Isla Rasa
At first light our ship departed from its anchorage in Bahia de los Angeles and headed southeast towards our morning destination at Isla Rasa. As we once again crossed the deep waters of the Canal de Ballenas, the dawn sun lit the mountains of the Baja Peninsula to the west. Large flocks of phalaropes could be seen moving across the waters around us. Nearing Isla Rasa, we began seeing great numbers of Heermann’s gulls, elegant and royal terns (the avian inhabitants of this small island). Soon a boat was sent ashore for Enriqueta Velarde, a researcher who studies the birds of Isla Rasa. Enriqueta and two of her research assistants came aboard to tell us about the island, its breeding birds, and the research she has been doing here for the past 25 years.
By late morning, the tide had risen enough to allow our Zodiacs to enter into the shallow lagoon that provides a good landing site on this rocky island. As one group of us ventured ashore, the other half toured around the island by Zodiac. Along the island’s shores, many terns and gulls roosted on the shoreline rocks or rested in the water. On land, the breeding season was just getting into high gear. All around us, Heermann’s gulls called raucously from their territories as we walked carefully past them. Some birds were already guarding their camouflaged eggs. A short walk took us to a view point from which we could see a large group of royal terns densely packed together. The bird’s call filled the still air as they reeled overhead.
Returning from our adventures at Isla Rasa, we raised anchor and headed southward. The seas were calm, the sun was bright, and it was a perfect afternoon for cruising. Rikki Swenson gave us an inspirational presentation entitled, “Thinking Out of the Shoebox: Creative Ideas for Your Images.” As the sun was drifting low over the mountain horizon to the west, fin whales were sighted. Our captain maneuvered the ship to position the whales in front of the distant mountain backdrop so that the whale’s blows were illuminated by the yellow light of the setting sun. What a delightful end to another magical day.
At first light our ship departed from its anchorage in Bahia de los Angeles and headed southeast towards our morning destination at Isla Rasa. As we once again crossed the deep waters of the Canal de Ballenas, the dawn sun lit the mountains of the Baja Peninsula to the west. Large flocks of phalaropes could be seen moving across the waters around us. Nearing Isla Rasa, we began seeing great numbers of Heermann’s gulls, elegant and royal terns (the avian inhabitants of this small island). Soon a boat was sent ashore for Enriqueta Velarde, a researcher who studies the birds of Isla Rasa. Enriqueta and two of her research assistants came aboard to tell us about the island, its breeding birds, and the research she has been doing here for the past 25 years.
By late morning, the tide had risen enough to allow our Zodiacs to enter into the shallow lagoon that provides a good landing site on this rocky island. As one group of us ventured ashore, the other half toured around the island by Zodiac. Along the island’s shores, many terns and gulls roosted on the shoreline rocks or rested in the water. On land, the breeding season was just getting into high gear. All around us, Heermann’s gulls called raucously from their territories as we walked carefully past them. Some birds were already guarding their camouflaged eggs. A short walk took us to a view point from which we could see a large group of royal terns densely packed together. The bird’s call filled the still air as they reeled overhead.
Returning from our adventures at Isla Rasa, we raised anchor and headed southward. The seas were calm, the sun was bright, and it was a perfect afternoon for cruising. Rikki Swenson gave us an inspirational presentation entitled, “Thinking Out of the Shoebox: Creative Ideas for Your Images.” As the sun was drifting low over the mountain horizon to the west, fin whales were sighted. Our captain maneuvered the ship to position the whales in front of the distant mountain backdrop so that the whale’s blows were illuminated by the yellow light of the setting sun. What a delightful end to another magical day.
