Genovesa Island
I have now been working in the Galapagos Islands for over six years, and am completely caught under the spell of this unique place. It is one thing to come to this archipelago once and be overwhelmed by the ecological innocence of the animals, the strange endemic species found nowhere else, the daunting, rugged landscapes and abundant life forms along the coastlines. It is yet another thing to spend year after year here, all year round, and witness the cycles of life as they develop. One gains a deeper knowledge, understanding and familiarity for the totality of what makes up the Galapagos, all of which is, quite simply, addictive. Our guests are often amazed by the enthusiasm bursting from the natural history staff as they interpret this magical place, but repeated visits to the sites creates more passion for them, rather than boredom!
These last couple of weeks it was very exciting to see one of our favorite cycles begin again, that of the frigate bird breeding season. The colony on Genovesa Island is one of the largest on the archipelago, and made up by one of two frigate bird species found here, the great frigate bird (Fregata minor). Although identification of the males of the species can be difficult when in the air, when they have landed it is possible to see the green sheen on the backs of these birds. There is at present just a single male with an inflated pouch, possibly trying to get an early start and so a better advantage over the rest. However, he heralds the arrival of what will soon be an explosion of color in the bushes around the visitor sites, as brilliant red gular sacks will be clustered in the area, the more the merrier so as to attract more white-breasted females to that particular patch.
I have now been working in the Galapagos Islands for over six years, and am completely caught under the spell of this unique place. It is one thing to come to this archipelago once and be overwhelmed by the ecological innocence of the animals, the strange endemic species found nowhere else, the daunting, rugged landscapes and abundant life forms along the coastlines. It is yet another thing to spend year after year here, all year round, and witness the cycles of life as they develop. One gains a deeper knowledge, understanding and familiarity for the totality of what makes up the Galapagos, all of which is, quite simply, addictive. Our guests are often amazed by the enthusiasm bursting from the natural history staff as they interpret this magical place, but repeated visits to the sites creates more passion for them, rather than boredom!
These last couple of weeks it was very exciting to see one of our favorite cycles begin again, that of the frigate bird breeding season. The colony on Genovesa Island is one of the largest on the archipelago, and made up by one of two frigate bird species found here, the great frigate bird (Fregata minor). Although identification of the males of the species can be difficult when in the air, when they have landed it is possible to see the green sheen on the backs of these birds. There is at present just a single male with an inflated pouch, possibly trying to get an early start and so a better advantage over the rest. However, he heralds the arrival of what will soon be an explosion of color in the bushes around the visitor sites, as brilliant red gular sacks will be clustered in the area, the more the merrier so as to attract more white-breasted females to that particular patch.
