Wildlife
The virtually unpopulated countryside of the Falkland Islands allows a great variety of wildlife to flourish. Over 185 species of birds have been recorded in and around the Falkland Islands and there are over 60 breeding species. There are five different breeds of Penguin, Albatross, Caracara Eagles, Hawks and flightless Steamer Ducks. Around the coast are found Elephant Seals, Sea Lions, Fur Seals, Dolphins, various Whales including, occasionally, Killer Whales.
With regards to birds in the Falklands the Penguins are probably the most significant hallmark. There are five breeding species of penguins and these are Rockhopper, Magellanic, Gentoo, King and Macaroni. There is also the world's largest breeding population of Black-Browed Albatross.
The Falkland Flightless Steamer Duck or "Logger Duck" as it is more commonly known, Kelp Geese, Crested Duck, Oystercatchers, Night Herons and three species of Gulls can all be found along the shore. In the Summer Terns, White-Rumped Sandpipers and Skuas can be seen. Upland Goose, Ruddy-Headed or "Brent Goose", Teal, Widgeon, Grebe and other species can also be seen.
Inland, the most common species of bird to be found are the Long Tailed Meadowlark or "Military Starling", the Finch, Pipit, and many others. The Falkland Thrush and Tussac Bird are also native to the area. Among the bird Predators that can be found on the Islands are the Cassin's Falcon, Red-Backed Hawk and Crested Caracara. On some of the outer islands the Striated Caracara can also be found.
There are three types of seal that breed on the Islands; elephant seal, sea lion and fur seal. Occasionally the less common leopard seal can also be seen.
Dolphins and Porpoises are often seen. Pods of killer whales can often also be seen offshore around breeding seal colonies throughout the summer. They are often seen from Sea Lion, Pebble and Saunders Islands.
The grassed area around MPC attracts many Upland Geese. The islands are a paradise for the wildlife enthusiast. Bertha's Beach, which is about 7 kilometres from MPC, has a colony of Gentoo Penguins; although they may go to sea for the winter, some remain all year round. Dolphins can often be seen playing in the water.
Pests
Through April and May, on the onset of winter the field mice leave scrubland en mass and enter the family quarters and accommodation. Therefore infestation can be quite serious for up to four weeks. If you are in Family Quarters, you are advised to bring enough mains powered sonic mouse repellent for each room.
From November to December, small red Clover Mites, which breed in grass around early to mid spring, can enter the family quarters and accommodation.
The mites aren't harmful and do not carry diseases. You may however get some people that are allergic to the mites waste products, which may cause minor irritation but mostly they are just frustrating due to the red stains that they cause.
There are very few midges but there are quite a lot of flies particularly in the family quarter’s area.