Basic Information

Location: (54°00'31"S, 38°03'08"W)
Completed: 1958

History

The Falkland Islands Government established the first permanent hut at Bird Island in 1958. In 1963, a living hut and two smaller huts were added by the United States Antarctic Research Programme. A new hut was built on concrete piers in 1981. It provided accommodation, laboratory and office space for up to 8 people for year-round occupation.

Science

The main research programmes on Bird Island include seabird and seal population dynamics, feeding ecology, and reproductive performance. It also has many different kinds of wildlife, therefore special protection is provided. It is home to about 50,000 breeding pairs of penguins, 30,000 pairs of albatrosses, 700,000 nocturnal petrels and 65,000 breeding fur seals. In total, that adds up to one bird or seal for every 1.5m2, making Bird Island one of the richest sites for wildlife anywhere in the world.

Other Information

The research station consists of three main buildings with living accommodation, office, and laboratory space for up to eight people. There are several field huts situated near bird colonies to help the science programmes. There is no permanent snow or ice on the island – the yearly temperature range is from -10°C to 10°C. During the summer, usually six to eight people work at the station, and for the winter, about four remain.