Skilling Island facts for kids
Skilling Island is a tiny piece of land located in the cold waters of Antarctica. It sits just north of Atriceps Island, and both are part of a group called the Robertson Islands. These islands are found within the larger South Orkney Islands.
Discovering Skilling Island
People knew about this island for a long time, but it was first properly mapped in 1933. This mapping was done by a group called DI, who explored the oceans. The island was later named by the United Kingdom Antarctic Place-Names Committee (UK-APC). This committee helps name places in Antarctica.
The island is named after Charles J. Skilling (1931–1952). He worked for the Falkland Islands Dependencies Survey (FIDS) as a general assistant at Signy Island in 1949. That same year, he was part of a team that traveled by sledge to visit the Robertson Islands. Sadly, Charles Skilling passed away on April 17, 1952, while aboard a ship called the John Biscoe.
Important Bird Area: Penguin Paradise
Skilling Island is a very special place for birds. It is part of the Robertson Islands North Important Bird Area (IBA). BirdLife International identifies these areas because they are crucial for bird populations. Skilling Island is especially important because it is home to large breeding colonies of chinstrap penguins. These penguins come to the island to build their nests and raise their chicks.
