West Point Island

West Point is a small island off the northwestern corner of West Falkland whose main draw is a colony on the cliffs at the Devil's Nose, where black-browed albatross and rockhopper penguins nest interleaved among tussac grass on a steep slope above the sea. The walk out from the settlement takes around forty minutes across the island. Striated caracaras patrol the colony constantly.

History

West Point Island, first called Albatross Island, was in the early 19th century, like many places in the Falklands, a busy site for killing seals and penguins for their oil, a trade that ended when the animals were all but wiped out. In 1879 Arthur Felton established a sheep farm here, and the island, 1,469 hectares of some of the finest coastal scenery in the islands, is still farmed by his descendants, Roddy and Lily Napier, who also welcome visitors (Wikipedia, West Point Island).

The landscape

• The Devil's Nose - the cliff where albatross and rockhoppers nest together.
• The mixed colony - two species interleaved among tussac on the same slope.
• The striated caracaras - the aggressive raptors working the colony edges.
• The walk across - around forty minutes from the settlement to the cliffs.

When to go

October to March is the breeding season. Albatross are on eggs and chicks through that period. Winter has almost nothing and no regular access.

What to expect

Most visitors arrive by cruise ship and the site is crowded on those days. The walk is exposed and the wind on the cliff is severe. Accommodation on the island is minimal.

Nearby

Carcass Island is north, and Saunders is northeast.

Key facts