Volunteer Point’s King Penguin Colonies
Though the location is home to some 15,000 sheep, this is not why Volunteer Point is a Falkland Islands highlight. There is a large king penguin colony inland from Volunteer Beach with about 1,000 breeding pairs of king penguins that raise some 500 chicks each year. Because of their breeding cycle of 14 to 16 months, king penguins chicks are found at Volunteer Point all year round.
The Flourishing Penguins of Volunteer Point
King penguins were almost hunted into extinction on the Falkland Islands, but now the population is flourishing. The rookery at Volunteer Point is the largest on the Falkland Islands. Several hundred breeding pairs of gentoo and Magellanic penguins can also be seen at Volunteer Point.
Further Volunteer Point Bird Life
Birdlife International has recognized Volunteer Point as an Important Bird Area. Over 40 bird species have been recorded here. Falkland steamer ducks, ruddy-headed geese, long-tailed meadowlarks, Magellanic snipes, Falkland pipits, dark-faced ground-tyrants, and white-bridled finches are confirmed breeders on Volunteer Point.
Volunteer Point Sea Lions, Seals, and Landings
Southern sea lions can often be seen hunting penguins along the coast of Volunteer Point, and elephant seals frequently wallow on the beaches. Landing at Volunteer Beach can be difficult or even impossible, however, due to the exposure of the landing site.
