Galapagos Islands Adventure 2009 – Part 4

Santa Cruz is home to the most common of the four species of mockingbird found in the islands–appropriately called the Galapagos Mockingbird. They are quite readily seen at the Darwin station and only a little less common in the highlands.

Fresh water is available in the highlands of Santa Cruz, thanks to the rain collection effect of the ocean currents creating a cloud forest over the high peaks of the island. Hence the reason it was populated and farmed. Though I certainly would not drink from this pond, the Giant Tortoises certainly enjoy the muddy water bath! The scene as a very prehistoric feel.

Grazers, tortoises enjoy the green vegetation. Introduced goats eat the greenery to the root on some of the islands, which has caused the demise of many tortoises. An eradication program is continuously underway to remove all goats from every island. With limited resources and difficult terrain on many of the islands, the eradication process is very slow.

Another introduced species, the Smooth-billed Ani, consumes many of the seeds and insects, interfering with endemic populations.

A natural emigrant from the South American mainland, Dark-billed Cuckoos can be found on a few of the islands. Not always conspicuous, they are a fun find!

Volcanics create some incredible formations. This huge lava tube offers a peek inside the island.

This is a great example of beak shape divergence. Here, a Small Ground Finch (facing right) bathes with the less common, Common Cactus Finch. At least 7 of the 13 species of Darwin’s Finches can be found on Santa Cruz.

Next stop… North Seymour…