PAYMENT DETAILS PLEASE COMPLETE IN BLOCK CAPITALS The Plants of Bertha's Beach GIFT AID Please use this form for both Penguin Adoption and Membership BERTHA’S BEACH purchase, completing the relevant sections. With Gift Aid on every £1 you give Internationally important for wetland wildlife us we can claim an extra 25p back Name ______from HM Revenue & Customs. To qualify, what you pay in UK Income Address ______and/or Capital Gains Tax must at least equal the Gift Aid all your ______charities will reclaim in the tax year. ■ YES: I would like Falklands ______Conservation to treat all the Postcode ______Tel. ______donations I have made in the last Dog orchid Yellow violet Falkland lavender Pale maiden four years, and all I will make until Email ______I notify you otherwise, as Gift Aid Of the 80 different flowering plants recorded here five are unique (endemic) to the donations. I am a UK taxpayer and ■ Please tick this box if you would like to receive updates by email Falkland Islands. The silvery buttercup is found on coastal slopes among grasses understand that if I pay less Income and is in flower in November and December. Smooth ragwort grows in rocky Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax than PURCHASE INFORMATION the amount of Gift Aid claimed on * places, often associated with tall fern. Coastal nassauvia is a very low-growing all my donations in that tax year Penguin adoption for a year – £25 / $40 ■ perennial producing masses of small creamy star-like flowers from December to it is my responsibility to pay any February. Clubmoss cudweed is very easily overlooked, growing in tufted mats of tiny * difference. Membership fee payable grey-white leaves often amongst grasses. The large creamy white flowers of the vanilla (see overleaf for categories) ■ daisy are much more conspicuous from November through to January, and have a Signed:______*Please indicate £ sterling or US$ * strong scent of vanilla. Native plants of interest include the yellow violet, dusty miller, Donation ■ fachine, Falkland lavender, and the white or dog orchid. In spring you might come across the pale maiden, national flower of the Falkland Islands. Dusen’s moonwort Date:______Please make cheques payable Total * fern is the site’s most notable and rarest plant, found here on the coastal greens. to Falklands Conservation. ■
DATA PROTECTION ■ I wish to pay by Visa/Mastercard (please tick) To prevent the spread of invasive species and diseases, you are asked to comply with a few simple measures when travelling around the islands: make sure all of We respect your privacy. Falklands My card number is your clothing, equipment and luggage is free from soil, animal faeces, seeds, insects Conservation will not make your and rodents, and scrub your footwear before each visit to a new wildlife name and address available to other ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ organisations, and will treat your site or seabird colony. If you have any questions about biosecurity, or wish to details as confidential. If however, Expiry date ■ ■ ■ ■ report diseased wildlife, please speak to the landowners or call you would be happy to receive / the Department of Agriculture 27355 / Falklands Conservation 22247 for advice. information, about other aspects of Signature ______our work from time to time, please ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS tick the box . Cardholder’s name ______We wish to thank Debbie Summers and Robin Woods for information used in this leaflet, Cardholder’s address (if different from applicant) Alan R Henry, Emma Philip and Allan White for the use of their photographs. RETURN COMPLETED FORM TO: Published by Falklands Conservation July 2016. Designed by Eye on The Ball Ltd +44 1256 478309. Falklands Conservation, ______Registered Office: 1 Waterloo Close, Abbotsley, St Neots, Cambridgeshire PE19 6UX, UK The Gatehouse, The Lodge, Falklands Conservation is a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales No 03661322 and registered charity Sandy, Beds, SG19 2DL, UK ______No 1073859. Falklands Conservation is registered as an Overseas Company in the Falkland Islands. Falkland Office: Jubilee Villas, Ross Road, Stanley FIQQ 1ZZ | UK Office: The Gatehouse, The Lodge, Sandy, Beds SG19 2DL ______Postcode ______Falklands Conservation works to conserve the wildlife of the Falkland Islands. To find out more about us and how you can support what we Have you considered a Standing Order? (UK BANK ACCOUNT HOLDERS ONLY) do, visit us at Jubilee Villas, Ross Road, Stanley or go to our website: This helps us keep our administration costs down. Either download the form from our website or set www.falklandsconservation.com up your own using the following details: Falklands Conservation, Barclays Bank, King George Information about other areas of outstanding wildlife and scenery, Street, Yeovil, Somerset BA20 1PX. Sort code: 20-99-40 / Account Number 90442542 can be found in A Visitor’s Guide to the Falkland Islands.
