Urbina Bay & Punta Moreno
Today’s two locations, on the western side of the Island of Isabela, are fabulous. The volcanic uplift of 1954 created an impressive environment at Urvina Bay. Even though I have walked here during many years, it is still hard to understand that a force could exist that could lift this shoreline. Even better, it is hard to believe that this force could be again released at any time.
The deteriorating coral heads high and dry on land, helped us to imagine across time immemorial, when free swimming planktonic larvae settled down into a permanent stasis of teeming corals forming calcium shelter.
Back at the beach many of us took a refreshing dip in the cool ocean; twelve mermaids stayed after many had left to swim in our birthday suits!
The endemic reptiles of the region were active this morning, giving us the chance to practice our photographic skills, capturing the intense yellow color of the land iguanas or the intricate pattern of the tortoise carapace. Numerous finches swirled around our heads in a chaotic but funny way that made us see both the simplicity of their lives and yet how well-adapted these little birds are to this hostile environment.
At Punta Moreno in the afternoon, we had a pleasant visit in spite of the strong breeze that bathed the entire lava field. Brackish water ponds in the midst of the lava held some wildlife surprises: greater flamingos, common gallinules, yellow tailed mullets and frigates drinking the brackish water. For the non-hikers and after the hike for the lava hikers, we took a Zodiac ride along the shore line and into a peaceful protected mangrove lagoon.
A penguin, sea lions, pelicans, yellow warblers and a striated heron plus several cormorants and boobies along the coast entertained us. A small fishing boat was anchored in the bay while the crew cleaned fish and we had a wonderful time watching and photographing the frigates that were fluttering in a flock around the little boat, diving for fish scraps, chattering in their eagerness and allowing us to take spectacular photos!
