Magdalena Bay & Hull Canal
Our first expedition in Baja California Sur, Mexico aboard the Sea Bird began this morning on Isla Magdalena. We landed on the east side of the southern end of the island. Birds were lined up along the beach as we exited the Zodiacs on shore. The currents and tides of Bahia Magdalena had stranded hundreds of thousands of pelagic red crabs. Although only a few calories per animal, collectively they make up a large portion of the diet of whales and birds that feed in this part of the world.
A half moon beach some fourteen miles long lay to the west of our landing, so off we went into the desert towards the roar of the Pacific Ocean. The dunes between the island’s two shores are ephemeral except for those that are held in place by shells or desert vegetation. As we walked, we followed the tracks of birds, mammals and even beetles.
On the Pacific side of Isla Magdalena, the tide brings in many treasures. The wealth of bleached white bones and shells looked like the spare change of Trident. We strolled and swam, taking in the beauty of being on the edge of the sea.
During the afternoon, we headed north through the Hull Canal. The timing could not have been better. The tide was out and birds were feeding throughout the exposed mud flats. Small worms, snails, bivalves and crustaceans live in the sediments, creating a perfect setting for seaside dining.
Further north into the canal, after passing through the devil’s curve, we entered an area that gray whale mothers utilize as a nursery. Predator free, these waters allow the calf to build up fat and muscle to prepare for their long journey north into the gray whale’s feeding range. A few adult gray whales were also spotted in small groups rolling and frothing up the waters indicating that the breeding season isn’t over for these animals. These sightings feel like a great omen foretelling tomorrow’s activities, as we continue our exploration in the Boca de Soledad.
Our first expedition in Baja California Sur, Mexico aboard the Sea Bird began this morning on Isla Magdalena. We landed on the east side of the southern end of the island. Birds were lined up along the beach as we exited the Zodiacs on shore. The currents and tides of Bahia Magdalena had stranded hundreds of thousands of pelagic red crabs. Although only a few calories per animal, collectively they make up a large portion of the diet of whales and birds that feed in this part of the world.
A half moon beach some fourteen miles long lay to the west of our landing, so off we went into the desert towards the roar of the Pacific Ocean. The dunes between the island’s two shores are ephemeral except for those that are held in place by shells or desert vegetation. As we walked, we followed the tracks of birds, mammals and even beetles.
On the Pacific side of Isla Magdalena, the tide brings in many treasures. The wealth of bleached white bones and shells looked like the spare change of Trident. We strolled and swam, taking in the beauty of being on the edge of the sea.
During the afternoon, we headed north through the Hull Canal. The timing could not have been better. The tide was out and birds were feeding throughout the exposed mud flats. Small worms, snails, bivalves and crustaceans live in the sediments, creating a perfect setting for seaside dining.
Further north into the canal, after passing through the devil’s curve, we entered an area that gray whale mothers utilize as a nursery. Predator free, these waters allow the calf to build up fat and muscle to prepare for their long journey north into the gray whale’s feeding range. A few adult gray whales were also spotted in small groups rolling and frothing up the waters indicating that the breeding season isn’t over for these animals. These sightings feel like a great omen foretelling tomorrow’s activities, as we continue our exploration in the Boca de Soledad.
