PAYMENT DETAILS PLEASE COMPLETE IN BLOCK CAPITALS Protecting wildlife from invasive species GIFT AID Please use this form for both Adoption and Membership purchase, completing the relevant sections. With Gift Aid on every £1 you give A beautiful rodent-free island with exceptional life 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 donations I have made in the last Postcode ______Tel. ______four years, and all I will make until Email ______I notify you otherwise, as Gift Aid donations. I am a UK taxpayer and ■ Please tick this box if you would like to receive updates by email understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax than PURCHASE INFORMATION the amount of Gift Aid claimed on * The wildlife on Carcass Island survives in such abundance because over the centuries all my donations in that tax year Penguin adoption for a year – £25 / $40 ■ it has been kept free of rats and mice. Cobb’s wren cannot exist where there are rats it is my responsibility to pay any or mice. The introduced European gorse, with its brilliant yellow flowers in spring * difference. Membership fee payable time, now has to be controlled around the settlement to prevent its spread and reduce (see overleaf for categories) ■ the risk of fire. Because are ground nesting, it is crucial to all areas of wildlife Signed:______*Please indicate £ sterling or US$ * importance in the that invasive species are kept at bay and biosecurity Donation ■ measures are put in place. Date:______Please make cheques payable Total * 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, 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 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 ______Photos: Sarah Crofts, Alan R Henry, Ali Liddle, Tim Mason. Cardholder’s address (if different from applicant) Maps by Jeremy Smith and Robert Still. 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 ✃ PENGUIN ADOPTION FORM

Magellanic King Penguin Adoption l Adopt a king penguin at the remote colony of CARCASS ISLAND This is to certify that in the Falkland Islands for £25/ has adopted US$40 for 12 months. at Carcass Island has a large number of Magellanic Volunteer Point on , 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 to improve our understanding of these beautiful birds. Help conservation efforts to protect the penguins of penguins, found all over the island. This adoption is for one year from CARCASS ISLAND Cape Dolphin 350 km (280 miles) to the east of the South the Falklands. N American continent. It consists of two large They are often referred to locally as jackass l Salvador Receive a personalised adoption certificate, king Douglas D Johnsons N Station Harbour U Port Dunbar O Louis S penguins because of their mournful braying call, penguin photo and penguin pin badge. D islands, East and , and more D Roy Cove N D Berkeley www.falklandsconservation.com Photo: Ruedi Abbühl Mt Adam A Teal 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 Murrell l 2297 A F a typical sound of the Falkland summer, which Bold Cove than 750 small islands and islets. Fern Mt Usborne A Port Receive updates from Falklands Conservation. L STANLEY Cape William Shallow Ridge Chartres L Pembroke Farm 2312 Harbour Mt Pleasant K K Bluff Cove Farm Darwin Airport continues through much of the night. Dunnose L L Fitzroy Head A A Beaver Spring A Yes, I would like to Adopt a Penguin! I ■ (payment form overleaf) Island Point F F N Ch oiseul Sound Magellanic penguins are found all around the T East O Double F T Walker Creek Creek S A S Fox Bay South E West L A Cape Harbour coast of southern South America and are listed as 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 S Hoste Inlet D N someone else, if so just let us know the details. Speedwell Near Threatened by BirdLife International. A L K Island L FA 1500 Cape Meredith The estimated population of breeding pairs in the Falkland Islands is 140,000 pairs. 1000 ■ I would like the adoption pack to be sent to:

500 Kilometres 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 PLEASE WRITE IN BLOCK CAPITALS 0 Magellanic penguins come to the Falkland Islands to breed. They begin to arrive in Height in feet 0 10 20 30 40 above sea level Miles springtime (early September). Nests are made in underground burrows up to 2 m (6 ft) deep Name ______under a tussac grass pedestal or in more open peaty ground. Carcass Island lies to the north-west of the Address ______Falkland Islands archipelago, 6·5 km (4 miles) Birds usually return to the same burrow in the same colony each year, but ownership of nest off Hope Point, the nearest land on West sites is sometimes contested. They are fiercely defended at all times – beware their hooked ______Falkland. bill, which can inflict a nasty wound. ______Carcass Island is reached by an hour's flight Two eggs are laid in October and the chicks fledge in February. By late April, after moulting, Postcode ______Tel. ______from Stanley or Mount Pleasant Complex with the colonies are deserted. The penguins swim north for the winter, often following shoals of Email ______the Falkland Islands Government Air Service anchovy and other small fish and sometimes reach the coast of Brazil. A previous study found (FIGAS), or by Zodiac beach landings from that one bird travelled 2,661 km (1,663 miles) in 75 days. When in the Falkland Islands they Penguin Name ______visiting cruise ships. can dive over 100 m to catch squid and small fish. MEMBERSHIP The Twins, two island nature reserves owned Contact Magellanic penguins start breeding when about five years old. The oldest birds recorded breeding in the wild are at least 16 years old. l by Falklands Conservation, lie off the north- Tel: +500 41106 Join Falklands Conservation and help to protect the west tip of Carcass Island. They support a Email: [email protected] Gentoo penguins also breed on Carcass Island, with the two main colonies on Jason Hill spectacular wildlife of the Falkland Islands. population of southern sea lions and southern and Leopard Beach to the south of the island. They remain here all year round. Gentoos live l Receive a joining pack and membership badge. l elephant seals. on a diet of lobster krill, squid and fish. The birds usually leave on foraging trips in the early  Receive regular updates from the Islands and

