Española Island
Our last snorkeling of the voyage was once again full of excitement, when several sea lions decided to escort the snorkelers during their exploration. The temperature is still in the mid-sixties so together with the sightings, we experienced some invigorating conditions. A couple of miles away, the somewhat windy conditions added a bit of a challenge to the kayaking experience while navigating the rocky shoreline of the northern side of Espanola.
At the beach, the Hood mockingbirds showed not the smallest hint of shyness, and were congregating all around the bags and the beach towels which were of great appreciation; just as children get hooked on toys, so do these birds!
As we were expecting, this week the number of albatrosses has gone down, and only those that started their reproduction a little late remain, for they have to feed their chicks. But being a little late may not necessarily be good. There are more chances now for the chicks not to make it and survive to fledgling stage, unless the weather takes a little longer to start changing into the next rainy season.
Two successful deliveries of beautiful sea lions caught our attention while we walked along the trail. Everybody enjoys the newborn. Some frigates have been busy dealing with a piece of the afterbirth and they have left but crumbs; those however were scavenged by the mockingbirds that were hopping all around. Energy being recycled! Although the tide was low, the waves were impressive and the blow hole humbled us with its display of power.
So the absence of albatrosses has been certified due to the end of the season, however other species are beginning their nesting and reproductive activities, taking advantage of the prevailing conditions. Things go well in the Galápagos.
Our last snorkeling of the voyage was once again full of excitement, when several sea lions decided to escort the snorkelers during their exploration. The temperature is still in the mid-sixties so together with the sightings, we experienced some invigorating conditions. A couple of miles away, the somewhat windy conditions added a bit of a challenge to the kayaking experience while navigating the rocky shoreline of the northern side of Espanola.
At the beach, the Hood mockingbirds showed not the smallest hint of shyness, and were congregating all around the bags and the beach towels which were of great appreciation; just as children get hooked on toys, so do these birds!
As we were expecting, this week the number of albatrosses has gone down, and only those that started their reproduction a little late remain, for they have to feed their chicks. But being a little late may not necessarily be good. There are more chances now for the chicks not to make it and survive to fledgling stage, unless the weather takes a little longer to start changing into the next rainy season.
Two successful deliveries of beautiful sea lions caught our attention while we walked along the trail. Everybody enjoys the newborn. Some frigates have been busy dealing with a piece of the afterbirth and they have left but crumbs; those however were scavenged by the mockingbirds that were hopping all around. Energy being recycled! Although the tide was low, the waves were impressive and the blow hole humbled us with its display of power.
So the absence of albatrosses has been certified due to the end of the season, however other species are beginning their nesting and reproductive activities, taking advantage of the prevailing conditions. Things go well in the Galápagos.