You can also purchase securely online at www.falklandsconservation.com/our-shop Falklands Conservation is a UK registered charity no. 1073859 and a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales no. 03661322. @FI_Conservation www.falklandsconservation.com ✃ Waterfowl and PENGUIN ADOPTION FORM King Penguin Adoption l Adopt a king penguin at the remote colony of BERTHA’S BEACH This is to certify that Volunteer Point in the Falkland Islands for £25/ Wetland Birds has adopted US$40 for 12 months. at Volunteer Point on East Falkland, Falkland Islands, South Atlantic Ocean Volunteer Point is the most accessible breeding site for king penguins in the world. l Your adoption is protecting this important area and many other penguin colonies in the Falkland Islands. You are helping to fund research work by Falklands Conservation THE FALKLAND ISLANDS The Falkland Islands archipelago lies Bertha’s Beach contains very good wetland to improve our understanding of these beautiful birds. Help conservation efforts to protect the penguins of This adoption is for one year from Cape Dolphin 350 km (280 miles) to the east of the areas for a wide range of breeding water birds, the Falklands. N l Salvador in greater variety and numbers than many other Receive a personalised adoption certificate, king Douglas South American continent. It consists of D Johnsons N Station Harbour U Port San Carlos Port Dunbar O Louis S penguin photo and penguin pin badge. Hill Cove D D Roy Cove N Berkeley www.falklandsconservation.com Photo: Ruedi Abbühl A D similar areas in the Falklands. Teal two large islands, East and West Falk- Mt Adam Port L Long Island Sound Falklands Conservation is the charity taking action for nature in the Falkland Islands. It is a UK registered charity number: 1073859 San Carlos Registered Office: 14 East Hatley, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 3JA, UK. Falklands Office: 41 Ross Road, Stanley, Falkland Islands, FIQQ 1ZZ N Howard K Inlet Crooked Inlet L N A 2297 F Murrell l A Bold Cove Fern Mt Usborne A Port Receive updates from Falklands Conservation. Cape Ridge L STANLEY William land, and more than 750 small islands Shallow Chartres L Pembroke Farm 2312 The beach and its surrounding area of pools and greens Harbour Mt Pleasant K K Bluff Cove Farm Darwin Airport Dunnose L L Fitzroy Head Goose Green and islets. A A Beaver Spring A are also of importance to migrating waders. Yes, I would like to Adopt a Penguin! (payment form overleaf) I ■ Island Point F F N Ch Fox Bay oiseul Sound BERTHA'S BEACH T East O Double F T Walker Creek Creek S A S Fox Bay Lively Island South E West L A Both the black-necked swan and coscoroba swan can be found here. Cape Harbour You may wish to Adopt a Penguin as a gift or on behalf of Orford W Port Edgar E North D N Arm Port Stephens U O Hoste Inlet S D These are shy birds and will fly or swim to the centre of a pond when approached within N someone else, if so just let us know the details. A Speedwell L K Island L FA 1500 Cape Meredith Bull Point 0·5 km (¼ mile). The black-necked swan is a resident Falkland bird, but not common, 1000 ■ I would like the adoption pack to be sent to: 500 Kilometres and the Islands’ largest freshwater breeding bird. The coscoroba swan is all white, with 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 PLEASE WRITE IN BLOCK CAPITALS 0 Height in feet 0 10 20 30 40 above sea level Miles a loud trumpeting call from which its name is derived. It is rare, only recorded from a few Falkland sites but often seen at Bertha’s Beach. Name ______Bertha’s Beach lies on the east Waterfowl recorded here include both the endemic Falkland flightless steamer duck Address ______coast of East Falkland, stretching (known locally as the logger duck), and its close relative and less common flying steamer ______north-eastwards from Fox Point at the duck (locally named as the canvasback – a bird which, unlike the flightless steamer, is eastern entrance to Choiseul Sound also found in southern South America). The latter is distinguished by its more slender build, ______to Elephant Point, which forms the less heavy bill, and longer wings. Postcode ______Tel. ______southern entrance to Kelp Lagoon. Other waterfowl to be seen on the ponds include Email ______Chiloë wigeon, silver teal, speckled teal, and Penguin Name ______silvery grebe. It is a good place for keen birdwatchers to spot rare vagrants particularly in summer. MEMBERSHIP l Join Falklands Conservation and help to protect the spectacular wildlife of the Falkland Islands. l Receive a joining pack and membership badge. Black-necked swan l Receive regular updates from the Islands and
