Weddell Islands facts for kids
The Weddell Islands are a small group of islands and rocks. They are located in the South Orkney Islands near Antarctica. These islands lie about 1.9 kilometers (1.2 miles) south of Saddle Island. They are also about 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) north of the western part of Laurie Island.
Sailors probably first saw these islands in December 1821. This was during a trip by Captains Nathaniel B. Palmer and George Powell. The islands got their name from James Weddell. He included them on his map after exploring the South Orkney Islands in 1823.
Why are the Weddell Islands Special?
A Home for Many Birds
A special area of the Weddell Islands is called an Important Bird Area (IBA). This area is about 30 hectares (74 acres) big. It includes the largest island and some smaller islands nearby. The ocean around them is also part of this important area.
BirdLife International chose this spot as an IBA. This is because many birds come here to have their babies.
Penguins and Other Birds
The Weddell Islands are home to huge groups of Pygoscelis penguins. In 2011, experts used satellite pictures to count them. They found about 28,000 pairs of these penguins living here. They build their nests along the lower parts of the coastline.
Other birds also live and raise their young on these islands. These include the Cape petrel and the snow petrel. These birds add to the amazing wildlife of the Weddell Islands.
