Genovesa Island
What a fascinating place on Earth! The beauty and abundance of marine birds found on this island makes you feel immersed in the wildest nature dream you have ever imagined. It is estimated that one million birds live on this relatively small island (5.4 square miles). This breathtaking island was at its best today. A great weather accompanied us during the whole day. Walks, kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling were some of the activities we practice in our expedition around this island.
Among the many colorful marine bird species observed today, some like the frigate birds and red-footed boobies were true favorites. The male frigates with their brilliant red pouches dominated the scene. The red-footed boobies with their rather comical appearance were admired as well. Personally, I had two highlights today. Number one, observing and being part of the sincere happiness and refreshing laughter of a group of young girls who were learning to drive the Zodiacs with me in the afternoon. The second one happened in the morning. While watching some cactus flowers, a very inquisitive and persistent large cactus ground finch (Geospiza conirostris propinqua) was feeding on the flowers in front of us! Its characteristic conical long and narrow beak is a trademark for this Darwin finch species. The species’ name conirostris means “conical-shaped face,” the subspecies propinqua is endemic to Genovesa Island. If you check the pictures of today carefully, you can even see the pollen attached to its beak.
What a fascinating place on Earth! The beauty and abundance of marine birds found on this island makes you feel immersed in the wildest nature dream you have ever imagined. It is estimated that one million birds live on this relatively small island (5.4 square miles). This breathtaking island was at its best today. A great weather accompanied us during the whole day. Walks, kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling were some of the activities we practice in our expedition around this island.
Among the many colorful marine bird species observed today, some like the frigate birds and red-footed boobies were true favorites. The male frigates with their brilliant red pouches dominated the scene. The red-footed boobies with their rather comical appearance were admired as well. Personally, I had two highlights today. Number one, observing and being part of the sincere happiness and refreshing laughter of a group of young girls who were learning to drive the Zodiacs with me in the afternoon. The second one happened in the morning. While watching some cactus flowers, a very inquisitive and persistent large cactus ground finch (Geospiza conirostris propinqua) was feeding on the flowers in front of us! Its characteristic conical long and narrow beak is a trademark for this Darwin finch species. The species’ name conirostris means “conical-shaped face,” the subspecies propinqua is endemic to Genovesa Island. If you check the pictures of today carefully, you can even see the pollen attached to its beak.
