It was discovered in 1775 by a British expedition under James Cook, who so named it "on account of the vast numbers [of birds] that were upon it".

Between 1959–62, a great number of the island's wandering albatross were ringed, which gave startling data about their range - one bird was found in Australia.

[citation needed] The island is currently a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and so there are no landings allowed without permission.

Among the notable events in that year was the return of the Grey-headed albatross which was ringed as a chick by Tickell in 1958.

The losses suffered at Grytviken prevented Argentina from occupying the rest of the island, with Bird Island Station, and field camps at Schlieper Bay, Lyell Glacier and St. Andrews Bay remaining under British control.