Travel Guide Isla Yécapasela (Isla Martillo)

The island Yecapasela (today called Isla Martillo) belongs to the Harberton estancia. Once used by the Bridges family for their sheep and cattle, it is now occupied by a colony of penguins. Three species of penguins have been recorded here: pairs of Magellanic penguins, pairs of Papua penguins and pairs of Magellanic cormorants. This population, easily observable in its natural habitat, has been steadily increasing in recent years. The penguins arrive at the beginning of October, and from the beginning of April they return to the open sea. It should be noted that skúas (Catharacta chilensis) can also be observed on the island, and sometimes, it is said, even king penguins (Aptenodytes patagonica).