Isla Rasa & Angel de la Guarda
The anchor dropped amidst the screams of seabirds at Isla Rasa, a guano-encrusted nesting colony for gulls and terns. After breakfast we climbed into Zodiacs to circumnavigate the small, flat-topped island. This tiny piece of land provides nesting sites for approximately 95% of all the elegant terns and Heermann’s gulls in the world. Royal terns breed here as well. The birds were not yet nesting, but the island was swarming with life. Gulls floated offshore in immense flotillas. Terns careened overhead. A number of birds perched on the rocky shore where Sally lightfoot crabs clung just above water level. The muted gray of the gulls contrasted with their brilliant white heads and lipstick-red beaks. Elegant terns looked as if they were having a bad hair day with the brisk breeze ruffling their feathers. In addition to the wheeling flocks of terns and gulls, we noticed Brandt’s cormorants, American oystercatchers, and yellow-footed gulls. An immense stick nest protruded from an elevated promontory. An adult osprey stood on top, and for a short while a tiny chick stretched up high enough for us to get a peek at its gangly head.
Once back on board the National Geographic Sea Bird, we continued on to Isla Angel de la Guarda for an afternoon landing. The wind toyed with us, first flattening out, next whipping up the waves, and then changing directions. Nevertheless, we found a protected cove for hikes ashore. Mountainous terrain surrounded the sandy beach where the Zodiacs landed. The landscape was stark and arid, but a few flowers appeared to be thriving in the hostile environment. Barely emerging petals of cardon cactus flowers hinted at profuse blooms to come. Colorful cliffs told stories of a rich and tortured volcanic history.
People scattered in all directions. The most ambitious hikers reached a high ridge and small peak with views of the tiny ship far below. There was time to explore the desert alone or to join a naturalist-led walk. Beachcombers wandered along the water’s edge where giant scallops and other pretty shells intermingled with rounded stones of every hue. Chunks of pumice, filled with air pockets, floated readily in the seawater.
Our Undersea Specialist filmed the secrets of the bay with an underwater camera and brought back footage to share during evening recap. This portion of the gulf has nutrient-rich water that upwells from the depths. Today it was a chilly 55 degrees. The handsome California sheephead in the photo is an example of a species of fish characteristic of colder waters along the Pacific side of northern Baja California and Alta California in the United States. Other marine creatures here also differ from what we had seen farther south on our voyage.
Before returning to the ship, hikers relaxed at the landing, where cold beer and soft drinks, a rising moon, and the setting sun added to the enchantment of this picturesque cove.
The anchor dropped amidst the screams of seabirds at Isla Rasa, a guano-encrusted nesting colony for gulls and terns. After breakfast we climbed into Zodiacs to circumnavigate the small, flat-topped island. This tiny piece of land provides nesting sites for approximately 95% of all the elegant terns and Heermann’s gulls in the world. Royal terns breed here as well. The birds were not yet nesting, but the island was swarming with life. Gulls floated offshore in immense flotillas. Terns careened overhead. A number of birds perched on the rocky shore where Sally lightfoot crabs clung just above water level. The muted gray of the gulls contrasted with their brilliant white heads and lipstick-red beaks. Elegant terns looked as if they were having a bad hair day with the brisk breeze ruffling their feathers. In addition to the wheeling flocks of terns and gulls, we noticed Brandt’s cormorants, American oystercatchers, and yellow-footed gulls. An immense stick nest protruded from an elevated promontory. An adult osprey stood on top, and for a short while a tiny chick stretched up high enough for us to get a peek at its gangly head.
Once back on board the National Geographic Sea Bird, we continued on to Isla Angel de la Guarda for an afternoon landing. The wind toyed with us, first flattening out, next whipping up the waves, and then changing directions. Nevertheless, we found a protected cove for hikes ashore. Mountainous terrain surrounded the sandy beach where the Zodiacs landed. The landscape was stark and arid, but a few flowers appeared to be thriving in the hostile environment. Barely emerging petals of cardon cactus flowers hinted at profuse blooms to come. Colorful cliffs told stories of a rich and tortured volcanic history.
People scattered in all directions. The most ambitious hikers reached a high ridge and small peak with views of the tiny ship far below. There was time to explore the desert alone or to join a naturalist-led walk. Beachcombers wandered along the water’s edge where giant scallops and other pretty shells intermingled with rounded stones of every hue. Chunks of pumice, filled with air pockets, floated readily in the seawater.
Our Undersea Specialist filmed the secrets of the bay with an underwater camera and brought back footage to share during evening recap. This portion of the gulf has nutrient-rich water that upwells from the depths. Today it was a chilly 55 degrees. The handsome California sheephead in the photo is an example of a species of fish characteristic of colder waters along the Pacific side of northern Baja California and Alta California in the United States. Other marine creatures here also differ from what we had seen farther south on our voyage.
Before returning to the ship, hikers relaxed at the landing, where cold beer and soft drinks, a rising moon, and the setting sun added to the enchantment of this picturesque cove.
