These two fine looking birds are the only true feathered locals in the Falkland Islands. Both endemic to the Islands, they don’t live anywhere else. The steamer duck possesses very short wings and is incapable of flight. They make up for it in personality, however, and were fun to watch as they waddled along the shoreline. The Cobb’s wren was also quite personable despite its rather plain appearance. On Carcass Island, where I photographed this one, they are very tame due to a lack of predators (there are no rodents or foxes or any other small ground carnivores on the island). Along with the tussacbirds (who you’ll meet in a future post), they would literally fly right up to me, even hopping on the front of my lens a few times. Steamer Duck: Nikon D800 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 380mm) ISO 400, f/6.3 at 1/2500th of a second
Cobb’s Wren: Nikon D800 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 400, f/4 at 1/800th of a second
Orange beak and feet against the blue is gorgeous. Such a handsome bird. Bit of a sitting duck, literally, if the predator situation changes, eh? And the wee Cobb’s wren is so perfectly delightful. Thanks!
Yeah, kind of reminds me of the flightless cormorants in the Galápagos. Until the 9,000 pound elephant seals get a bit more limber, the steamer Ducks will be living large.
You know how I feel about birds. But I have to say, I’m really digging the pops of color in both photos. The yellow looks beautiful, especially against the blues and greys.
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These two fine looking birds are the only true feathered locals in the Falkland Islands. Both endemic to the Islands, they don’t live anywhere else. The steamer duck possesses very short wings and is incapable of flight. They make up for it in personality, however, and were fun to watch as they waddled along the shoreline. The Cobb’s wren was also quite personable despite its rather plain appearance. On Carcass Island, where I photographed this one, they are very tame due to a lack of predators (there are no rodents or foxes or any other small ground carnivores on the island). Along with the tussacbirds (who you’ll meet in a future post), they would literally fly right up to me, even hopping on the front of my lens a few times.
To stroll the beach no —- Need to fly to fly sans fear —- How sweet is this innocence.
Orange beak and feet against the blue is gorgeous. Such a handsome bird. Bit of a sitting duck, literally, if the predator situation changes, eh? And the wee Cobb’s wren is so perfectly delightful. Thanks!
Yeah, kind of reminds me of the flightless cormorants in the Galápagos. Until the 9,000 pound elephant seals get a bit more limber, the steamer Ducks will be living large.
I love the birds.
Me too Gray, me too.
You know how I feel about birds. But I have to say, I’m really digging the pops of color in both photos. The yellow looks beautiful, especially against the blues and greys.