Los Islotes, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Los Islotes is a study in contradictions. To most species, it is an inhospitable rock outcropping, sporting very limited vegetation, no fresh water and little protection from the hot Mexican sun. The waves crash continuously over the lower sections, and the wind often whips around the exposed ledges. To other species, however, it is a refuge—a safe haven from predators and the ideal location to start and raise a family. Among the residents and regular visitors to Los Islotes are Sally Lightfoot crabs who add a fascinating spot of color to a landscape dominated by the reddish-brown rock and the white “frosting” of guano deposited by the numerous bird species that spend time here. Among them are the blue-footed boobies, famous for their elaborate and comical pair-bonding dances. Brown boobies, brown pelicans, the endemic yellow-footed gull and turkey vultures are a regular part of the bird population here, too. We were thrilled to discover a mating pair of great blue herons building a nest on top of a cholla cactus (ouch!) and a pair of peregrine falcons nesting on the island as well. As we cruised by Zodiac, one of the falcons rocketed towards an unsuspecting turkey vulture and collided with it at an incredible speed. Feathers exploded in all directions, but the vulture survived the assault. The falcon had been calling loudly before the attack and afterwards returned to the nest and resumed its piercing cry once again. Yeehaw! Later, we saw downy feathers billowing down from the pair’s nesting hole. Someone had not been as lucky as the turkey vulture.
Another species that uses this island for mating, birthing and hauling out is the California sea lion. Many of us took advantage of the opportunity to get into the water and cavort with these athletic, fun-loving pinnipeds. Others chose to remain dry and warm in the Zodiacs to view nursing pups, neck-wrestling males and sun-bathing sub-adults. Unfortunately, we also saw three sea lions suffering as a result of entanglement in monofilament fishing line and gill nets. Seeing this sad scene, many guests were inspired to contribute to the Gulf of California Conservation Fund, which has as one of its primary projects a sea lion disentanglement program. The compassionate support for the suite of environmental conservation programs included in the GCCF proves once again that tourism, undertaken with care and with heart, can improve the wild places we visit.
Los Islotes is a study in contradictions. To most species, it is an inhospitable rock outcropping, sporting very limited vegetation, no fresh water and little protection from the hot Mexican sun. The waves crash continuously over the lower sections, and the wind often whips around the exposed ledges. To other species, however, it is a refuge—a safe haven from predators and the ideal location to start and raise a family. Among the residents and regular visitors to Los Islotes are Sally Lightfoot crabs who add a fascinating spot of color to a landscape dominated by the reddish-brown rock and the white “frosting” of guano deposited by the numerous bird species that spend time here. Among them are the blue-footed boobies, famous for their elaborate and comical pair-bonding dances. Brown boobies, brown pelicans, the endemic yellow-footed gull and turkey vultures are a regular part of the bird population here, too. We were thrilled to discover a mating pair of great blue herons building a nest on top of a cholla cactus (ouch!) and a pair of peregrine falcons nesting on the island as well. As we cruised by Zodiac, one of the falcons rocketed towards an unsuspecting turkey vulture and collided with it at an incredible speed. Feathers exploded in all directions, but the vulture survived the assault. The falcon had been calling loudly before the attack and afterwards returned to the nest and resumed its piercing cry once again. Yeehaw! Later, we saw downy feathers billowing down from the pair’s nesting hole. Someone had not been as lucky as the turkey vulture.
Another species that uses this island for mating, birthing and hauling out is the California sea lion. Many of us took advantage of the opportunity to get into the water and cavort with these athletic, fun-loving pinnipeds. Others chose to remain dry and warm in the Zodiacs to view nursing pups, neck-wrestling males and sun-bathing sub-adults. Unfortunately, we also saw three sea lions suffering as a result of entanglement in monofilament fishing line and gill nets. Seeing this sad scene, many guests were inspired to contribute to the Gulf of California Conservation Fund, which has as one of its primary projects a sea lion disentanglement program. The compassionate support for the suite of environmental conservation programs included in the GCCF proves once again that tourism, undertaken with care and with heart, can improve the wild places we visit.