Kalinka Rexer-Huber extended her work with Falkland two magazines a year. few more months, focusing on introduced animals. s Conservation for a s Conservation for a In January we received word Alistairthatnd our Wilson Alistair Wilson place. entry to the RSPB Club of the Year Kalinka Rexer-Huber extended her work with Falkland few more months, focusing on introduced animals. 2012 competition was award 2 In January we received word that our entry to the RSPB Club of the Year The 2 Lesley Nundy,6:30am. Youth Officer of the day for Stanley’s retailers and tourist 2012 competition was award 2 nd Youth & Education Falklands Department, Conservation openedRSPB businesses on Februaryrecord. A2011 grand was total the busiestof “I amthe delighted shop as usual to announceat 8:00am and that by Lesley Nundy, Youth Officer of the 6561 passengers ar said: the Falklandsmid-morning Group a steady are the flow runners of eager up Youth & Education Department, ndRSPB cruise shvisitors were coming through the place. With a rather dull and drizzly day, the in the competition. The judges thor- said: “I am delighted to announce that door. Farrah Peck and Margaret the Falklands Group are the runners up weather couldips have a been better, but it oughlyCarr managed enjoyed the reading shop for about the du- all the did not seem to deter the masses of tour- n rationdifferent of the activities day, keeping that theit open club organ-in the competition. The judges thor- ists stepping off thechored launches rivedin Port onto William. 6:30am. th throughises –the you normal have accesslunch hoto some incredi-oughly On enjoyed the 16 reading February about allStanley the was Stanley’s jetty. Some arrived as early as Falklands Conservation opened on the three helpingble tourists wildlife to andfind clearlythe right the membersdifferent of once activitiesagain inundated that the withclub organ-visitors. This clothingthe sizes, shop printing as usual King at pen-8:00am and by ises – you haveO access to some incredi- about current conservationthe group projects appreciate go- the opportunity to time there were slightly fewer visitors as guin adoptionmid-morning packs and a steadychatting flow of eagerble wildlifeonce againandn clearlyinundated the with members visitors. Thisof ing on around the learnislands. about By closing such amazing creatures andthetime two there large werethe 16 slightlycruise fewer vessels visitors only as had a I would like to become a member of visitors were coming through the that afternoon shelves were practically the group5551 appreciate total passenger the opportunity capacity. toThe sun door.diverse Farrah habitats.” Peck Sheand went Margaret on to say: the two large cruise thvessels only had a cleared of polo shirts,“All t-shirts, of the pinentries were of an extremelylearn5551 aboutshone total suchandpassenger theamazing windcapacity. February creatureswas The minimal,Stanley sun and was mak- ■ Animals introduced to islands around Carr managed the shop for the du- badges and artwork. Gross sales for the diverseshoneing habitats.”and it the a gloriouswind She was went minimal,Falklands on tomak- say:summer day. the world impact on a large range of 2 nd rationhigh of standard the day, and keeping choosing it opena winnering it a glorious Falklands summ February were £889.74, a brilliant ur, “All of Thethe entriesFC shop were was of again an extremely visited by many. species. In UK Overseas Territory is- take for the usually ratherthrough quietwas Falk- verythe difficult.normal Butlunch in thehour, endThe the FC shop was again visited by many. high standardThe total and takings choosing for a thewinner 16 th lands (UKOTs), introduced vertebrateslands Con helpingwinners tourists were to Macclesfield find the right RSPBThe total Wild- takings for the 16 February information to fill gaps: which islands werewas £777.42. verywere difficult. On £777.42.both But days in Onthe endnewboth the days the new are one of the biggest threats to biodi-Stanley’s front road is taken over bylife Explorers.” have introducedclothing species (non-farmedsizes, printing Kingcardnet pen-winners facility were proved Macclesfield its worth, withRSPB Wild- pedestrians (right),se and cardnet facility proved its worth, with versity. As interest innd island restoration rvation shop. guin adoption packs and chatting The 2 February 2011formed was in the t busiestintroduced vertebrates) and how many man life Explorers.”many visitors exclaiming their pleasant grows, the need to balance biodiversity are there? Whenabout andcurrent how conservationmany were projectssurp y go-visitors exclaiming their pleasant
day for Stanley’s retailersgers and tourist surprise at being able to use their charge gains against costs and risks is becoming ing on around the islands. Bycards. closing rise at being able to use their charge A Magellanic penguin with a stainless businesses informationon record.to their toAwait ships.fillgrand forgaps: launches total introduced?which of to islandsretu Some of this information is cards. steel flipper band was recentlymore sighted important. The Royal Society for he rain (top left)that as afternoon shelves were practically er day. 6561 passengershave introduced arrived on species the already three(non-farmed in the Falkland Islands biodiver- Crofts th on Saunders Island by Suzanthe Pole- Protection of Birds (RSPB) is work- February cruise ships introducedanchored