Galápagos
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Genovesa (Tower) Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuadar 2013
Galapagos Islands
Genovesa Island
Ecuador
South America
In male frigatebirds, the gular skin (or gular sac or throat sac) is used dramatically. During courtship display, the male forces air into the sac, causing it to inflate over a period of 20 minutes into a startling huge red balloon.
The great frigatebird (Fregata minor) is a large seabird in the frigatebird family. Major nesting populations are found in the Pacific (including the Galapagos Islands) and Indian Oceans, as well as a population in the South Atlantic.
The great frigatebird is a lightly built, large seabird up to 105 cm long with predominantly black plumage. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism; the female is larger than the adult male and has a white throat and breast, and the male's scapular feathers have a purple-green sheen. In the breeding season, the male is able to distend its striking red gular sac.
The species feeds on fish taken in flight from the ocean's surface. They feed in pelagic waters within 80 km (50 mi) of their breeding colony or roosting areas. – Wikipedia
Genovesa (Tower) Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuadar 2013
Going to the Galápagos Islands last autumn, was fulfilling a childhood dream. It was incredibly fast paced with various modes of transportation. Most locations you were in and out to protect the wildlife and environment. We didn’t mind as we fully understood the reasoning. However, this made it feel like manic panic when trying to get photos with such limited time. A lot of the landings also occurred during harsh lighting conditions. However, we muscled on and made the most of it. One such location that we had a bit of time, was Playa Darwin on the island of Genovesa. Here I got a shot of a Large Ground-Finch that I was quite pleased with.
On our last night aboard the yacht, we motored from Santa Cruz to San Cristóbal—our final stop before flying back to Guayaquil. But before docking, we reached Kicker Rock just in time for sunrise.
Kicker Rock, also known as León Dormido (or "Sleeping Lion"), is one of the Galápagos' most iconic landmarks. These towering volcanic formations rise steeply out of the ocean and are a magnet for marine life. The channel between the two rock walls is a hotspot for snorkelers and divers hoping to spot sharks, rays, and sea turtles. Above water, it's just as striking, especially when lit by the soft light of dawn.
On our last night aboard the yacht, we motored from Santa Cruz to San Cristóbal—our final stop before flying back to Guayaquil. But before docking, we reached Kicker Rock just in time for sunrise.
Kicker Rock, also known as León Dormido (or "Sleeping Lion"), is one of the Galápagos' most iconic landmarks. These towering volcanic formations rise steeply out of the ocean and are a magnet for marine life. The channel between the two rock walls is a hotspot for snorkelers and divers hoping to spot sharks, rays, and sea turtles. Above water, it's just as striking, especially when lit by the soft light of dawn.
Galapagos Islands
Off The Coast Of Ecuador
South America
This pelican was relaxing on a lava boulder with one foot curled under its body. The beak is rested on his back. The sunlight is falling on his feathers.
The brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) is a North American bird of the pelican family, Pelecanidae. It is one of three pelican species found in the Americas and one of only two that feed by diving in water. It is found on the Atlantic Coast from Nova Scotia to the mouth of the Amazon River, and along the Pacific Coast from British Columbia to northern Chile, including the Galapagos Islands.
The brown pelican mainly feeds on fish, but occasionally eats amphibians, crustaceans, and the eggs and nestlings of birds. It nests in colonies in secluded areas, often on islands, vegetated land among sand dunes, thickets of shrubs and trees, and mangroves.
The brown pelican is the national bird of Saint Martin, Barbados, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and the Turks and Caicos Islands, and the official state bird of Louisiana. It has been rated as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. – Wikipedia
Bartholomew Island
Galapagos
Ecuador
South America
The Galapagos Dove is endemic to the islands. It is usually seen in the driest parts of the main island. This Columbidae has adapted to the Galapagos. Its slightly down-curved bill allows the bird to feed on seeds from Opuntia helleri, by picking them from the ground. In the same way, the long, strong legs are well adapted to a more terrestrial life among the volcanic rocks of these islands.
The Galapagos Dove is found in both arid and semi-arid areas with various open habitats including rocks, grass and scrub, in dry rocky lowlands with scattered trees and Opuntia helleri. This species has adapted to habitat modification due to firewood and grazing.
The Galapagos Dove gives very soft growl or coo “bororororororrr” or “wuk…r-r-r-r-r-r-ruu” repeated at 8-10 second intervals. It also produces soft, deep “bob-bob-bob-rurururr-bububurr”. These sounds are very low and usually inaudible at any distance.
The Galapagos Dove forages on the ground among the leaf litter and undergrowth. It scratches and digs in the soil with the bill with peculiar movements. From an observation, this dove may remove its own volume of soil within five minutes! It also takes the too hard seeds, abandoned by the Darwin’s Finches. – Wikipedia
On the late afternoon of our fifth day in the Galápagos, we circled Vicente Roca Point at the northwestern tip of Isabela Island in a dinghy. The coastline here is rugged, with steep volcanic cliffs and cold, nutrient-rich waters. It’s a good spot to see wildlife, especially sea lions—and we weren’t disappointed. Several were resting on the rocks or playing in the surf. This area is also known for its seabirds and marine life. On land, the vegetation is sparse, mainly salt-tolerant plants like mangroves and saltbushs that manage to grow on the rocky shore.
On the late afternoon of our fifth day in the Galápagos, we circled Vicente Roca Point at the northwestern tip of Isabela Island in a dinghy. The coastline here is rugged, with steep volcanic cliffs and cold, nutrient-rich waters. It’s a good spot to see wildlife, especially sea lions—and we weren’t disappointed. Several were resting on the rocks or playing in the surf. This area is also known for its seabirds and marine life. On land, the vegetation is sparse, mainly salt-tolerant plants like mangroves and saltbushs that manage to grow on the rocky shore.
Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos
