Bartolome Island
One of the most fascinating characteristics about the wildlife in Galapagos is how incredibly approachable it is. This trait, unique to oceanic islands such as this, enthrals visitors to this unique paradise. I usually joke about the incredible closeness at which our wildlife is observed. These jokes are a very sincere tribute to the love I feel for them. Laughs are only a small retribution to the joy these animals have been infecting me with through the many years I have spent guiding our guests through the islands. This week I have yet another anecdote to add to my already long list of unforgettable experiences. Just after disembarking this morning, I was commenting in the Zodiac that Galapagos penguins had been contracted to appear as soon as we exited the ship. Well it went well, a wonderful juvenile was the delight of all. This small marine bird that, by the way, is one of the most emblematic species on the islands, was the perfect model. This week has a special emphasis on photography, being one of several photo-expeditions led in different destinations throughout the year. Avid photographers and non-photographers both were enjoying the astonishing beach of Bartolome Islet in their own way. Once on land I was joking with some of them that we had contracted some models for the day, therefore the penguin performed very well. Just one minute after this comment it happened yet again! This time we had a juvenile brown pelican land right in front of us. It was standing alone on the beach, for several minutes. At one point it was just like a photographic session: the bird opened the wings, rotated slowly so as to give us its best angle - simply incredible.
One of the most fascinating characteristics about the wildlife in Galapagos is how incredibly approachable it is. This trait, unique to oceanic islands such as this, enthrals visitors to this unique paradise. I usually joke about the incredible closeness at which our wildlife is observed. These jokes are a very sincere tribute to the love I feel for them. Laughs are only a small retribution to the joy these animals have been infecting me with through the many years I have spent guiding our guests through the islands. This week I have yet another anecdote to add to my already long list of unforgettable experiences. Just after disembarking this morning, I was commenting in the Zodiac that Galapagos penguins had been contracted to appear as soon as we exited the ship. Well it went well, a wonderful juvenile was the delight of all. This small marine bird that, by the way, is one of the most emblematic species on the islands, was the perfect model. This week has a special emphasis on photography, being one of several photo-expeditions led in different destinations throughout the year. Avid photographers and non-photographers both were enjoying the astonishing beach of Bartolome Islet in their own way. Once on land I was joking with some of them that we had contracted some models for the day, therefore the penguin performed very well. Just one minute after this comment it happened yet again! This time we had a juvenile brown pelican land right in front of us. It was standing alone on the beach, for several minutes. At one point it was just like a photographic session: the bird opened the wings, rotated slowly so as to give us its best angle - simply incredible.
