Isla San Francisco
Today was spent exploring the small but diverse island of San Francisco. The Sea Lion was anchored in a gorgeous half moon bay with a long, arcing sandy beach. Surrounding us was a huge school of sardines, and all day long pelicans and boobies were plunge diving and feasting on these abundant fish.
Some of us took to the water to explore the underwater world in the bay, and were rewarded with calm conditions and plenty of fish. Moray eels patrolled the boulders, while iridescent damselfish guarded their territories. Others of us crossed the island to explore the tide pools on the other side, to learn about the underwater world without getting wet. An incredible diversity of invertebrates were found and collected in clear bins for closer observation. Huge brittle stars with flexible arms, both flat and ribbon worms, and many armed sunflower stars were a few of the highlights.
Kayaking was another way to explore the island, and a sheltered rocky shore was the perfect place for a paddle. Pelicans, gulls, and boobies were roosting on the rocks, probably resting with full bellies of sardines. A pair of American Oystercatchers showed off their huge carrot-colored bills, while a spotted sandpiper bobbed along. It was also possible to observe many species of fish, a nice treat for those who didn’t want to snorkel.
As the light faded, many set off to explore the vegetation and search for photo subjects. Up a small arroyo amongst the flowering Adam’s trees, we found a number of buzzing Costa’s Hummingbirds. A nest was found and approached for some excellent photo opportunities. She was sitting on two eggs, placed inside her nest of woven spider webs precariously perched upon a branch. It was a very special discovery for sure.
For sunset, the ridge of the island seemed like the place to be. Tripods were positioned facing into the light as the sun slipped behind the mountains of the Baja peninsula. A golden glow enveloped the hillside and a distant whale was blowing in the channel past the ship. Relaxing on the ridge while gazing down upon the ship was a fitting ending to this mellow and diverse day of exploration on this Remarkable Voyage.
Today was spent exploring the small but diverse island of San Francisco. The Sea Lion was anchored in a gorgeous half moon bay with a long, arcing sandy beach. Surrounding us was a huge school of sardines, and all day long pelicans and boobies were plunge diving and feasting on these abundant fish.
Some of us took to the water to explore the underwater world in the bay, and were rewarded with calm conditions and plenty of fish. Moray eels patrolled the boulders, while iridescent damselfish guarded their territories. Others of us crossed the island to explore the tide pools on the other side, to learn about the underwater world without getting wet. An incredible diversity of invertebrates were found and collected in clear bins for closer observation. Huge brittle stars with flexible arms, both flat and ribbon worms, and many armed sunflower stars were a few of the highlights.
Kayaking was another way to explore the island, and a sheltered rocky shore was the perfect place for a paddle. Pelicans, gulls, and boobies were roosting on the rocks, probably resting with full bellies of sardines. A pair of American Oystercatchers showed off their huge carrot-colored bills, while a spotted sandpiper bobbed along. It was also possible to observe many species of fish, a nice treat for those who didn’t want to snorkel.
As the light faded, many set off to explore the vegetation and search for photo subjects. Up a small arroyo amongst the flowering Adam’s trees, we found a number of buzzing Costa’s Hummingbirds. A nest was found and approached for some excellent photo opportunities. She was sitting on two eggs, placed inside her nest of woven spider webs precariously perched upon a branch. It was a very special discovery for sure.
For sunset, the ridge of the island seemed like the place to be. Tripods were positioned facing into the light as the sun slipped behind the mountains of the Baja peninsula. A golden glow enveloped the hillside and a distant whale was blowing in the channel past the ship. Relaxing on the ridge while gazing down upon the ship was a fitting ending to this mellow and diverse day of exploration on this Remarkable Voyage.
