Gulf of California near Isla San Francisco
Riding flat calm seas, looking to the southwest between Islas San José and San Francisco, the rose sky flashed violet and green as the solar disc emerged above the horizon. Thus began our day of rich and varied adventures in the Gulf of California.
Taking advantage of extreme spring tides, Expedition Leader Jason Kelley arranged for Zodiac cruises through Bahia Amortajada, a maze of channels among red mangrove trees, on the southern tip of Isla San José. Mangroves have the unique ability to grow in salt water. Their buttressing prop roots create a platform for shellfish and a safe haven for small fish. Herons, egrets and other birds use the trees as roosts. We took our Zodiacs through the labyrinth of channels, spotting little blue herons, green herons, belted kingfishers, and the beautiful and uncommon mangrove warbler. Stingrays, puffer fish and other marine residents went about their business in the shallow waters below us. Upon returning to the ship, Naturalist Alberto Montaudon presented his slide illustrated talk about “The Wonderful World of Birds.”
As Alberto finished answering questions, we were beckoned onto the decks to observe a group of about a dozen mobula rays, small (approximately six feet in diameter) relatives of giant mantas, floating just below the surface. Undersea Specialist Erika Iyengar provided insights into the lifestyle of these creatures while we followed their leisurely progress directly alongside the ship. This shot was taken looking down from the bow.
Afternoon found the Sea Bird at anchor in Half Moon Bay on the southern side of Isla San Francisco. Kayakers dotted the bay, interpretive walkers explored the island, swimmers enjoyed the warm water, and the broad sandy beach beckoned beachcombers. With the afternoon low tide, the rocky northern shore was exposed, and many of us enjoyed the tide pooling opportunity.
A fabulous Holiday Buffet Dinner fueled us for a final trip ashore where we enjoyed a beach bonfire and stargazing.
Riding flat calm seas, looking to the southwest between Islas San José and San Francisco, the rose sky flashed violet and green as the solar disc emerged above the horizon. Thus began our day of rich and varied adventures in the Gulf of California.
Taking advantage of extreme spring tides, Expedition Leader Jason Kelley arranged for Zodiac cruises through Bahia Amortajada, a maze of channels among red mangrove trees, on the southern tip of Isla San José. Mangroves have the unique ability to grow in salt water. Their buttressing prop roots create a platform for shellfish and a safe haven for small fish. Herons, egrets and other birds use the trees as roosts. We took our Zodiacs through the labyrinth of channels, spotting little blue herons, green herons, belted kingfishers, and the beautiful and uncommon mangrove warbler. Stingrays, puffer fish and other marine residents went about their business in the shallow waters below us. Upon returning to the ship, Naturalist Alberto Montaudon presented his slide illustrated talk about “The Wonderful World of Birds.”
As Alberto finished answering questions, we were beckoned onto the decks to observe a group of about a dozen mobula rays, small (approximately six feet in diameter) relatives of giant mantas, floating just below the surface. Undersea Specialist Erika Iyengar provided insights into the lifestyle of these creatures while we followed their leisurely progress directly alongside the ship. This shot was taken looking down from the bow.
Afternoon found the Sea Bird at anchor in Half Moon Bay on the southern side of Isla San Francisco. Kayakers dotted the bay, interpretive walkers explored the island, swimmers enjoyed the warm water, and the broad sandy beach beckoned beachcombers. With the afternoon low tide, the rocky northern shore was exposed, and many of us enjoyed the tide pooling opportunity.
A fabulous Holiday Buffet Dinner fueled us for a final trip ashore where we enjoyed a beach bonfire and stargazing.
