Isla San Esteban, Gulf of California
The Midriff Island region is an exceptional place in the Gulf of California. The lower water temperature and upwellings create one of the most productive areas of the Gulf and perhaps the world. Here we explored Isla San Esteban, a remote island which has a number of endemic species of plants and animals. Among the most charismatic of these unique species is the pinto chuckwalla, a unique iguana that originated on this island and was probably introduced to nearby islands by the Seri Indians.
This morning we were ashore before the sun emerged. A cool breeze and dramatic landscapes, ornamented with splendid cardón cacti, created an extraordinary atmosphere. Searching for photo opportunities, numerous birds were seen and heard. As we walked the shore, we found several yellow-footed gulls incubating eggs on their twig and algae nests. We also searched under cholla cacti for shy chuckwallas and spiny tailed iguanas.
Later in the afternoon, we cruised the rugged shores of Isla San Esteban in our Zodiacs. Magnificent cliffs showed evidence of a dramatic geologic past. Sea lions frolicked near our boats, and others rested unconcerned on the narrow rocky beaches shaded by towering rocky cliffs. As we cruised, marine life revealed the astonishing productivity of these waters. Hundreds of football-sized jelly fish drifted with the current. As we took a closer look into the water, millions of fish larvae became visible, schooling around areas with high concentrations of zooplankton.
The Midriff Island region is an exceptional place in the Gulf of California. The lower water temperature and upwellings create one of the most productive areas of the Gulf and perhaps the world. Here we explored Isla San Esteban, a remote island which has a number of endemic species of plants and animals. Among the most charismatic of these unique species is the pinto chuckwalla, a unique iguana that originated on this island and was probably introduced to nearby islands by the Seri Indians.
This morning we were ashore before the sun emerged. A cool breeze and dramatic landscapes, ornamented with splendid cardón cacti, created an extraordinary atmosphere. Searching for photo opportunities, numerous birds were seen and heard. As we walked the shore, we found several yellow-footed gulls incubating eggs on their twig and algae nests. We also searched under cholla cacti for shy chuckwallas and spiny tailed iguanas.
Later in the afternoon, we cruised the rugged shores of Isla San Esteban in our Zodiacs. Magnificent cliffs showed evidence of a dramatic geologic past. Sea lions frolicked near our boats, and others rested unconcerned on the narrow rocky beaches shaded by towering rocky cliffs. As we cruised, marine life revealed the astonishing productivity of these waters. Hundreds of football-sized jelly fish drifted with the current. As we took a closer look into the water, millions of fish larvae became visible, schooling around areas with high concentrations of zooplankton.
