Espanola Island
What a great morning! We started our expedition in the Galápagos on one of the elderly island of the Archipelago! The newly born sea lions were part of our welcome committee, and they were part of our visit since the minute we landed at the cement jetty. Some of them were playing in tide-pools, while others were busy nursing. Additionally, this island has an incredible amount of wildlife and the curious and intrepid mockingbirds are part of the friendliest birds found here. The unique red-green marine iguanas were found forming piles on the shore trying to rise up their body temperature. It is known that this endemic reptile have to increase it at least 10 degrees more than an average reptile, only because this is the amount of energy that would be use when diving at sea for foraging their algae.
Espanola Island has also a unique topography, which makes it perfect as a breeding site for the Waved albatross. This is the only albatross species that nests at the Equator, and although the season is almost over, we were fortunate enough to witness their courtship dance. Furthermore, some of them launched off from the cliff section of the island, and a few downy chicks are still in the process of molting. Once they are finished with this transformation, they will become the gorgeous birds that they are, and would fly off to the open sea, only to return after approximate five years with the intention to look for a mate.
The afternoon was dedicated to water activities, and a large variety of colorful fish was found. The schools of Razor fish seemed like butterflies migrating in the dark blue waters, and Damsel fishes were grazing on the algae as well. Sea lions couldn’t stop coming up to our faces, only to turn back their bodies at the last second before we collide. And if like that was not enough, white-tipped reef sharks and sting rays were spotted, too. If you don’t think this was an incredible day, I frankly don’t know what could be…
What a great morning! We started our expedition in the Galápagos on one of the elderly island of the Archipelago! The newly born sea lions were part of our welcome committee, and they were part of our visit since the minute we landed at the cement jetty. Some of them were playing in tide-pools, while others were busy nursing. Additionally, this island has an incredible amount of wildlife and the curious and intrepid mockingbirds are part of the friendliest birds found here. The unique red-green marine iguanas were found forming piles on the shore trying to rise up their body temperature. It is known that this endemic reptile have to increase it at least 10 degrees more than an average reptile, only because this is the amount of energy that would be use when diving at sea for foraging their algae.
Espanola Island has also a unique topography, which makes it perfect as a breeding site for the Waved albatross. This is the only albatross species that nests at the Equator, and although the season is almost over, we were fortunate enough to witness their courtship dance. Furthermore, some of them launched off from the cliff section of the island, and a few downy chicks are still in the process of molting. Once they are finished with this transformation, they will become the gorgeous birds that they are, and would fly off to the open sea, only to return after approximate five years with the intention to look for a mate.
The afternoon was dedicated to water activities, and a large variety of colorful fish was found. The schools of Razor fish seemed like butterflies migrating in the dark blue waters, and Damsel fishes were grazing on the algae as well. Sea lions couldn’t stop coming up to our faces, only to turn back their bodies at the last second before we collide. And if like that was not enough, white-tipped reef sharks and sting rays were spotted, too. If you don’t think this was an incredible day, I frankly don’t know what could be…