vertebrates)in Port William.sity and database how manycleared but much of of poloit is undocu-shirts, t-shirts, pin ah Evans. TheAnimals penguin’s introduced flipper band toing hadislands to prioritise around island restorations large queues ar mented localbadges knowledge and artwork.or is found Gross in sales for the S Bertha’s Beach is only 10 km been fitted bythe the world Center impact for the onRecov- a large range Withof a ratherare dull there? and When drizzly and day, how the many werend Falklands Conservation (payment form overleaf) across the UKOTs. historical documents.2 February Our work were informs £889.74, a brilliant ery species. In UK Overseas Territoryweather is- couldintroduced? have been Some better, of thisbut informationit is southern of Brazil. Marine The Falkland Islands are blessed with the prioritisationtake passen-of forisland the restorations usually rather in quiet Falk- lands (UKOTs), introduced vertebratesdid not seem toalready deter inthe the masses Falkland of tour- Islands biodiver-rn them Their records confirmed that the pen-a large array of islands, and a great deal the Falklands, landsand adds Conservation to the biodiver- shop. are one of the biggest threats to biodi-ists stepping sityoff database the launches but much onto of it is undocu- guin was admitted to CRAM as an oiled of effort has already gone into island sity database. Maggie, James, Hay & HE Governor bird. It was rehabilitatedversity. for 8 weeks As interest at in island restorationStanley’s jetty.mented Some arrivedlocal knowledge as early as or is foundStanley’s in front road is taken over by Animals (CRAM)restorations in and eradications here. Falk- Haywood present Gemma’s award Crofts the CRAM facility and released at The outcome – an information docu- grows, the needlands to balance Conservation biodiversity is working withhistorical the documents. Our workpedestrians informs (right), and large queuesMaggie, James, Hay & HE Governor ah Ca ment prioritising islands within the gains against costs and risks is becominging. Whi the prioritisation of island restorationsformed in in the rain (top left) as passen-Haywood present Gemma’s award Sar b ssin RSPB to ensure that island prioritisation UKOTs for restoration – will help pri- A large excited group of Watch er o route to the Falklands,the Falklands, and adds to the biodiver-gers wait for launches to return them ders Island2010. andBeach, is believedBrazil on to the be 17more breed- Septem- important.within The the Royal Falklands Societydistance is up-to-dateforb and Group kids and parentsA large attendedexcited group a prize of Watch le we dosity not database.know its oritise exact limited funding, and provide a the Protectionrelevant. of Birds (RSPB)Saunders is work-Island is an impressive 2200 to their ships. giving to mark the achievement in Feb- It then made its way to Saun- The outcomelong-term – an information programme docu- for the Falklands Group kids and parents attended a prize ing to prioritise In particular,island restorationskm we (1367 have miles). been providing for working with landowners. As a bo-ruary. HE Governorgiving to Nigelmark theHaywood achievement in Feb- This sightingetwee further supportsment the prioritising be- islands within the across the UKOTs. If you have information that you think may notnus, be onwe record, will also please end upget with in touch a more at kindly presentedruary. eachHE Governor child with Nigel a Falk- Haywood The Falkland Islandslief arethat blessedSouth Atlantic with n penguinsCassinoUKOTs fre-Be for restoration – will help pri- lands Conservation medal and an RSPB [email protected] disperse between the Falklandsoritise the straig limiteddetailed, funding, useful and biodiversity provide a database for kindly presented each child with a Falk- a large arraythe islands, of islands,and or South that and America mice a great got and to dealreadily your mix. island The a few the Falkland Islands. Club Awardlands certificate. Conservation Afterwards medal and a an RSPB of effort has already gone into island long-term programme for the Falklands party with tea and cakes was enjoyed. cats weresighting removed. of Kalinka . Perhapswill be in you the know field whenovehr therabbits next were month introduced or so, but to will Club Award certificate. Afterwards a for workingach andt-line with landowners. As a bo- restorationshappily andwell collate eradicationsis also any a boostinformation here.to organi Falk- you provide on her return. Wellparty done with kids! tea and cakes was enjoyed. (6 miles) from the Mount Pleasant are involved in rehabilitating oiled sea- nus, we will also end up with a more lands Conservation is working with the the FIG Veterinary Department rescue James Well Fenton done also kids! took the opportu- birds. Over the pastthe few banded years penguin volunteers a detailed, useful biodiversity database for RSPB to ensure that island prioritisation years ago butand yourehabilitate caught them,dozens or of that oiled nitypen- to announceJames