Name StatusOfficial ValidatedFeatureBeachNZ Gazette Reference2012 (53) p.1477DatumRSRGD2000GeoTag[1] PositionDescriptionA large and extensive beach, about 3 miles south of Cape Bird, consisting of alternating prograded storm-wave beaches separated by shallow hollows occupied by ponds. Towards its southern end the prograded part of the beach merges with a low and extensive stream fan which in part was cut back to a low cliff edge before the present phase of progradation commenced. Behind the fan towards the southern end of the beach another cliff rises to an undulating glaciated bench, 45 to 60 metres high, on which the southernmost of the three Adelie Penguin rookeries of the Cape Bird district is situated. The fan and the beach would be sufficiently extensive for the establishment of an airfield or a comparable installation needing extensive space. Named by the NZGSAE, 1958-59, for Captain Edwin S McDonald, formerly Deputy-Commander, US Naval Support Force, Antarctica, who provided extensive transport and other facilities for this NZ Expedition, and whose sympathetic support facilitated the survey of the Cape Bird district.
