O'Brien Island facts for kids
 O'Brien Island
Location in Antarctica
Location in Antarctica
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Antarctica |
| Coordinates | 61°30′S 55°58′W / 61.500°S 55.967°W |
| Highest elevation | 540 m (1,770 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Administered under the Antarctic Treaty System | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | Uninhabited |
O'Brien Island is a small, rocky piece of land. It is part of the South Shetland Islands, a group of islands near Antarctica. The island is about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) southwest of Aspland Island. It rises to a height of 540 meters (1,772 feet).
The name 'O'Brien Island' comes from a survey done in 1820. Explorers Edward Bransfield and William Smith first mapped this area. They named O'Brien, Eadie, and Aspland Islands as a group. Today, the name O'Brien Island is used all over the world.
Why O'Brien Island is Important for Birds
O'Brien Island is a very special place for birds. It has been named an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International. An IBA is a place that is vital for bird populations. It helps protect birds that live there.
Home to Many Penguins and Fulmars
This island is home to huge groups of breeding birds. Records from 1977 show many birds nesting here. There were about 21,000 pairs of chinstrap penguins. Also, about 8,000 pairs of southern fulmars lived on the island. These large numbers make O'Brien Island a key spot for these seabirds.