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     Kalinka Rexer-Huber extended her work with Falkland two magazines a year.   morning and return in late afternoon of the same or following day. few more months, focusing on introduced .   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 shvisitors 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 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 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 more important. The Royal Societyroute to for 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 17 breed- Septem- within the Falklandsdistance is up-to-dateb and oritise limited funding, and provideGroup a kids and parentsA large attendedexcited group a prize of Watch Magellanic penguins are shyer than the Protectionrelevant. of Birds (RSPB) is work-le we dosity not database.know its exact to their ships. giving to mark the achievement in Feb- Saunders Island is an impressive 2200 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 array of islands, and a great deal Club Awardlands certificate. Conservation Afterwards medal and a an RSPB the islands,and or South that America mice got and to readily your mix. island Thelong-term a few the programme Falkland Islands. for the Falklands of effortcats has were alreadysighting removed. gone of intoKalinka island . Perhapswill be in you the know field whenover therabbits next were month introduced or so, but to will party withClub tea Award and cakes certificate. was enjoyed. Afterwards a for workinght-line with landowners. As a bo- restorations andwell eradicationsis also a boost here.to organi Falk- ach and Wellparty done with kids! tea and cakes was enjoyed. happily collate any information you providenus, on weher willreturn. also end up with a more lands Conservationare involved is inworking rehabilitating with theoiled sea- 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 other penguins and when disturbed cats were removed. Kalinka will be in the fieldveloped. over the These next includemonth insertingorkm so, (1367 but small will miles). ery of Marine Animals (CRAM) in 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- 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. will often slide down a slope on their have helped Falklands Conservation and ■ Individual (UK, EU or FI) £30/$50 breast and escape into the sea. ■ Individual (overseas) £50/$80 Take care not to approach too close ■ Household/family £50/$80 (no nearer than 6 m/20 ft). ■ Gold £100/$170 ■ Life (one-off payment) £1,000/$1,700 If you can, avoid walking through a ■ Student £15/$20 colony. Do not walk above their burrows as the weight can cause the burrow To either adopt a penguin and/or become a member please complete both sides of this form roofs to cave in exposing eggs and Upland goose chicks. 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. cover photo: Magellnic penguins ✃ About Carcass Island

Carcass Island is about 10 km (6¼ miles) partnership with others and then on their long, with a maximum width of 2·5 km own. They continued to farm the land whilst (1½ miles) and covers 1,894 ha (4,680 protecting its wildlife. acres). It takes its name from hms Carcass Rob and Lorraine McGill have owned which visited in the late 18th century. the island since 1974. The Island is There are large sand bays, a tidal rock self-sufficient in organic vegetables, meat point to the north-west and cliffs and and dairy produce. Although Carcass still slopes along the north-eastern coast. supports , tourism is now the main There are several freshwater ponds which focus. are important for wildfowl. One hundred and seven different plants The highest point is Mount Byng (213 m, have been identified including the 700 ft). It has been a sheep farm for more uncommon yellow orchid, the rare than a century but careful management endemic hairy daisy and whitlowgrass. has retained a place rich in wildlife with There are no cats, rats or mice here to songbirds, penguins, and a diverse plant life predate on ground-nesting birds, which that includes areas of mature tussac grass. thrive here in abundance. Carcass Island is Charles Hansen, a Dane, was the first notable as an important site for the endemic farmer to lease the land, setting up a sheep Cobb’s wren. There are several colonies of farm in 1872, building the settlement and gentoo penguins, a good number of the fencing off livestock areas. Large areas rare striated and considerable were planted with tussac for use as winter numbers of ruddy-headed geese. animal feed. He passed the farm to his son It qualifies as an Important Bird Area (part Jason Hansen, and then ownership passed of FK17), a global standard set by BirdLife to Cecil and Kitty Bertrand, originally in International.

