Genovesa Island
This is the fourth week running that I have gone straight to the red mangroves behind the beach at Genovesa to check on my favorite red-footed booby chick “Archie”. He is now 12 weeks old and as I am not going to see him again, (by my return in a couple of months, he will have fledged) here is another picture. He was hot this morning, and using the avian cool-off technique of gular fluttering to dissipate heat. He is rapidly losing his down and will soon be totally decked out in the gray and white plumage of a juvenile.
On Genovesa the sea bird breeding frenzy continues. For the first time this season we spotted a male greater frigate in full courtship. Wings spread, head thrown back and brilliant red gular pouch distended, he cooed and fluttered at each passing female. The swallow-tailed gulls were courting, incubating and a few were tending tiny newly hatched chicks. These gray balls of fluff which, when they sit motionless, are perfect imitations of a guano splattered lava rock, are using camouflage to avoid predation by the marauding frigates.
I have been on board Polaris for a month – have seen the year 2002 end and 2003 begin – and this Saturday I head home to my “other life”. My life as a Mom, living in the US, caring for my two children, driving them to their soccer games and cross country meets…and counting the days ‘til I return to these beloved islands! I thank my lucky stars that I have had the opportunity to work these past 16 years with Lindblad Expeditions and am proud to be part of their efforts to preserve and restore these unique Galapagos Islands. We have had a fabulous week, great weather, superb sightings and guests who have immensely enjoyed exploring this unique and fragile ecosystem.
This is the fourth week running that I have gone straight to the red mangroves behind the beach at Genovesa to check on my favorite red-footed booby chick “Archie”. He is now 12 weeks old and as I am not going to see him again, (by my return in a couple of months, he will have fledged) here is another picture. He was hot this morning, and using the avian cool-off technique of gular fluttering to dissipate heat. He is rapidly losing his down and will soon be totally decked out in the gray and white plumage of a juvenile.
On Genovesa the sea bird breeding frenzy continues. For the first time this season we spotted a male greater frigate in full courtship. Wings spread, head thrown back and brilliant red gular pouch distended, he cooed and fluttered at each passing female. The swallow-tailed gulls were courting, incubating and a few were tending tiny newly hatched chicks. These gray balls of fluff which, when they sit motionless, are perfect imitations of a guano splattered lava rock, are using camouflage to avoid predation by the marauding frigates.
I have been on board Polaris for a month – have seen the year 2002 end and 2003 begin – and this Saturday I head home to my “other life”. My life as a Mom, living in the US, caring for my two children, driving them to their soccer games and cross country meets…and counting the days ‘til I return to these beloved islands! I thank my lucky stars that I have had the opportunity to work these past 16 years with Lindblad Expeditions and am proud to be part of their efforts to preserve and restore these unique Galapagos Islands. We have had a fabulous week, great weather, superb sightings and guests who have immensely enjoyed exploring this unique and fragile ecosystem.