Fenton that alsoWatch took Leader the opportu- have helped Falklands Conservation and guins. within the Falklands is up-to-date and the Falkland Islands. one of Maggie Battersby would soon be leaving Penguins are not flipper one banded of in the nity to announce that Watch Leader relevant. theMaggie post, due Battersby to new workwould commitments. soon be leaving A Magellanic penguin with a stainlessFalkland Islands. However, the practice In particular, we have been providing does occur in othering. parts While of the weworld. do It notFC theknow will post, prepareits due exact to to new say workfarewell commitments. to (please tick) steel flippersatio bandlive and was recentlyyearshas ago ledsighted but to invaluableyou caught research, them, furthering or that Maggie in the next newsletter.the FIG Veterinary Department rescue Membership category . Perhaps you know when rabbits were introduced to FC will prepare to say farewell to If you have informationon thatSaunders you think Island may notby be Suzan on record, Pole- please routeget in totouch the atFalklands, the straight-line ns that the understanding distanceof penguin betweendisper- CassinoMaggie Beach in the andnext newsletter.and rehabilitate dozens of oiled pen- [email protected]. The penguin’s flippersions band and hadpopulation changes. Newer guins. Saunders Island is an impressive 2200 the islands, or that micebeen got tofitted your by island the Centera few andfor saferthe Recov-techniques are now being de- Penguins are not flipper banded in the veloped. These include insertingkm (1367 small miles). cats were removed. Kalinkaery of will Marine be in theAnimals field ove (CRAM)r the next monthin or so, but will Falkland Islands. However, the practice ra This sighting further supports the be- happily collate any informationsouthern Brazil. you provide ondio her emitting return. does occur in other parts of the world. It cone rubber flipper bands. lief that South Atlantic penguins fre- Their records confirmed that the pen- has led to invaluable research, furthering quently disperse between the Falklands guin was admitted to CRAM as an oiled the understanding of penguin disper- implants or andfit South America and readily mix. The bird. It was rehabilitated for 8 weeks at sions and population changes. Newer sighting of the banded penguin alive and the CRAM facility and released at and safer techniques are now being de- Complex, making it a popular well is also a boost to organisations that Cassino Beach, Brazil on the 17 Septem- veloped. These include inserting small are involved in rehabilitating oiled sea- ber 2010. It then made its way to Saun- ting sili- radio emitting implants or fitting sili- birds. Over the past few years volunteers ders Island and is believed to be breed- cone rubber flipper bands. area to visit by the resident military have helped Falklands Conservation and ■ Individual (UK, EU or FI) £30/$50 and civilian personnel. Access ■ Individual (overseas) £50/$80 Silvery grebe is from the Mare Harbour road ■ Household/family £50/$80 where a dirt track turns off to the ■ Gold £100/$170 left immediately beyond the fenced ■ Life (one-off payment) £1,000/$1,700 landfill. From here a rough track ■ Student £15/$20 leads down to the beach, beyond a locked gate. Keys for this are available from 12 Facility Reception for personnel at MPA only. To either adopt a penguin and/or become a member please complete both sides of this form All other visitors should contact the Chiloë wigeon You can also purchase securely online at www.falklandsconservation.com/our-shop landowner on tel: 32384. Falklands Conservation is a UK registered charity no. 1073859 and a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales no. 03661322. cover photo: Gentoo penguin ✃ About Bertha's Beach
Bertha’s Beach is part of Fitzroy Farm, a The wide sandy beach is ideal habitat working sheep farm owned by Falkland for gentoo penguins, South American Landholdings Ltd. It is named after the terns, and the endemic Falkland ship Bertha, an iron barque of 500 tons, flightless steamer duck. Ruddy- which was wrecked here in 1892. Its headed geese graze the coastal cargo of cedar wood was washed grasslands whilst the numerous ashore and some of these logs can still ponds support black-necked swans, be seen today lying on the beach and coscoroba swans on occasion, and greens. Legend has it that the ship was many species of waterfowl. off course due to a magnetic anomaly Five endemic plants, found only in the that occurs around the aptly named Falkland Islands, grow here. Direction Island clearly visible offshore. Commerson's and Peale's dolphins Bertha’s Beach is one of the best wildlife are frequently seen offshore or playing in sites in the Falkland Islands. Bertha's the surf, whilst fin whales have also Beach is recognised as a wetland site been recorded in the entrance to of international importance under the Choiseul Sound. Ramsar Convention and it qualifies as an Important Bird Area, a global standard set by BirdLife International.
