Genovesa Island

There is a sea bird here that hunts during the night, and it is actually the only gull species in the world that is nocturnal. There is also a bird species that hunts during the day, though in most of its range this bird is usually a diurnal hunter. In addition, there is a Darwin finch that eats seeds, but sometimes drinks blood as well! Furthermore, and if you can believe it, there is a prickly pear cactus, which is a not even prickly... Where can one find such unique species? Can it really be true that these things exist?

They do exist, and they are found in Galápagos, on one tiny island located in the north-eastern corner of the archipelago. Genovesa Island is a very special place. Here the swallow-tailed gulls hunt at night, the short-eared owls hunt during the day, the sharp-beaked ground finches are known as “vampire finches,” and there is an odd species of non-prickly, prickly pear cactus! We visited this island today, and to add to our delight and amazement, we found great frigate birds breeding, with their balloon red pouches inflated. We also spotted wonderful red footed boobies courting and nesting.

Following the morning’s walk, we took to the water. To our guest’s satisfaction, the water here was warmer than at any other island we have thus far visited in the Galápagos. The number of huge and colorful parrot fish was amazing, too. One unbelievable morning, on an unbelievable island!