Bona and Otoque Islands and Panama Canal
This morning the Sea Voyager anchored between the islands of Bona and Otoque in the Pacific Ocean where thousands of shore birds nest. The reason for so many birds to choose this area for nesting is the fact that the trade winds which come into the Panamanian Isthmus are able to make it into the Pacific Ocean providing plenty of nutrients for marine life which can support enormous bird colonies. Before the tropical sun became too strong, we boarded the ship’s Zodiacs for an excursion around the islands. There we were able to enjoy observing several bird species such as blue-footed boobies, brown boobies, frigate birds, brown pelicans and a couple of peregrine falcons. Bird watching is exciting just because birds are beautiful by themselves however shorebirds in this area are still more fascinating because of their mating rituals and interaction between the various groups. Pelicans and boobies are masters in the art of fishing while frigate birds with their aerodynamic design are spectacular in their flight and amazing when stealing from their neighbors in flight.
After the Zodiac cruise, we had the chance to visit the little but charming fishing village of Bona Island, where some had the last chance body surf on the beach or go for one last kayak excursion. After lunch the ship was repositioned at the entrance of the Panama Canal where our captain surrendered the ship to the Panama Canal Pilot who took us through the first three locks and into Gatun Lake where we anchored and spent the night in the lake.
This morning the Sea Voyager anchored between the islands of Bona and Otoque in the Pacific Ocean where thousands of shore birds nest. The reason for so many birds to choose this area for nesting is the fact that the trade winds which come into the Panamanian Isthmus are able to make it into the Pacific Ocean providing plenty of nutrients for marine life which can support enormous bird colonies. Before the tropical sun became too strong, we boarded the ship’s Zodiacs for an excursion around the islands. There we were able to enjoy observing several bird species such as blue-footed boobies, brown boobies, frigate birds, brown pelicans and a couple of peregrine falcons. Bird watching is exciting just because birds are beautiful by themselves however shorebirds in this area are still more fascinating because of their mating rituals and interaction between the various groups. Pelicans and boobies are masters in the art of fishing while frigate birds with their aerodynamic design are spectacular in their flight and amazing when stealing from their neighbors in flight.
After the Zodiac cruise, we had the chance to visit the little but charming fishing village of Bona Island, where some had the last chance body surf on the beach or go for one last kayak excursion. After lunch the ship was repositioned at the entrance of the Panama Canal where our captain surrendered the ship to the Panama Canal Pilot who took us through the first three locks and into Gatun Lake where we anchored and spent the night in the lake.
