Genovesa Island
Tickling our toes in tidal pools was only one of the marvels we experienced today during our visit to Genovesa Island. Genovesa (or “Tower Island” as it was named in English) lies far away in the northeastern corner of the archipelago; a small, round, flat volcanic mass covered in birds and drought-resistant vegetation. In great contrast to the other islands we have visited in the past few days, Genovesa is showing very little signs of bursting into leaf and flower, which means the rains of the “rainy season” have yet to arrive. The “Palo Santo” (Bursera) trees look as bare as they do in September, our cool, dry season here in Galapagos, with the occasional exception showing a few leaves sprouting out the tips of spindly branches here and there. However all it will take is a week or so of short, heavy showers, and the vegetation will come alive in one magnificent green explosion. Today was as sunny as could be.
Great frigatebirds are beginning their courtship, some with gular pouches firm and full, but others are just starting, their pouches a bit flimsy as they fly or shake their heads from side to side. The strange warbling of these large birds is beginning to fill the air and echo against the cliffs inside the bay. Red-footed boobies are finally seeing off the last of their fledglings, and immature Nazca boobies are stretching and strengthening their flight muscles. We passed one on the trail this morning, where it had found itself a high perch among the jagged lava points. It bounced with the effort, instinct and desire to fly as it’s wings pumped air, but it’s feet never left the ground. Perhaps tomorrow. Another booby, slightly younger, stood near a trail marker on the beach, facing a sign, which said, “stop”. It seemed to be inspecting the sign, slightly perplexed, as it fluttered its throat in the heat.
A couple of young sea lion pups played in a small pool left by the lowering tide, and found the feet and toes of some of our guests of the utmost interest. Briefly, for a few hours today, we got a peek into the lives of many individuals, different species from us, and have returned enriched.
Tickling our toes in tidal pools was only one of the marvels we experienced today during our visit to Genovesa Island. Genovesa (or “Tower Island” as it was named in English) lies far away in the northeastern corner of the archipelago; a small, round, flat volcanic mass covered in birds and drought-resistant vegetation. In great contrast to the other islands we have visited in the past few days, Genovesa is showing very little signs of bursting into leaf and flower, which means the rains of the “rainy season” have yet to arrive. The “Palo Santo” (Bursera) trees look as bare as they do in September, our cool, dry season here in Galapagos, with the occasional exception showing a few leaves sprouting out the tips of spindly branches here and there. However all it will take is a week or so of short, heavy showers, and the vegetation will come alive in one magnificent green explosion. Today was as sunny as could be.
Great frigatebirds are beginning their courtship, some with gular pouches firm and full, but others are just starting, their pouches a bit flimsy as they fly or shake their heads from side to side. The strange warbling of these large birds is beginning to fill the air and echo against the cliffs inside the bay. Red-footed boobies are finally seeing off the last of their fledglings, and immature Nazca boobies are stretching and strengthening their flight muscles. We passed one on the trail this morning, where it had found itself a high perch among the jagged lava points. It bounced with the effort, instinct and desire to fly as it’s wings pumped air, but it’s feet never left the ground. Perhaps tomorrow. Another booby, slightly younger, stood near a trail marker on the beach, facing a sign, which said, “stop”. It seemed to be inspecting the sign, slightly perplexed, as it fluttered its throat in the heat.
A couple of young sea lion pups played in a small pool left by the lowering tide, and found the feet and toes of some of our guests of the utmost interest. Briefly, for a few hours today, we got a peek into the lives of many individuals, different species from us, and have returned enriched.
