Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands are an unrivaled bird-watching destination. The natural world takes precedence here, and humans far outnumber visitors. This Southern archipelago off the coast of Argentina is home to over 200 different bird species, including five different species of penguins. Gentoo, Rockhopper, Macaroni, and Magellanic penguins can all be found on the islands, but the King Penguins are the most well-known and impressive. Their colony, which stands nearly a metre tall and is remarkably accessible from the island's main township of Stanley, is a sight to behold, especially when the fluffy brown chicks are present.

Aside from penguins, the birdlife of the Falkland Islands is diverse and fascinating to even the most inexperienced bird watcher. Black-brow albatross swoop into their Cliffside nests, southern giant petrel fish in the choppy waters, rock cormorants land on the craggy coastlines rather comically, and upland geese and the endemic steamer ducks waddle around the islands in pairs. Weddell Island, in particular, is a bird-watching hotspot, with over 54 species identified there (the human population is as little as 2 in the quieter months). In between bouts of birding, you'll have plenty of other wildlife to look at, including seals, sea lions, dolphins, foxes, and even the occasional reindeer! If you are looking for best birding locations in the world, you certainly cannot skip the Falkland Islands.

Location: Antarctic Peninsula