Alas, for all I learnt in Antarctica, this is my great weakness - forgive me Frank (the Quark Expeditions bird expert that I had the privilege of working with...)! It takes great patience to photograph the diverse and magnificent sea birds of the Drake Passage as they fly so fast on the ocean winds.

There are many more birds on the Drake Passage, than I mention. However, like everyone else, even I couldn't help but be moved by the plight of the albatross and its tragic population depletions at the hand of long-line fishermen. So, I felt compelled to get some words up on the web about the subject! For further information and how to help, visit the Humane Society International, BirdLife International and Falklands Conservation websites.

Blink and you'll miss me...!
Wandering Albatross(?), Drake Passage

Although bad weather may have locked us up inside the bowels of the ship during many crossings, the albatross thrive in the more torrid and windier conditions. Albatross have long wings which make them awkward when on land or attempting to take off. However, they are natures perfect hang glider once airborne, and soaring majestically on the wind, rarely flapping their wings. Take offs are a laborious process, requiring up to 100m of frantic wing flapping to leave the ocean or land.

Black Brow Albatross
Drake Passage

Albatross spend their life at sea, returning to land only to breed. Even when raising their chicks, they may still range as far away as 8,000km in search of food. Zooming across the ocean, they dive up to 7m to capture fish, increasing the chances they will be snagged on long-lines with fish hooks and drown.

Even sea birds have to grow up on land
New Island, Falkland Island

At a remote cliff on New Island, part of the Falkland Islands, we got the opportunity to see nesting Black Brow Albatross chicks. Late in the season, they are beginning to shed their down and starting to look a little ridiculous perched on nests which they have outgrown. If they move, they frequently have to battle comically to stay balanced on their tiny platforms!