Bona, Otoque and Iguana Islands, Gulf of Panama
Christmas decoration in the middle of the Pacific? Well not really, it was the amazing display of red pouches from the male magnificent frigatebirds that were observed during our first outing in the area of the Gulf of Panama. Early in the morning, we went to explore the islands of Otoque, Bona and Estiva in search of birdlife in our Zodiacs.
The trade winds blow away warmed surface waters and form a flow of deep water toward the surface that brings nutrients from depths below. This “upwelling” produces an abundance of fish and brings with it abundance of sea birds. Upon our return, all of us were a little splashed, but with big smiles since we were able to observe a good number of brown and blue-footed boobies as well as brown pelicans, besides the frigates mentioned earlier.
After sailing 60 nautical miles, in mid-afternoon we reached our destination of Iguana Island. This white, flour-like sand beach and bird sanctuary is protected by the national park system of Panama. We added more sightings of frigatebirds walking through an island trail, in addition to some swimming and a first snorkeling experience in this clear warm tropical water. Gustavo Abarca, Naturalist; Photo: Ronald Calvo, Naturalist
Christmas decoration in the middle of the Pacific? Well not really, it was the amazing display of red pouches from the male magnificent frigatebirds that were observed during our first outing in the area of the Gulf of Panama. Early in the morning, we went to explore the islands of Otoque, Bona and Estiva in search of birdlife in our Zodiacs.
The trade winds blow away warmed surface waters and form a flow of deep water toward the surface that brings nutrients from depths below. This “upwelling” produces an abundance of fish and brings with it abundance of sea birds. Upon our return, all of us were a little splashed, but with big smiles since we were able to observe a good number of brown and blue-footed boobies as well as brown pelicans, besides the frigates mentioned earlier.
After sailing 60 nautical miles, in mid-afternoon we reached our destination of Iguana Island. This white, flour-like sand beach and bird sanctuary is protected by the national park system of Panama. We added more sightings of frigatebirds walking through an island trail, in addition to some swimming and a first snorkeling experience in this clear warm tropical water. Gustavo Abarca, Naturalist; Photo: Ronald Calvo, Naturalist
