Working to save Australia’s final frontier Fall 2017 | Vol. 19, No. 4 TIME CAPSULE PEW FOUNDERS MABEL PEW MYRIN Mabel Pew Myrin and her sister and two brothers established the seven charitable trusts that today form The Pew Charitable Trusts. The youngest of the four children of Joseph and Mary Anderson Pew, she and her husband, H. Alarik W. Myrin, devoted themselves to what she called “issues of survival.” These included cultivating healthier and more abundant food through soil conservation as well as inspiring creative young minds through new and innovative curricula. She was particularly interested in the methods of the Waldorf curriculum, in which imagination and hands-on skills are integral to learning. The Myrins founded several schools, including the Kimberton Waldorf School in the Philadelphia suburbs, which is the second-oldest Waldorf school in North America. Mabel also supported arts and culture, including serving as president of the Lyric Opera Company of Philadelphia. And she made lifesaving contributions to major health care institutions and was a trustee of Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in Philadelphia. CONTENTS 2 Notes From the President: Seeing What’s Not in Plain Sight 4 The Big Picture: Keeping Patagonia pristine 6 Noteworthy: Ice Shelf Collapse Highlights Need for Expanded Marine Protections; Around the Globe, More Name U.S. Over China as Top Economic Power; Flood Risks for the Nation’s Schools; Guidance for Small Hospitals to Improve Antibiotic Use 10 Kerry Trapnell 10 Inside the Outback Across much of the Australian Outback, there are fewer people managing the land than at any time in world history.
    [Show full text]
  • Invasive Arten Tenvielfalt Angesehen Werden
    10 Menschen als Gewinn für die einheimische Ar- Invasive Arten tenvielfalt angesehen werden. Die Mandarinente (Aix galericulata) wäre zu nennen. Es sind wohl ausschließliche Gehegeflüchtlinge, die hier und Auswirkungen invasiver Arten auf da auf Gewässern gesichtet werden und kaum zu Störfaktoren werden. Da die Gattung Aix bei uns Inselformen und Möglichkeiten der nicht vertreten ist, können Gattungskreuzungen Korrektur am Beispiel Südgeorgiens in den natürlichen Lebensräumen ausgeschlossen werden. Als vor über 400 Jahren holländische Seefah- Von Manfred Kästner rer die kleine Insel Mauritius im Indischen Oze- an entdeckten, war es um den Dodo geschehen. Einführung Bereits 100 Jahre später hatten eingeschleppte Die Auswirkungen invasiver Tierarten können für Schweine, Katzen und Ratten das Ende dieses endemische Arten (Inselformen) verheerende Fol- flugunfähigen Vogels besiegelt. Noch ehe man gen haben. Dabei muss man diese Auswirkungen etwas über seine verwandtschaftlichen Aspekte differenzieren. und seine Lebensgewohnheiten erfahren konn- • Besonders dramatisch kann es werden, wenn te, gab es ihn nicht mehr. Den Elefantenvögeln invasive Arten zu Prädatoren werden, wie bei- auf Madagaskar und den Moas und Huias auf spielsweise der Waschbär (Procyon lotor), die Neuseeland ging es nicht besser. Aber nicht nur noch dazu Fähigkeiten mitbringen, die einheimi- flugunfähige, unbeholfen wirkende Vögel waren schen Prädatoren, zum Beispiel dem Fuchs, nicht die Leidtragenden, auch die fluggewandte Wan- gegeben sind. Nämlich das Klettern auf Bäume. dertaube war betroffen. Und hier kommt auch • Andere werden zu Verdrängern, wie die Nilgans der Mensch als invasive Art ins Spiel, am Ende (Alopochen aegyptiaca). Ihrem aggressiven Ver- der Verursacher allen Übels. halten hat zum Beispiel die einheimische Grau- Aber zurück zu den Inselformen.
    [Show full text]
  • South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula Earth’S Greatest Wildlife Destination October 21 to November 12, 2021
    South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula Earth’s Greatest Wildlife Destination October 21 to November 12, 2021 King Penguins, South Georgia Island © Scott Davis SAFARI OVERVIEW Experience the vibrant spring of South Georgia Island and the early season of the Antarctic Peninsula. Beneath the towering, snow-blanketed mountains of South Georgia Island, observe and photograph special wildlife behaviors seldom seen. This time of year is the only time you can find southern elephant seal bulls fight for territories while females nurse young, distinctly marked gray-headed albatross attending to their cliffside nests, and awkward wandering albatross young attempting first flight. You’ll stand amongst vast colonies of king penguins and watch macaroni penguins launching into the ocean. This time of year, the Antarctic Peninsula is in the beginnings of its spring season when the ice in the Weddell Sea can open up, allowing opportunities for lone emperor penguins to wander on ice floes. At penguin colonies, you’ll find penguins courting, setting up nests, and perhaps laying eggs. Through over twenty-five years of experience in the Antarctic, we offer the most in-depth exploration of one of the densest wildlife spectacles found anywhere in the world, and with only 100 passengers, you’ll have ample opportunities to experience this spectacle during every landing and Zodiac cruise. Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris Page 1 of 19 Updated: March 2021 HIGHLIGHTS • Spend six full days on South Georgia Island and six full days in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands with maximum shore time and Zodiac cruising. • See five penguin species (possibly 6)! Plus, many species of whales, seals, albatross, and seabirds.
    [Show full text]