Isla San Esteban and Isla San Pedro Martir
Summer is approaching in Baja California. Heat waves permeate the atmosphere. A slight, occasional breeze cooled us as we took advantage of the morning and hunted in the San Esteban arroyo for large ectothermic lizards that occur on this island. They use the external environment to regulate their body temperature, sunning their cool bodies in the morning and taking shelter in the heat of the day. Scales and a slow metabolism also help to save energy and water. We slather on sunscreen, don hats and other protective clothing and sip water to keep from over-heating. Behavior modification works well for animals; plants have developed other innovations in order to deal with the heat and dryness of the desert. Cacti can store water and persist through the most difficult of times. Other plants go dormant to withstand periods of drought.
The queen butterfly, related to the monarch, is likewise able to feed on toxic milkweed plants in the larval stage and retain the toxins as it metamorphoses into an adult. Birds learn that this butterfly does not taste good and can make them sick. Many have survived to enjoy the aromatic desert lavender in the arroyo today.
After our pleasant and successful visit to Isla San Esteban, we pulled the anchor and once again experienced the richness of the Gulf of California. Sperm whales surfaced among groups of feeding dolphins and diving boobies, pelicans and Heermann’s gulls. It was quite a sublime experience.
As we positioned to Isla San Pedro Martir, Conrad showed a video preview. Then Adrian gave a presentation about island biogeography and the reptiles of the Gulf of California. He stressed that this is a precious and unusual place that needs to be protected.
When we arrived at Isla San Pedro Martir, the Sea Voyager circumnavigated this remote island that is an important nesting site for both blue-footed and brown boobies. We also enjoyed views of the beautiful tern-like red-billed tropicbirds that nest in cracks on the cliffs of the island. Colorful sally-lightfoot crabs, and California sea lions entertained us as we toured in Zodiacs around the island in the late afternoon. We conversed with fishermen that had come from Guaymas and were hand-lining for grouper and triggerfish from small pangas.
There was a festive atmosphere at the Captain’s cocktail hour and Farewell Dinner. To promote our Baja Forever program, Adrian donated one of his paintings and a raffle was held. Donations are matched by the World Wildlife Fund and the Mexican Fund for Conservation.
To cap off the evening Carlos showed some underwater video and many people remained afterwards for enticing Lindblad promotions for Antarctica, the Galapagos Islands and Lewis and Clark on the Columbia and Snake Rivers.
Summer is approaching in Baja California. Heat waves permeate the atmosphere. A slight, occasional breeze cooled us as we took advantage of the morning and hunted in the San Esteban arroyo for large ectothermic lizards that occur on this island. They use the external environment to regulate their body temperature, sunning their cool bodies in the morning and taking shelter in the heat of the day. Scales and a slow metabolism also help to save energy and water. We slather on sunscreen, don hats and other protective clothing and sip water to keep from over-heating. Behavior modification works well for animals; plants have developed other innovations in order to deal with the heat and dryness of the desert. Cacti can store water and persist through the most difficult of times. Other plants go dormant to withstand periods of drought.
The queen butterfly, related to the monarch, is likewise able to feed on toxic milkweed plants in the larval stage and retain the toxins as it metamorphoses into an adult. Birds learn that this butterfly does not taste good and can make them sick. Many have survived to enjoy the aromatic desert lavender in the arroyo today.
After our pleasant and successful visit to Isla San Esteban, we pulled the anchor and once again experienced the richness of the Gulf of California. Sperm whales surfaced among groups of feeding dolphins and diving boobies, pelicans and Heermann’s gulls. It was quite a sublime experience.
As we positioned to Isla San Pedro Martir, Conrad showed a video preview. Then Adrian gave a presentation about island biogeography and the reptiles of the Gulf of California. He stressed that this is a precious and unusual place that needs to be protected.
When we arrived at Isla San Pedro Martir, the Sea Voyager circumnavigated this remote island that is an important nesting site for both blue-footed and brown boobies. We also enjoyed views of the beautiful tern-like red-billed tropicbirds that nest in cracks on the cliffs of the island. Colorful sally-lightfoot crabs, and California sea lions entertained us as we toured in Zodiacs around the island in the late afternoon. We conversed with fishermen that had come from Guaymas and were hand-lining for grouper and triggerfish from small pangas.
There was a festive atmosphere at the Captain’s cocktail hour and Farewell Dinner. To promote our Baja Forever program, Adrian donated one of his paintings and a raffle was held. Donations are matched by the World Wildlife Fund and the Mexican Fund for Conservation.
To cap off the evening Carlos showed some underwater video and many people remained afterwards for enticing Lindblad promotions for Antarctica, the Galapagos Islands and Lewis and Clark on the Columbia and Snake Rivers.