Visitors are asked to keep to the beach and not to cross the open moorland as this is a working farm. Take special care in the lambing season, mid-October to the end of December. Ewes on the greens behind the beach are susceptible to disturbance immediately after lambing, and may abandon lambs if startled. Dogs are not permitted at Bertha’s Beach. No motorbikes or quadbikes are allowed. WARNING Do not walk in Gentoo Swans, teal dune areas and Chiloë penguins East Cove wigeon Pond Magellanic Plovers and penguins sandpipers Rufous-chested dotterel on beach and two-banded plovers
WARNING Bertha’s Beach Vehicles must be left Mare here. Please take all Harbour rubbish away with you Please keep to Direction Vehicle track to the parking area beach as much Island Military Facility as possible CONTROLLED AREA Sea lions Ruddy-headed geese and Falkland steamer ducks Please follow the guidelines Magellanic penguins MAINTAIN A DISTANCE of >6 m East Cove WARNING 6 m (20 ft) between you and South American terns any wildlife at all times. Peale’s and can be easily disturbed Commerson’s dolphins WILDLIFE HAVE RIGHT OF often playing WAY AT ALL TIMES. Do not in the surf block wildlife from returning or no entering the sea. smoking Ponds very good TAKE CARE on steep slopes for waterbirds and slippery rocks. Gentoo penguins LEAVE GATES as you find them. no fires BE AWARE of biosecurity. 150 Do not introduce invasive Plovers and Fox Point species to the area. sandpipers do not 100 on beach BE CAREFUL not to trample litter the burrows of nesting 50 seabirds, particularly those of Magellanic penguins. Avoid 0 walking across areas of high no flash Height in feet burrow density. above sea level LAMBING SEASON KEY The lambing season is from October to Hiking route December. During this time visitors are Kelp asked to take extra care not to disturb ewes N as they may abandon lambs if startled.
Kilometres 0 1 1·5
0 0·5 1 BERTHA’S BEACH Miles The Gentoo Penguins
The scenic walk from the car park Gentoos live on a diet of small along the beach to the nearest gentoo crustaceans, fish and squid. The birds penguin colony (800 breeding pairs) is usually leave on foraging trips in the early approximately 3·2 km (2 miles). Gentoo morning and return in the late afternoon penguins live at Bertha’s Beach all year of the same or following day. They may round, most remaining close to their swim many miles out to sea in search of breeding colonies. Traditional, well-used food and have been known to dive to a routes, often referred to as “penguin depth of 170 m (550 ft) in pursuit of prey. highways”, are used to walk between Nests are rather informal affairs often the colony and the sea. Please don’t incorporating a collection of small block these routes and remember to stones or twigs. Two large round white always give penguins the right of way. eggs are laid between late September Counts conducted every five years have and mid October and hatch in early found the average Falkland gentoo December. Incubation takes about 39 penguin population to be around days and the chicks are brooded on the 132,000 pairs (2010 census). In some nest for another month. years numbers fall dramatically due to environmental factors (such as the 2002 The young birds then congregate algal bloom) but the gentoo seems to together into crèches, being fed daily by be a very resilient species and is able to both parents. Some are ready recover fairly quickly from such setbacks. to go to sea by the last week of January, with the last ones off by the end of The Falkland Islands population has March. remained relatively stable for the past 60 years although, because of declining Gentoo penguins form long-lasting pairs numbers elsewhere, the gentoo penguin and are often faithful to the same nest site is classified as Near Threatened by for many years. BirdLife International. Numbers may have been reduced during the 18th to early 20th centuries by sealers who boiled hundreds of thousands of these birds to extract their oil (one penguin would yield one pint of oil). Gentoo eggs were previously the most popular of all penguin eggs for collection and eating. This tradition has now declined and is illegal except under special licence. In recent years, poisonous marine algal blooms caused by the warming of the ocean have led to high levels of mortality.
Gentoo penguin and chicks