Speedwell Island (formerly Eagle Island; Spanish Isla Águila) is one of the Falkland Islands, lying in the Falkland Sound, southwest of Lafonia, East Falkland.
The island has an area of 51.5 km2 (19.9 sq mi). It is about 17.5 km (10.9 mi) from north to south and 5 km (3.1 mi) wide at its central part. It is generally low lying and has been used as a sheep farm for more than a hundred years. It is separated from Lafonia by the Eagle Passage, which takes its name from Speedwell Island's old name. Speedwell Island is the largest of the Speedwell Island group, which includes the Elephant Cays, George Island, Barren Island and Annie Island.
Read more about Speedwell Island: Ecology, History, Important Bird Area
Famous quotes containing the word island:
“When the inhabitants of some sequestered island first descry the “big canoe” of the European rolling through the blue waters towards their shores, they rush down to the beach in crowds, and with open arms stand ready to embrace the strangers. Fatal embrace! They fold to their bosoms the vipers whose sting is destined to poison all their joys; and the instinctive feeling of love within their breasts is soon converted into the bitterest hate.”
—Herman Melville (1819–1891)