x x LAMBING SEASON Please follow the guidelines x CARCASS N

CARCASS ISLAND x SETTLEMENT The lambing season is from October to x MAINTAIN A DISTANCE of December. During this time visitors are >6 m 6 m (20 ft) between you and Cobb’s wren

N North West Point asked to take extra care not to disturb ewes x as they may abandon lambs if startled. any wildlife at all times. x WILDLIFE HAVE RIGHT OF Jetty WAY AT ALL TIMES. Do not block wildlife from returning or no Magellanic entering the sea. smoking Commerson's penguins Dolphins TAKE CARE on steep slopes and slippery rocks. Dyke Shedder alley Pond LEAVE GATES as you find them. no fires V Elephant PORT PATTISON Flat x BE AWARE of biosecurity. Gentoo Jason Hill penguins 500 North Bluff Do not introduce invasive x The Plain species to the area. WARNING Beechams Magellanic penguin do not WARNING Island Please avoid burrows – mind BE CAREFUL not to trample litter your step The Ovens Hill gentoo 'highway' the burrows of nesting Dyke Bay x x , particularly those of x Cave Point x Magellanic penguins. Avoid x 500 Hawks walking across areas of high Nest no flash Magellanic Mt Byng burrow density. x Valley 400 penguins Rock x R Mt Byng South Gothic o 300 cormorant x 228 ck The Saddle Gentoo y Point 723 asch x penguins R F in y id e Valle 200 Ram g Padck.Hill e Leopard x 100 Beach 0 Height in feet above sea level Commerson's Carcass dolphins

Settlement Ballast Stanley Visitor hike – 4km (2½ miles) Needles South Hill American Beach East End 0 0·5 1 1.5 Point Hill Km terns NEEDLES ROCKS Miles Jetty 0 0·5 1

800 PO Dykealley Jason KEY

R V x T x PA Hill Steep cliffs Wire fence 600 T D T y I k 500 S e O 400 P Gate N a Beechams d d Rocky 200 Island Dyke o c ck foreshore Restricted area Bay k do Carcass Reef ad 0 t. Gothic Height in feet P Tussac Hiking route ic Point above sea level th grass o Leopard G Beach Unsurfaced Kilometres Kelp beds track 0 0·5 1 2 3 Airstrip See enlargement Wildlife Cruise ship 0 0·5 1 2 for more detail viewing area Needles Point anchorage Miles Falkland Songbirds

Carcass Island abounds with native Falkland songbirds. Tussacbird, dark-faced ground tyrant, Falkland pipit, Falkland grass wren, Falkland thrush and long-tailed meadowlark are all widespread and numerous. It is also home to Cobb’s wren, one of two endemic birds found in the Falkland Islands. Tussac grass, along with trees Long-tailed meadowlark and shrubs planted around the settlement, provides shelter from the strong winds, a range of nest sites, abundant nest material and a plentiful source of insects for food. There are no mammal predators here so ground-nesting birds can thrive, particularly in the absence of rats and mice. Cobb’s wren was first described 100 years ago from a specimen found on Carcass Island. It was named after Arthur Cobb, a local farmer and amateur ornithologist. This is a small brown bird with a long bill. It is uniformly dark chestnut-brown above with paler buff under parts, Black-chinned siskin a grey-brown head, with wings and tail, which are barred dark and light brown. The tail is often held erect. Adults fade to dull brown above in summer. Newly fledged juveniles have a dark head and bright chestnut back. Cobb’s wrens can be found on boulder-strewn beaches with lots of accumulated dead seaweed where they feed on insects and sea lice. It also takes camel crickets in the tussac grass and feeds crickets and moth caterpillars to its nestlings. It is very tame and rather than flying away, the bird will often slip under a boulder or into tussac. They live for about six years and are thought to remain in their breeding territories all year round.

Falkland thrush

Cobb's wren Carcass Island songbirds: All nine species of Falklands breeding passerines can be seen on Carcass Island Cobb’s wren Tussacbird White-bridled finch Dark-faced ground-tyrant Falkland pipit Falkland grass wren Falkland thrush Long-tailed meadowlark Black-chinned siskin